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2024 NHL Draft

PHR’s 2024 NHL Mock Draft

at CDT | by 10 Comments

The 2024 NHL Draft is just days away, taking the NHL to the illustrious Vegas Sphere and connecting the hockey world to a highly anticipated 2006 age group. This year’s star talent has been hotly discussed as far back as the 2016 Brick Invitational Hockey Tournament, which paved the way for players like Michael Hage and Cole Eiserman to reach star acclaim.

They’ve since been joined by talent from across the world, building a class that fits nicely among a five-year streak of strong drafts – between 2023 and 2027. This year’s contribution to the zeitgeist comes in the form of a loaded defensive group that could drive a lot of highly skilled offensive talent outside of the top 10. That potential has sparked plenty of trade talk around this year’s top picks, building up to a draft that should have plenty to match the excitement of its host city.

2024 NHL Draft Mock First Round

1. San Jose Sharks – Macklin Celebrini (C) / Boston University (Hockey East, NCAA)

In a year full of debate, the first overall pick is as guaranteed as they come. Celebrini has been the unrivaled top prospect in this draft class for years now, as he’s torn up every stage of USA Hockey. One year after winning both the USHL ‘Rookie of the Year’ and ‘MVP’ awards, Celebrini became the youngest player to both be nominated for and win the NCAA’s Hobey Baker Trophy on the back of a dominant 32 goals and 64 points in just 38 games.

Celebrini is a dynamo in the middle lane. He’s one of the few players whose standout trait is how quickly he processes and responds to play. He’s hard to shut down and has built a career out of elevating the players around him.

After a year of historical performance in college, Celebrini has no stops between him and the NHL. Luckily, he’s plenty prepared for the spotlight – having spent part of his childhood around sports legends, including godfather Steve Nash and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr. It’s now Celebrini’s turn to chase a legendary career – as the frontman of a resurging San Jose Sharks.

Other Options: N/A

2. Chicago Blackhawks – Artyom Levshunov (RHD) / Michigan State University (Big Ten, NCAA)

It seems the debate has come down to two options – rounding out the defense with Artyom Levshunov or finding Bedard’s partner-in-crime with winger Ivan Demidov. The latter seems to have a camp of supporters in Chicago, but it’s the former who’s won the admiration of seemingly all of USA Hockey after absolutely thriving in an unexpected pre-season move from the USHL to Michigan State’s top defender role. 

Levshunov became the choice pick of popular head coach Adam Nightingale, lauded as his pick for the team’s top defender role ahead of the season. That’s exactly what Levshunov achieved in East Lansing, validating a slow start to the year with a standout role in the team’s second half.

Despite a late-summer swap to college, Levshunov was able to carve out more than 25 minutes a night entering the Big Ten playoffs, posting 35 points in 38 games along the way. It was a fantastic performance, with Levshunov showing off a great ability to work off his teammates with powerful skating, smart and aggressive position, and excelling at carrying the puck through the neutral zone with tempo.

He’s a transition specialist at his core, with admitted off-puck flaws that could make a transition to the pros bumpier than some hope for. But even with growing pains looming, Levshunov’s game is certainly strong enough, mature enough, and smart enough to challenge an NHL roster spot next season.

Other Options: Ivan Demidov (RW/C)

3. Anaheim Ducks – Cayden Lindstrom (C) / Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

A second-half injury derailed Cayden Lindstrom’s truly incredible draft season. He was among the most potent scorers in the league’s first half, posting 46 points through just 32 games – flexing effortless stickhandling, great heads-up play-creating, and a strong ability to create space off of the boards and in the high slot. Lindstrom also boasts one of the most built-out frames of any forwards in the class.

It seems that the latter point will be what excites Anaheim, who has also been connected to big-frame defenders like Levshunov, Anton Silayev, and Sam Dickinson. Continuing to build out a defense corps rife with star prospects would be a dream for Anaheim but with trade rumors surrounding Trevor Zegras – it’s hard to think the team will pass on a player who possesses very similar traits to what’s made Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish, the star prospects Anaheim is deciding to build around – so prolific.

To boot, the Ducks have a serious knack for drafting out of the CHL. Seriously, only six of their last 25 picks were selected from outside of Canada. While Levshunov falling past second overall could tempt the Ducks, their opting for one of Canada’s most popular forwards feels like the right call.

Other Options: Anton Silayev (LHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW), Tij Iginla (LW)

4. Columbus Blue Jackets – Anton Silayev (LHD) / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL, Russia)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have quickly become hard to predict, overturning both their general manager and head coach in the last month. That sudden shift could push them in all sorts of directions on draft day, though Columbus has been among the top teams on the proclaimed unicorn of the draft: Russian defenseman Anton Silayev.

It’s certainly clear to see what the Blue Jackets see in the 6’7” defenseman, who boasts skating and stickhandling as smoothly as any of his peers. Silayev is a simply imposing presence, excelling at corralling the puck up his stick and commanding transition up the ice, showing a strong instinct for when and how to dip into the offensive zone.

Silayev’s frame and play-driving abilities make him an exciting prospect, though he’s certainly unrefined. That may be enough to dissuade a Blue Jackets team that already has plenty of left defense. Should it be, they’ll be top candidates for an exciting forward pick – with Don Waddell potentially getting a chance to take his choice of Cayden Lindstrom, Ivan Demidov, Beckett Sennecke, or Tij Iginla.

Other Options: Ivan Demidov (RW/C), Beckett Sennecke (RW), Tij Iginla (LW)

5. Montreal Canadiens – Ivan Demidov (RW/C) / SKA St. Petersburg (MHL, Russia)

The Montreal Canadiens seemed to make a franchise-defining decision in their choice of David Reinbacher over Matvei Michkov with the 2023 fifth-overall selection. Neither player has pulled ahead of the other just yet, though Montreal could have a quick chance to have their cake and eat it too – once again facing the chance to take a star Russian prospect in Ivan Demidov.

Demidov hasn’t accomplished nearly as much as Michkov on the KHL or international stages, but his skill is readily apparent. He attacks defenders head-on, with a mix of great offensive awareness and truly elite puckhandling, making it easy for him to beat defenders and work out of tight spots.

His talents seem cut from a different cloth, though his biggest drawback is his lack of a true test – spending all year in the MHL, Russia’s U21 league. He’s so far played in just six KHL games, failing to score in any of the appearances. Ideal development would have him in a prominent KHL role next season, though it seems there’s no way for NHL teams to guarantee that.

