The 2024-25 NHL season is fast approaching as offseason acquisitions and draft picks have now been etched in stone. Each Top 10 player recently drafted signals that every NHL season of the 2020s has become a little less physical, giving way to an enhanced, accelerated, high-speed finesse league. There’s hardly a way for any team to go wrong making their top bets on prospect players. In my eyes, the assessment of each team is worthy of a solid grade on a scale from A+ to C+. Every team with a pick in the top 10 did an excellent job scouting and pulling the trigger when it was time.
1. **Macklin Celebrini (C) – San Jose Sharks**
64 Points (32 Goals, 32 Assists)
The 1st pick of the draft and USHL “Player of the Year” Freshman out of Boston University, Celebrini brings impeccable hands and vision that set him apart from the rest of his class. His hockey IQ is highly impressive, particularly in positioning himself to create space and execute effective plays while in transition toward the opposing net. With the sight of an eagle, he dissects defenses quickly in the neutral zone, leading to consistent success in both scoring and setting up teammates for captivating points on the fly. This was a no-brainer draft pick by the San Jose Sharks.
2. **Artyom Levshunov (D) – Chicago Blackhawks**
35 Points (9 Goals, 26 Assists)
The 2nd pick of the draft, Levshunov’s “Top Gun” style of play made him a prime target for the Chicago Blackhawks to assist Connor Bedard in his impressive journey. Levshunov, who led the Big 10 and earned the title of “Defensive Player of the Year,” is a highly talented defenseman. His potential pairing with Bedard could rival iconic duos like “Cale & MacK” on the Colorado Avalanche. Levshunov is defensively sound and possesses the leadership to direct traffic efficiently in the offensive zone.
3. **Beckett Sennecke (RW) – Anaheim Ducks**
68 Points (27 Goals, 41 Assists)
Sennecke, a 6’2” powerhouse out of Toronto, is an explosive winger with blistering speed in the opposing zone. Defenses cannot afford to lose track of him, as he is a deadly finisher. If he doesn’t score himself, with 41 assists, he will find another sniper who will. Sennecke is going to be a problem for opponents, and Anaheim couldn’t have made a better choice for their 1st pick.
4. **Cayden Lindstrom (C) – Columbus Blue Jackets (Unsigned)**
46 Points (27 Goals, 19 Assists)
Columbus has been searching for a massive forward, and they’ve found one in 6’3”, 213-pound Cayden Lindstrom. He knows how to balance the old-school physicality of hockey with the modern finesse. Lindstrom has faced challenges, including back surgery that sidelined him for a time, but his return has been impressive. He boasts several accomplishments, including winning gold at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award (tied for 2nd), which speaks volumes.
5. **Ivan Demidov (RW) – Montreal Canadiens (Unsigned)**
60 Points (23 Goals, 37 Assists)
Perhaps the nastiest Russian player in the draft, Demidov has hands comparable to Pavel Datsyuk and skating edge work akin to Nikita Kucherov. He’s a threat wherever he plays. His playmaking ability is highlighted by 37 assists, and he’s been named MVP of the MHL Playoffs for two consecutive seasons. A gold medalist at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Demidov’s resume speaks for itself.
6. **Tij Iginla (C) – Utah Hockey Club**
84 Points (47 Goals, 37 Assists)
The Iginla name is legendary in both Canada and the U.S. Tij, son of NHL Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, is following in his father’s footsteps with big-time goals and assists from anywhere on the ice. A 2024 IIHF U18 World Junior Champion, Tij played a vital role in helping Team Canada take home the gold. Utah’s first pick in franchise history is shaping up to be a star.
7. **Carter Yakemchuk (D) – Ottawa Senators (Unsigned)**
71 Points (30 Goals, 41 Assists)
Another “chuk” on the Senators’ roster, Yakemchuk is a phenomenal defenseman with the brainpower to set up plays from anywhere on the ice. He finished 5th in WHL scoring as a defenseman with 30 goals in one season. Yakemchuk will add firepower to Ottawa’s lineup when the time comes.
8. **Berkley Catton (C) – Seattle Kraken**
116 Points (54 Goals, 62 Assists)
Catton, a smaller but potent center at 5’11” and 170 pounds, was the “Sleeper of the Draft.” Overlooked by many, this Saskatchewan native has extraordinary scoring ability, recording 54 goals and 62 assists in the 2024 WHL season. Catton’s performance in the WHL and his gold medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup make him a force to be reckoned with.
9. **Zayne Parekh (D) – Calgary Flames**
96 Points (33 Goals, 63 Assists)
Parekh is a textbook Canadian defenseman, skilled in both offensive and defensive play. His accomplishments include being 3rd in points by a defenseman in the CHL and winning the 2024 Top Defenseman award in the CHL. Expect Parekh to continue his dominance at the next level.
10. **Anton Silayev (D) – New Jersey Devils (Unsigned)**
11 Points (3 Goals, 8 Assists)
Silayev is a 6’7”, 211-pound brick wall of a defenseman. Comparable to Zdeno Chara, Silayev blocks shots, leads his team in hits, and rarely leaves his goalie out to dry. Coaches will value his presence as a reliable “old school” defender with modern abilities.
The 2024 Draft was exhilarating. As the NHL continues to evolve with every season, the size and speed of eligible players rise alongside the sport’s growing popularity. Hockey is on the ascent, and this draft class is a testament to its bright future.
Photo Credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