Demidov is among the most talented players in this test, though far from the most proven. In taking him, Montreal would be taking a major swing on the upside, albeit one cushioned by their possession of a second first-round pick. Should Montreal shy away from Demidov, they’ll have no lack of secondary options – with rumored interest in defenders Sam Dickinson and Zeev Buium, as well as power forward Beckett Sennecke.

Other Options: Sam Dickinson (LHD), Zeev Buium (LHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW/C)

6. Utah Hockey Club – Zeev Buium (LHD) / University of Denver (NCDC, NCAA)

While J.J. Moser has settled into a routine NHL role, and Sean Durzi certainly vindicated his summer acquisition, the ‘Hockey Club’ is still lacking a truly elite defenseman to go with the many star prospects they’ve gathered on offense. Utah seems fully prepared to rectify that issue with pick six, expressing interest in each of the top defensemen in the draft class.

But of the list, there’s none closer than Zeev Buium. Literally – Buium spent the season pursuing a National Championship with the University of Denver, even closer to Salt Lake City than the Hockey Club’s old stomping grounds in Phoenix.

That will no doubt support his case for an early selection, as will his fantastic 11 goals and 50 points in 42 games this season. Buium thrives at moving the puck through the neutral zone, establishing possessions in the offensive end with confidence, and excels at creating openings while walking the blue line.

His game blossomed with David Carle’s Pioneers, giving Buium plenty of momentum heading into the draft. That should be enough to convince Utah, though Silayev, Zayne Parekh, and Sam Dickinson could each fill important roles.

Other Options: Zayne Parekh (RHD), Anton Silayev (LHD), Sam Dickinson (LHD)

7. Ottawa Senators – Zayne Parekh (RHD) / Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

The Ottawa Senators are in a very similar spot to Utah, stuck looking for a final piece on their blue line after not finding a perfect match with trade acquisition Jakob Chychrun. But unlike Utah, the Senators will have to draft with handedness in mind – with Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot filling the meaningful minutes on the left side.

That all sets them up as the perfect contender for Saginaw’s Zayne Parekh, the reigning OHL ‘Defenseman of the Year’ after scoring 33 goals and 96 points in 66 games, most of any OHL defender.

Parekh’s skill is quickly apparent. He possesses some of the best stickhandling in the class and blends it with very agile skating in all directions.

Those traits give Parekh the tools to beat any of his peers one-on-one, and his quick processing helps him find teammates with sharp passing, but his overall off-puck energy can certainly seem lacking at times. Parekh represents one of many top prospects with boundless upside this year, with Scott Wheeler of The Athletic speaking to the mindset that could make Parekh special.

Even with a golden toolset, Parekh’s game still needs refining, though the sky will be the limit and then some if he’s as determined as he’s claimed.

Other Options: Tij Iginla (LW), Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW)

8. Seattle Kraken – Sam Dickinson (LHD) / London Knights (OHL)

Sam Dickinson was a close runner-up to Zayne Parekh’s OHL ‘D of the Year’ crown, emerging as a star prospect for the London Knights even despite playing second fiddle to a top pair of Isaiah George and Oliver Bonk. Dickinson fought his way into top-line minutes and consistent power-play ice time over the year, playing upwards of 40 minutes a night as London paved through the Memorial Cup.

He continuously rose to the bell, recording a dazzling 70 points in 68 games – a mark that led the London defense, even ahead of Bonk, last year’s 22nd-overall selection. He excels at using his frame and physicality to shut down plays and gain possession quickly, seeing lanes clearly and not hesitating to take chances for his own.

More importantly, Dickinson is popular. He’s been a top prospect for much of his teen years, largely thanks to how quickly he adjusted to his hefty frame.

Seattle has found a way to always land the popular players, boasting a loaded prospect featuring Shane Wright, Jagger Firkus, Carson Rehkopf, Caden Price, and Ty Nelson… and that’s just their CHL names. That trait has helped them quickly build a well-rounded depth chart, though Dickinson’s spot of left defense would give them a star prospect in their shallowest position.

It’s hard to think the Kraken could turn down a chance at adding more CHL acclaim – though they may be more allured by the legendary Iginla family.

Other Options: Tij Iginla (LW), Konsta Helenius (C), Ivan Demidov (RW/C)

9. Calgary Flames – Tij Iginla (LW) / Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

The potential of an Iginla returning to Calgary is undoubtedly romantic. But there’s merit to the pick.

Iginla made his mark as one of the WHL’s most effective scorers this season, potting 47 goals and 84 points in 64 games with Kelowna. He simply couldn’t be left alone in the slot, showing clear control over the high slot and tops of the circles, and showed his prowess lower in the zone with his international play.

And while his style is certainly a bit more immature than his peers, his August 1st birthday lucks him with a bit more time to develop. That, combined with how ready he seems for the next step, should set Tij up for an exciting professional career.

The Flames have the flexibility in their prospect pool to go in any direction and can’t pass up a feel-good story for the fans.

Other Options: Zayne Parekh (RHD), Beckett Sennecke (RW), Konsta Helenius (C)

10. New Jersey Devils – Beckett Sennecke (RW) / Oshawa Generals (OHL)

The New Jersey Devils have been incredibly vocal about shopping this pick around in the name of adding more impactful lineup pieces. But that eagerness could be dwindling after the team spent a 2025 first-round pick to acquire former Vezina Trophy runner-up Jacob Markstrom.

This selection is, hopefully, the last time New Jersey will pick in the top 10 for quite a while, and it’d be a shame to squander the chance at adding one more top prospect to their future Stanley Cup charge. In the name of finding impact, the Devils land Beckett Sennecke here.

Sennecke is the year’s notable late-bloomer, breaking into top-of-the-draft conversation on the back of a powerful drive through the OHL playoffs. He’s always down-and-ready, reacting to play quickly and possessing the skating and hands needed to work out of tight spots.

The Devils have plenty of undersized star power but are in desperate need of more grit and size near the top of the lineup. They’ll hope to get that with the skilled and strong Sennecke.

Other Options: Konsta Helenius (C), Berkly Catton (LW), Carter Yakemchuk (RHD)

11. Buffalo Sabres – Konsta Helenius (C) / Tappara (Liiga, Finland)

Konsta Helenius has been a standout prospect since he was young, earning North American attention with Finland’s U16 team in 2022 and vindicating it with strong performances on every stage. Helenius is among the most potent forwards in this class, coming off 36 points in 51 games in Finland’s Liiga, though he’s been admittedly looked over as NHL teams favor big-frame defensemen over sub-6’0” forwards.

Helenius earns his dues on the back of smart, patient, and abundantly effective playmaking and thus earns a spot with a Sabres team full of creative offensive styles. Like the Devils, Buffalo has been vocal about shopping around their first-round pick. That could move them away from this spot, though Helenius – and dangler Berkly Catton – offer exciting reasons to go to the podium.

Other Options: Berkly Catton (LW), Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (LW/C)

12. Philadelphia Flyers – Carter Yakemchuk (RHD) / Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

The Philadelphia Flyers will be a team to watch on draft day after placing plenty of irons in the fire during and after general manager Daniel Briere’s recent press conference on the draft. In the clearing of smoke around Briere’s comments and other rumors around the Flyers came three notable takeaways: the Flyers could be set for a trade with the Senators, that trade could involve the seventh-overall pick, and Philadelphia is a fan of the year’s top right-defensemen, Parekh and Yakemchuk.

Well, in a mock with no trades, they’ll have to settle for the latter – getting the powerful, abrasive, and surprisingly nifty skillset of Carter Yakemchuk, who championed the Calgary Hitmen’s offense from the dropback role, posting 30 goals, 71 points, and 120 penalty minutes along the way. 

Other Options: Cole Eiserman (LW), Berkly Catton (LW), Trevor Connelly (LW/C)

13. Minnesota Wild – Cole Eiserman (LW) / USA U-18 (NTDP)

Cole Eiserman may hold the chip for the most interesting prospect of the year. He’s been a superstar in the hockey world since he was young, setting ablaze every league he’s in and holding the goal-scoring record for both Shattuck St. Mary’s and the USNTDP.

And yet, Eiserman isn’t earning the unrelinquished praise his accolades would suggest. Scouts are instead worried that goal scoring may be all he’s good at, showing major lapses off of the puck or when play isn’t moving through him.

Those concerns certainly don’t diminish what Eiserman has accomplished – though whoever drafts him will need to be prepared for his development. Through rumors and fan optimism, it’s been Minnesota that’s emerged as a favorite to hone Eiserman’s craft.

The Wild could use an offensive boost in whatever way they can find it and certainly had success with the last NTDP left-winger they picked. Right-shot defender Carter Yakemchuk would also serve as a nice fit with the Wild – though with him off the board and Minnesota amid a sea of forwards, they’ll be tied to Eiserman.

Other Options: Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Berkly Catton (LW)

14. San Jose Sharks (via PIT) – Berkly Catton (LW) / Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

In a year with plenty of players to be excited about, there are always the inevitable forgotten few. Berkly Catton takes on the trope of ‘undersized but overskilled winger’ this year – though he wears it as good as any prospect.

Catton is the real deal, becoming just the third U18 skater since 2000 to break 110 points in the WHL, alongside Connor Bedard and (interestingly) Nic Petan. He is a dazzling puck handler and sees a path to scoring chances from any position. The Sharks have shown no hesitation in drafting smaller-frame players as long as the skill holds true.

In a year where they have plenty of picks to go around, it’d be hard for San Jose to pass up a chance to flank star Celebrini with like company.

Other Options: Carter Yakemchuk (RHD), Igor Chernyshov (LW), Liam Greentree (LW)

15. Detroit Red Wings – Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (LW/C) / Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden)

The Detroit Red Wings have shown no hesitation in drafting top talents from hockey’s smaller countries, setting them up as a great candidate to end the slide of Norwegian forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. He emerged as a top prospect on the back of an ability to infuse offense into the relatively slow HockeyAllsvenskan.

Brandsegg-Nygard scored the most of any draft-year player in the league since 2018 while showing a base of intelligence and fundamentals that make him impactful in all three zones. The Red Wings could use an influx of reliable middle-six talent – the exact role Brandsegg-Nygard seems destined to thrive.

Other Options: Liam Greentree (LW), Trevor Connelly (LW/C), Stian Solberg (LHD)

16. St. Louis Blues – Liam Greentree (LW) / Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

The St. Louis Blues are entering a second straight draft with nine selections – and will want to replicate the hot start they got with the 10th-overall pick last year, selecting Dalibor Dvorsky, who has since scored 45 goals and 88 points in the OHL. Watching Dvorsky would’ve provided plenty of viewings of Liam Greentree, who actually scored more of the pair with 90 points.

He plays a swift, power-forward style with a knack for controlling possession through the neutral zone in a style St. Louis enjoys. The Blues are looking to strike while the iron is hot once again – and Greentree’s stout frame and cerebral scoring is a fine way to start.

Other Options: Trevor Connelly (LW), Stian Solberg (LHD), Adam Jiricek (RHD)

17. Washington Capitals – Trevor Connelly (LW/C) / Tri-City Storm (USHL)

The Washington Capitals have been lacking a certain energy as franchise legends Alexander Ovechkin and Nikita Backstrom have begun slowing down. And while they could go in many different directions with this pick, they’re getting the best energy available in Trevor Connelly, who dominated the USHL with his ability to make plays at full speed.

He’s a burly, gritty forward who sees the ice well and leans into aggression, though that same energy leaves him prone to being burned. Honing his aggression and adjusting to pro pace will be the focus of Connelly’s development, and his upside is sky-high should he find an extra gear.

That could be exciting enough for the Capitals to bite on with a mid-first, though Igor Chernyshov and Liam Greentree – if available – offer more robust projectability should the Capitals want to hedge their bets.

Other Options: Igor Chernyshov (LW), Liam Greentree (LW), Adam Jiricek (RHD) 

18. Chicago Blackhawks (via NYI)- Igor Chernyshov (LW) / Dynamo Moskva (KHL, Russia)

The Chicago Blackhawks made a confusingly early swap of first-round picks with the Islanders nearly a month ago, moving their second pick of day one up two spots. That could suggest they have their sights trained on someone specific – potentially a player they don’t want to be stolen by Vegas or New York – though it’s hard to think who that could be, especially with so much speculation surrounding second-overall.

While they could go in many directions, it’s hard to think the Hawks won’t want to leave the first round with a strong option on forward and defense. To that spirit, they land the incredibly projectable Igor Chernyshov – who’s sacrificed flashy upside for hardened fundamentals and already expressed interest in playing in the AHL next season.

For a team full of high-upside prospects, Chernyshov offers a chance to hedge your bets, playing an all-three-zones style that should garner a solid middle-six role.

Other Options: Sacha Boisvert (C), EJ Emery (RHD), Emil Hemming (LW) 

19. Vegas Golden Knights – Michael Hage (C) / Chicago Steel (USHL)

The Vegas Golden Knights have become a bit unfamiliar with first-round picks, making just four in the last six years and since trading away three. The only top pick Vegas has clung onto is the highly-skilled Brendan Brisson, who earns his keep with shifty puckhandling through the neutral zone and creative drives to the net.

Well, those are the exact traits that made Hage one of Canada’s premier prospects in this draft class – before serious injury and personal loss derailed his junior career last season. Hage showed incredible resilience through it all and once again emerged as a top prospect in the year’s second half.

He’s an upside buy, to be sure, but he boasts all the skills needed to thrive with Bruce Cassidy’s Golden Knights. 

Other Options: Emil Hemming (LW), Cole Beaudoin (LW), EJ Emery (RHD)

20. New York Islanders (via TBL) – Emil Hemming (LW) / TPS (Liiga, Finland)

Emil Hemming stamped his spot as one of the draft’s most projectable and impactful talents this season – showing a great ability to play in his hefty frame, with great physicality and a killer shot. The build has earned him a lot of NHL popularity and now earns him a spot with the New York Islanders built around similar styles.

The Islanders have shown no hesitation in drafting top European prospects who they think will translate – and Hemming appears much more ready for the spotlight than players like Aatu Raty or Ruslan Iskhakov. Though the Islanders’ prospect pool is in need of help at every position, leaving the team plenty of directions they could go with their top-20 pick.

Other Options: Sacha Boisvert (C), Adam Jiricek (RHD), Cole Beaudoin (LW)

21. Los Angeles Kings – Sacha Boisvert (C) / Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

Sacha Boisvert is among the draft’s most physical presences, standing at an imposing 6’2” and 180lbs while using every bit of it to power to drive the net hard and fight for space in the low slot. He’s as close to a prototypical power forward as this class offers – a trait that will certainly entice a Kings team who just learned their lesson by leaning too far into skill-over-heft.

Boisvert has been a popular draft name all year long and now finds a SoCal home that should welcome his heavy-hitting style.

Other Options: Adam Jiricek (RHD), Emil Hemming (LW), Cole Beaudoin (LW)

22. Nashville Predators – Adam Jiricek (RHD) / HC Plzeň (Czechia Extraliga)

Adam Jiricek has maintained plenty of draft excitement, even despite missing the entire second half of the season with a lower-body injury that he’s still not cleared from and a slow start to the year. But teams can’t ignore the lure Jiricek threw with his fantastic Hlinka Gretzky Cup last season, followed by a strong U17 season, leading some NHL scouts to tell The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler that Jiricek is still challenging the year’s top five defensemen.

The Predators are looking for their next home run swing in the draft and could feel they’re buying cheap on a defender whose family already has NHL precedent.

Other Options: EJ Emery (RHD), Ryder Ritchie (LW), Julius Miettinen (LW)

23. Toronto Maple Leafs – EJ Emery (RHD) / USA U-18 (NTDP)

EJ Emery is a physical specimen. He’s gained notoriety at the NTDP for how hard he works in the gym – a mindset he inherited from his pro-football veteran father, Eric – and vindicated his off-ice work with a record-setting performance at this year’s NHL Combine.

Some scouts worry about how Emery’s athleticism translates to the ice. He has yet to find his offensive touch, though his long reach and strength make him a fantastic shut-down defender.

The Emery family has been connected to Toronto for many years and should be set for an easy move from Michigan as the Leafs look to bolster their defense, with a specific priority on adding size.

Other Options: Cole Beaudoin (LW), Jett Luchanko (LW/C), Stian Solberg (LHD)

24. Colorado Avalanche – Jesse Pulkkinen (LHD) / JYP (Liiga, Finland)

Jesse Pulkkinen is this year’s top re-entry prospect, having been looked over in last year’s draft but reigniting interest with strong international play this year. Pulkkinen is a heavy, well-rounded defenseman with strong puckhandling and plenty of aggression.

He filled a consistent role in the Liiga for most of the season, intercut by appearances in Finland’s U20 league and the Mestis. And while he never found too strong of a scoring touch – surpassing 10 points in just the U20 league, where he tallied 28 in 18 games – Pulkkinen showed a strong ability to keep opponents outside of the slots and shutdown transition at the blue line.

He’s seemingly pro-made and could be bound for the NHL in just a few years. For an Avalanche team that may soon need to replace Josh Manson, Pulkkinen’s projectability is enough to overlook his age.

Other Options: Julius Miettinen (LW), Cole Beaudoin (LW), Stian Solberg (LHD)

25. Boston Bruins (via OTT) – Cole Beaudoin (LW/C) / Barrie Colts (OHL)

The Boston Bruins acquired this pick from the Ottawa Senators on the same day that this mock released, though the swap doesn’t change our 25th selection, with the Bruins likely also looking for brute and projectability after not making a first-round pick in either of the last two drafts.

That’s what they’ll get in the rough-and-tumble Cole Beaudoin, a combine standout who’s shown an impressive ability to shut down opponents and take quick advantage of scoring opportunities all season long.

He’s already physically built out and projects as a special teams x-factor, though his ultimate ceiling might not be too high. Still, that floor-buy could be exactly what Ottawa is looking for.

Other Options: Ryder Ritchie (LW), Stian Solberg (LHD), Julius Miettinen (LW/C)

26. Montreal Canadiens (via WPG) – Ryder Ritchie (LW) / Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)

Ryder Ritchie is this year’s ‘Swiss Army Knife’ prospect, showing the lateral agility, heads-up skating, and quick instincts needed to make an impact in any play. That drive can leave him subject to making the first play instead of the right play a bit too often, but his ability to shut down play and work with his teammates could make Ritchie a great utility tool down the lineup.

Montreal already has plenty of top-end talent – and even added to it with Demidov at fifth overall – giving them plenty of room to take the safe option with their second pick.

Other Options: Cole Beaudoin (LW), Jett Luchanko (LW/C), Adam Jiricek (RHD)

27. Carolina Hurricanes – Jett Luchanko (LW/C) / Guelph Storm (OHL)

The Carolina Hurricanes will be entering the draft under new management, with rookie general manager Eric Tulsky replacing Don Waddell after a five-year tenure in the GM chair. That shouldn’t remove Carolina’s patented drafting, though, with the team still being connected to some of the class’ most unique and hard-working prospects.

That includes Jett Luchanko, whose work ethic on the ice drove him to NHL attention. He knows how to make a play in any situation and doesn’t struggle much with physicality, thanks to a built-out frame.

Luchanko doesn’t project as a dynamo scorer but should offer down-the-lineup value that’ll prove invaluable as Carolina tries to build a franchise.

Other Options: Dominik Badinka (RHD), Stian Solberg (LHD), Adam Jiricek (RHD)

28. Calgary Flames (via VAN) – Stian Solberg (LHD) / Vålerenga (EliteHockey Ligaen, Norway)

Stian Solberg has stood as Europe’s biggest riser this season, breaking out with an incredibly high-energy and heavy-hitting season in Norway’s top league. He vindicates the strong play with great international performances, including three points in seven World Championship games.

Solberg has handled a pro role all year long and is set for an even tougher test with the SHL’s Färjestad BK next season. That should be an exciting test of his development – and could help the Flames patch the hole left by Noah Hanifin.

Other Options: Julius Miettinen (LW/C), Nikita Artamonov (LW/C), Ryder Ritchie (LW)

29. Dallas Stars – Julius Miettinen (LW/C) / Everett Silvertips (WHL)

There has been talk of NHL interest in Julius Miettinen all season long, with teams enticed by how effortlessly he’s taken to playmaking in his 6’3”, 201lbs frame. Miettinen moves through the neutral zone well and knows how to play the puck off his teammates, though he can fail to inspire much when attacking defenders head-on.

Dallas is among the first teams that come to mind when discussing powerful Finnish prospects and confident CHL selections – making Miettinen a perfect fit.

Other Options: Ben Danford (LHD), Ryder Ritchie (LW), Jett Luchanko (LW/C)

30. New York Rangers – Dean Letourneau (C) / St. Andrew’s College (CAHS, Canada)

Many have described Dean Letourneau as this year’s unicorn prospect, though the sentiment seems more rooted in his 6’7” height than his on-ice skills. Letourneau spent the season in Canada’s U18 league, thriving to the tune of 61 goals and 127 points in 56 games – dominating the high slot with great puck protection and a killer shot.

With this pick, Letourneau would not only become the first Canadian high schooler since 1989 to be drafted straight into the NHL but the highest selected of any of the seven players to achieve the feat. Those facts make him a hesitant selection, though the Rangers are among the best candidates to overlook it on the back of just how much recent success they’ve had with their giant prospects.

Other Options: Julius Miettinen (LW), Dominik Badinka (RHD)

31/32. Anaheim Ducks (via EDM) – Sam O’Reilly (C/RW) / London Knights (OHL)

The Ducks have had their sights fully trained on the CHL for the last three drafts and will be happy to learn how many Canadians are available on the fringe of this year’s first round. That includes rangy defender Ben Danford and hefty winger Maxim Massé, though the Ducks seem more cut out for true two-way centerman Sam O’Reilly.

O’Reilly has added more and more speed to his game as the year has gone on, blending well with a great hockey IQ to make him as stout of a defensive forward as anyone in this class. The Ducks will hope to round out the top of their offensive depth chart with this year’s first round, with the reliable O’Reilly matching the flashy Lindstrom well.

Other Options: Ben Danford (LHD), Maxim Massé (RW), Linus Eriksson (LW)

31/32. Philadelphia Flyers (via FLA) – Nikita Artamonov (LW/C) / Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL, Russia)

As mentioned, the Flyers are a wildcard team this year. They could go in many different directions and have been tied to many different names, though after landing a defenseman with their first pick of the day, they’ll have a bit more room to take Russian winger Nikita Artamonov, who’s shown great fundamentals in all three zones and a finishing ability among the best in the class – though he’s struggled to use his top traits on the back of a relatively low-energy game.

The Flyers will hope they can rejuvenate that energy by pulling Artamonov to North America quickly.

Other Options: Charlie Elick (RHD), Maxim Massé (RW), Andrew Basha (LW/C)

Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Network.

Snapshots: Pinto, Gomez, Demidov

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The Ottawa Senators and forward Shane Pinto are discussing the possibilities of a two-year bridge contract, shares Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen. Garrioch adds that Ottawa still prefers to sign Pinto to a deal closer to five or six years in length, though they’re off-put by Pinto’s request for $5MM-a-year on a long-term deal. Pinto is coming off the end of a year he’ll want to forget quickly, having been suspended for half the season for violating the league’s gambling policy and only scoring 27 points in the games he did play in.

Pinto scored 20 goals and 35 points as a rookie last season, appearing in all 82 games. The performance stamped him as one of Ottawa’s most promising young players, though his extended absence this year kept him from truly breaking out. The Senators will be hoping for that breakout on the first year of his new deal – and get the dreaded task of putting a number to their faith this summer.

Other notes from around the league:

  • Legendary New Jersey Devils forward Scott Gomez has taken to hockey management, assuming the general manager role and head coach for the BCHL’s Surrey Eagles (Twitter link). Gomez played in one season with the Eagles in 1996-97, posting 124 in 56 games as part of a championship-winning Eagles offense. He spent his next two seasons with the WHL’s Tri-City Americans, before beginning an iconic NHL career, including two years as the assistant coach of the New York Islanders from 2017 to 2019. Gomez took a break from the game after that tenure, returning with an assistant coaching role with Surry this season. He’ll now kick off his managerial career in the same place he started his playing career, certainly looking to achieve the same results.
  • Top 2024 NHL Draft prospect Ivan Demidov was dismissive when asked when he expects to move to North America in an interview with Scott Powers of The Athletic, saying only, “We’ll see what happens.” Demidov has been entrenched in rumors early in his hockey career, with many speculating that he and defenseman Artyom Levshunov are the top options for second overall. One of the few knocks against Demidov’s game has been his limited exposure to the KHL – instead playing nearly all of his hockey in the MHL, Russia’s U21 league. He similarly played off the question of whether he expects more KHL ice time next season, saying he wasn’t sure and likely wouldn’t know until after the draft. While neither answer was an outright no, Demidov’s uncertainty certainly doesn’t elicit excitement. He’ll remain an incredibly skilled player, surrounded by a litany of questions, as June 28th’s First Round draws closer.

Atlantic Notes: Marner, Bertuzzi, Panthers, Dickinson

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The tides may be turning in this summer’s edition of the Mitch Marner saga. Speaking on TSN 1050’s “First Up” on Monday, Darren Dreger reports that general manager Brad Treliving may prefer to put his resources into extending the star winger rather than trading him this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.

Dreger did note that the Leafs haven’t started extension discussions with Marner’s camp yet. His quote today falls in line with previous reporting that Toronto wouldn’t approach Marner about waiving his no-move clause until an acceptable offer was presented to them. Additionally, Chris Johnston of SDPN, TSN and The Athletic said over the weekend that the team wasn’t fully committed to the idea of trading Marner.

It won’t stop trade speculation from ramping up, though, nor will it likely quiet any actual trade talks going on behind the scenes. Teams will still pursue the winger – The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta listed the Blackhawks, Golden Knights, Predators and Stars as interested parties today. If there’s an exceptionally strong offer presented to Treliving, there’s no indication that he’d turn away.

Regardless, it doesn’t appear there’s a huge sense of urgency to resolve the situation in the next few weeks. However, waiting until after the opening of free agency, when teams spent the majority of their offseason cap space, to swing a trade would heavily complicate discussions.

Sticking with Toronto, Pagnotta said today that Treliving remains in negotiations with pending free agent winger Tyler Bertuzzi to try and keep him from hitting the UFA market in a couple of weeks. An extension doesn’t appear imminent, though. The 29-year-old had 21 goals and 43 points in 80 games this season after signing a one-year, $5.5MM deal in free agency with the Leafs last summer.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic:

  • The Panthers have entered into a “multi-year” affiliation agreement with the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates, per a team announcement. They said late last week that they wouldn’t be renewing their ECHL affiliation with the Florida Everblades, who have won three consecutive Kelly Cup titles. With the move, the Panthers land an ECHL affiliation much closer to their primary minor-league club, the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers. Considering moves between AHL and ECHL affiliates occur almost daily, it’s a better setup for the club’s fringe minor-leaguers. The Ghost Pirates entered the league in advance of the 2022-23 campaign and have spent the last two seasons as the second-tier affiliate of the Golden Knights. They’ve yet to make the ECHL’s Kelly Cup Playoffs.
  • Top 2024 NHL Draft defense prospect Sam Dickinson said his pre-draft interview with the Senators was one he was “looking forward” to in an interview with TSN’s Mark Masters. Dickinson told Masters the interview went “really well” and that his preparation for it was a “little more intense” given the chance of the Ontario-born blue liner staying close to home. The 18-year-old racked up 18 goals, 70 points and a +56 rating in 68 games with the OHL’s London Knights this season, leading their defensemen in scoring. He’s the seventh-ranked North American skater in the class by NHL Central Scouting and could very well be available when Ottawa steps up to the podium with the seventh overall pick.

Snapshots: Byfield, Necas, Ehlers, Helenius

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The Los Angeles Kings are set to face the consequences of their drafting this summer, with each of Quinton Byfield, Arthur Kaliyev, Jordan Spence, and Alex Turcotte set to enter restricted free agency. Of the quartet, only Byfield has emerged as a legitimate NHL option, stamping that sentiment with 20 goals and 55 points in 80 games this season. Byfield held onto a role on the team’s second-line and second power-play unit, and will now be paid accordingly per John Hoven of Mayor’s Manor, who projects a $6MM cap hit and eight years of term on Byfield’s next deal.

Hoven explained that Byfield’s lack of multi-season success likely holds him from too hefty of a price tag and makes the interim cost of a bridge deal hard to gauge. The Kings are also face at least one major free agent in every year between 2026 and 2030 – and likely wouldn’t be too keen on circling back to Byfield’s negotiations on top of it. Through Hoven’s projections, Byfield would earn an admirable salary – thanks to a strong season and his 2020 second-overall selection – and gains the confidence of a long-term deal without signing into his 30s. The deal also works for the team, who have $20.2MM in projected cap space to sign 10 pending free agents this summer. Byfield earning $6MM would leave plenty of room for the Kings to re-sign strong lineup pieces like Matt Roy, Viktor Arvidsson, and Cam Talbot.

Los Angeles had to wait for Byfield’s breakout but seems to have finally situated him in a role he’s comfortable with. They’ll hope he can build on his commendable scoring on a new deal next season, though with negotiations could become complicated with no recent comparable contract for Byfield’s delayed breakout.

Other notes from around the league:

  • The Carolina Hurricanes will be looking for like-value players in their search for a Martin Necas trade, shares Chris Johnston on the Chris Johnston Show. Johnston went on to mention Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers as a situation where a swap could make sense. Ehlers is in a similar situation to Necas – tentatively on the trade block after a successful season and capable of holding down a confident top-six role. Necas is a pending restricted free agent this summer, due for his first major pay raise following the end of a two-year, $6MM bridge contract. Ehlers’ already makes $6MM each season, though he’s set to enter unrestricted free agency next summer. Both players are due for lofty salaries on their next deals after each showing the potential to reach 60 or more points in one season. Johnston was hesitant to speak too confidently about a swap happening, though it could certainly make sense for a Hurricanes team in the midst of their Stanley Cup window and a Jets team still a few years away.
  • Star 2024 NHL Draft prospect Konsta Helenius expressed a desire to move to the NHL as quickly as possible in an interview with Adam Kimelman of NHL.com. Helenius told Kimelman, “I played against NHL guys. Of course it gives me confidence because I think I did a great job against them – I think I’m very closet to the NHL.” Kimelman went on to explain that Helenius is not just pushing himself to be an NHL player, but to be one of the best Finns to ever appear in the league. That kind of enthusiasm should boost the excitement around him ahead of the draft, though he’s already a top 10 pick on many public scouting boards. Regardless of where he goes, though, it seems Helenius is much more focused on seizing the opportunity of his first NHL training camp.

Morning Notes: Senators, Sweden U20, AHL Prospects

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The Ottawa Senators are making sure they won’t be outdone on the trade market, now making the seventh-overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft available for the right price, per Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen. During an event held for season ticket holders to hear about the team’s off-season plans, Senators’ senior vice president Dave Poulin shared, “We had interest in the (No. 7) pick. Teams will call you and say, ‘Are you interested in moving the pick?’ and you don’t know what that’s going to look like because you don’t know what’s going to be available there. You have to stay very flexible.”

Including the seventh-overall pick in trade talks will bring the Senators more in line with the New Jersey Devils, who began shopping around the 10th-overall pick during the NHL Combine. The two teams headline a long list of teams interested in bringing in new goaltending talent this summer, and should be among the top options for trade bait like Linus Ullmark, Juuse Saros, and John Gibson. Dave Poulin made sure to emphasize Ottawa’s pursuit of a goaltender when speaking with Garrioch, adding that the team wasn’t happy with their goaltending tandem “numerically, statistically, or from an analytics standpoint.” The Senators’ tandem of Joonas Korpisalo and Anton Forsberg combined for a .890 save percentage this season – though their consistency in the lineup allowed Ottawa to rely on just three goalies this season, the fewest they’ve needed to get through a year since the 2019-20 season. But despite good health, the Senators goalies didn’t stand up to the task this year, and the team is once again doomed to spending the summer finding the right option in net.

But despite the interest elsewhere, it doesn’t seem Ottawa is ready to part with Korpisalo just yet. When asked, Poulin offered relief to Korpisalo’s down year, speaking to the difficulty in adjusting to a new team and the lack of defensive stops in front of him, relative to what he had with the Los Angeles Kings. Korpisalo just concluded the first season of a five-year, $20MM contract signed with the Senators last summer. He’ll be the team’s de facto backup should they bring in a new starter, and likely their go-to starter should things stay the same. The off-season event for season ticket holders where this information was conveyed is slated to be a yearly event for the Senators.

Other notes from around the league:

  • Team Sweden has announced the coaching staff that will oversee their U19 and U20 international teams next season. The group is manned by Magnus Hävelid, who has coached Sweden’s international juniors teams since 2017. He’ll be flanked by Gereon Dahlgren, and former NHL defenders Robin Jonsson and Nicklas Grossmann. Both Dahlgren and Jonsson are returning to their posts, while this news marks Grossman’s first time coaching an international squad. The quartet will lead Sweden’s lineups at the World Junior Summer Showcase and World Junior Championship, as well as in team friendlies.
  • The AHL has announced their All-Prospect team, as voted on by the league’s hockey operations department and general managers. The team includes AHL Rookie of the Year Logan Stankoven (DAL), as well as Shane Wright (SEA), Jiri Kulich (BUF), Simon Edvinsson (DET), Brandt Clarke (LAK), and Yaroslav Askarov (NSH). Each player appeared in NHL games this season, though Stankoven has become the first to carve out a daily role – recording 22 points across his first 43 NHL games, combined between the regular season and playoffs. His All-Prospect team peers will look to catch up to him with daily lineup spots next season.

Atlantic Notes: Red Wings Draft Plans, Barkov, Gregor

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In an article today from Max Bultman of The Athletic (Subscription Required), he theorizes three hypothetical options for the Detroit Red Wings during the 2024 NHL Draft: stay put, trade down, and trade up. After it took until the last game of the regular season for the Red Wings to be eliminated from the postseason, there are several different directions that General Manager Steve Yzerman could take in Vegas.

If Detroit stays put, one of the most common mock picks at 15th overall is Michael Brandsegg-Nygård of Mora IK in the Swedish HockeyAllsvenskan. Brandsegg-Nygard would be a very safe pick at 15th overall, given that he is one of the most mature players in the draft already, meaning it shouldn’t take him too long to crack the Red Wings roster. However, if Detroit does stay put, with a decent amount of organizational depth at the forward position, they could look for a high-risk high-reward prospect at 15th overall such as Cole Eiserman or Michael Hage.

Yzerman’s second most likely option would be to trade down a few spots to clear some cap space for the offseason. The Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks represent likely trade options in this scenario, given the bevy of cap space each team has. The Red Wings may be able to move the 15th overall pick and Justin Holl’s contract to the Blackhawks in exchange for the 18th overall pick, or send the 15th overall pick and potentially both Holl and Ben Chiarot to the Ducks in exchange for the 31st overall pick if they want to get aggressive.

Lastly, since the Red Wings are unlikely to trade into the top 10 of the NHL Draft, their most likely partners in a trade-up scenario would be the Philadelphia Flyers or Buffalo Sabres. With the Flyers amid their rebuild, and the Sabres unlikely to trade with a division rival, would it make sense for Detroit to move up three spots? The price would be too high for Yzerman to trade up, and they may be left with similar options with the 15th overall pick regardless.

Other Atlantic notes:

  • With plenty of eyes on the status of Aleksander Barkov ahead of Game 3, Jameson Olive, the Senior Digital Content Manager of the Florida Panthers reported that Barkov looked and felt good today. They will continue to monitor his status during the team’s skate in Edmonton tomorrow. After taking an elbow to the head from Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl towards the final minutes of Game 2, Barkov’s status has already led to a fair amount of controversy in the Stanley Cup Final.
  • Touching on several different members of the Toronto Maple Leafs heading into the offseason, Joshua Kloke of The Athletic (Subscription Required) passes along that Noah Gregor’s time with the organization has likely ended. With the emergence of forward prospects and depth pieces down the stretch, Gregor’s role was severely diminished towards the end of the regular season, and the Maple Leafs will likely use his roster spot for other purposes. Throughout the regular season, Gregor managed six goals and 12 points for Toronto over 63 games but only managed one goal in his last 35 contests.

West Notes: Wild Draft Plans, Campbell, Klimchuk

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Wild fans gained some insight into their team’s plans at the draft later this month thanks to The Athletic’s Joe Smith, who spoke at length in an interview with director of amateur scouting Judd Brackett in an interview published Wednesday.

Notably, he shouted out general manager Bill Guerin’s willingness to be active on the draft floor, suggesting they’ll try hard to move up from their 13th overall pick if their scouting staff believes it to be the right choice. However, Brackett thinks the likelihood of being able to execute such a move will be extremely difficult this year thanks to the depth of prospects available in the top 15 range. “Teams in those spots are very happy with their choices that they have,” he said.

In regards to who the Wild might take with their No. 13 pick, Brackett didn’t disclose any names specifically. He did, however, have complementary words for U.S. National U18 Team goal-scoring record-breaker Cole Eiserman. He entered the year as a consensus top-three pick but fell down most draft boards to the mid-first round throughout the season, with concerns rising about his play in the defensive zone and his ability to exit his own zone in transition. But he remains the best pure goal-scorer available in the class, with Brackett saying he’s “proven it at every level and continues to do so.”

Other tidbits from the West:

  • Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff listed Kings center Pierre-Luc Dubois as his top buyout candidate this summer but acknowledged that general manager Rob Blake said during his end-of-season media availability that it wasn’t something they were planning on doing. That brings us to the No. 2 candidate on his list – Oilers netminder Jack Campbell, who spent nearly the entire season on assignment to AHL Bakersfield after putting up a .873 SV% in his first five games of the season. He was decent overall in the minors, though, compiling a .918 SV% and three shutouts in 33 games played. There’s likely a path back to NHL minutes for Campbell somewhere, but after falling to third on their depth chart despite boasting a $5MM cap hit, it’s unlikely to be in Edmonton. He has three years left on his deal, so a buyout would leave the Oilers with a cap penalty for the next six seasons ranging from as low as $1.1MM next season to as high as $2.6MM in 2026-27.
  • The Jets’ AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, added Morgan Klimchuk to their coaching staff as an assistant Wednesday. The 2013 first-round pick of the Flames was a top-flight scorer in junior hockey but only managed one NHL appearance before announcing his retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now 29, Klimchuk had spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach for the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals.

Blackhawks Notes: Kane, No. 2 Pick, Pending UFAs

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Last month, The Athletic’s Scott Powers reported the Blackhawks were having internal discussions about trying to bring back franchise fixture Patrick Kane, who’s set to hit the open market this summer after a one-year deal with the Red Wings. However, speaking with reporters today at the pre-draft scouting combine, general manager Kyle Davidson said he “doesn’t foresee us going back on that” regarding a Kane reunion (via Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times).

Kane, 35, had 47 points in 50 games to close out the season in Detroit after recovering from offseason hip resurfacing surgery. It was a promising step for the future Hall-of-Famer, considering hip resurfacing procedures generally signal the end of a player’s career.

After showing he can still hang around in a top-six role, he’ll look to land a raise on his previous $2.75MM cap hit this summer, but it appears it won’t be with Chicago. The 2007 first-overall pick had 1,225 points in 1,161 games there to begin his career, amassing three Stanley Cups.

Elsewhere from Chi-town:

  • To the surprise of no one, Davidson confirmed today the team isn’t shopping their second overall pick in this month’s draft (via NBC Sports’ Charlie Roumeliotis). The team is reportedly leaning toward selecting Belarusian defenseman Artyom Levshunov with the choice, their second top-two pick in the past two years.
  • While preparing for the draft, Davidson said he’s still trying to retain some of their pending UFAs (via Pope). As Pope points out, depth winger Joey Anderson is likely a member of that group, although he’s an RFA that only needs a qualifying offer. Anderson, 25, had five goals and 17 points in 55 games for the Hawks this year. Their notable pending UFAs include Colin Blackwell, Tyler Johnson and Jarred Tinordi.

Blackhawks Leaning Toward Artyom Levshunov At Second Overall

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Much like last year’s draft, there’s a bit of a toss-up at second overall. The Sharks will take Hobey Baker Award winner Macklin Celebrini as the first-overall pick. However, with the second choice, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson has a choice to make.

That choice is between Ivan Demidov, a Russian winger whose 60 points in 30 junior games gave him one of the best seasons at that level of all time, and Belarusian defenseman Artyom Levshunov, who logged heavy minutes as a freshman for Michigan State University this season and is the top blue liner in the class based on consolidated public rankings. Speaking on Friday’s episode of “The Athletic Hockey Show,” Scott Powers reports the team is leaning toward Levshunov with less than a month to go until draft day.

Levshunov would immediately become the Hawks’ top defense prospect, surpassing 2022 seventh-overall pick Kevin Korchinski. And like Korchinski two years ago, it seems unlikely he’d jump to the NHL immediately. A sophomore campaign at Michigan State makes sense for Levshunov before potentially turning pro in 2025.

It shouldn’t be ruled out completely, though. Levshunov is coming off a banner season that saw him named the Big Ten Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year. He was named to the year-end First All-Star Team as well.

Levshunov’s nine goals, 26 assists, 35 points and +27 rating in 38 games helped the Spartans win their first regular-season and conference tournament championships since the conference’s inception in 2013. A right-shot defender, the 18-year-old already stands at 6’2″ and 209 lbs.

Chicago taking Levshunov off the board would leave Demidov available for the Ducks at third overall, becoming the crown jewel of an already deep pool of young forwards that includes Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish and Trevor Zegras. Demidov is the second-ranked prospect behind Celebrini in public consolidated rankings and TSN’s Bob McKenzie’s most recent polling of NHL scouts.

Afternoon Notes: Jeannot, Parekh, Bourque

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Winger Tanner Jeannot is once again facing trade rumors, as the Tampa Bay Lightning look to clear enough cap space for a serviceable off-season. The team is facing the loss of their franchise player Steven Stamkos with just $5MM in cap space – not nearly enough to afford the services of the future Hall-of-Famer. That could push them to try and move Jeannot’s $2.665MM cap hit, though Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times shares that there’s been no legitimate discussions of a move just yet. Though Encina did speak to the idea being a tantalizing one for the Lightning, with many teams around the league still interested in acquiring Jeannot.

The Lightning acquired Jeannot from the Nashville Predators ahead of the 2023 Trade Deadline, sending the Music City defenseman Callan Foote, the picks that turned into Dylan MacKinnon (2023 third-round, 83rd-overall), Jayson Shaugabay (2023 fourth-round, 115th-overall), and Kevin Bicker (2023 fifth-round, 147th-overall), as well as a second-round pick in 2024 and a first-round pick in 2025 in return. Nashville traded the Shaugabay pick back to Tampa four months later, in exchange for a 2024 fourth-round pick, and moved the Bicker pick to the Detroit Red Wings to move up in the 2023 second-round.

Jeannot scored just four points in his 20 games with Tampa after the trade, though that didn’t dissuade their faith in him, with the Lightning signing Jenanot to a two-year, $5.3MM contract last summer – a deal that avoided the arbitration hearing Jeannot filed for. The rough-and-tumble winger wasn’t able to rekindle his spark on the new deal, though, scoring just 14 points in 55 games this season. He added 75 penalty minutes and a -10 – and tallied just one assist in four postseason games.

There’s still reported interest in Jeannot around the league despite his lacking scoring. Teams like the Calgary Flames have been looped into trade rumors, though Encina emphasized that a trade isn’t likely Plan A. Tampa will need to get a hefty return in any Jeannot trade, if only to hedge their losses from a costly 2023 move.

Other notes from around the league:

  • Saginaw Spirit defenseman Zayne Parekh has won the CHL’s Defenseman of the Year Award, beating out Memorial Cup Finals competition Sam Dickinson. Parekh was dazzling this season, posting a position-leading 33 goals and 96 points in just 66 games this season. He’s just the second OHL defenseman to top 95 points since 2000, joining Ryan Ellis’ 100-point season in 2010-11. But while Ellis was already an NHL draftee, Parekh is headed into his first year of eligibility in the 2024 NHL Draft. He’s seen as one of the top defensemen in the class and should rival a top 10 selection.
  • The Dallas Stars are swapping talented young forwards, with Ty Dellandrea stepping out of the Game 6 lineup in favor of Mavrik Bourque, shares Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman (Twitter link). Bourque won the AHL’s ‘Les Cunningham’ MVP Award this season after posting 26 goals and 77 points in 71 games this season. Bourque formed a dynamic duo with Stars standout Logan Stankoven in the first half of the season. Dallas will look to use that pairing as their X-factor, as they face elimination at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.

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