NHL Draft grades, analysis for every 2024 first-round pick by Corey Pronman (2024)

The first round of the 2024 NHL Draft is here, and, as expected, Macklin Celebrini was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the first pick.

Follow along here as every pick is announced tonight to see scouting reports of every player and analysis of their selection.

See what scouts really have to say about the best prospects in Pronman’sNHL Draft Confidentialand Wheeler’sNHL scouts survey.

Read more:Check out all of our coverage of 2024 NHL Draft.

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston Univ. (NCAA)

June 13, 2006 | 6′ 0″ | 196 pounds

Tier: Elite NHL player

Player comparable: Sidney Crosby

Analysis: Celebrini was the best player in college hockey this season and a leader for a top team in the country. He checks every box you want in a top prospect, and is one of the few players I’ve scouted where it’s hard to see any noticeable weakness. He skates very well. He has a very powerful stride with a quick twitch in his first few steps and is able to get by a lot of defenders. He’s extremely skilled and creative with high-end offensive sense. Celebrini makes a ton of difficult plays with the puck on the move, in tight areas and from a standstill. He has a bullet shot and projects to run a first power play in the NHL. He’s average-sized, but Celebrini is highly competitive, wins a lot of battles and projects as a two-way center in the NHL. He has all the makings of a potential superstar that you can build a contender around.

Pick grade: B+

Thoughts on the pick: Celebrini is one of the best and most complete prospects I’ve ever seen. He checks every box with emphasis between his skating, skill, hockey sense, compete and scoring ability. He looks like a no doubt two-way first line center one day in the NHL who the Sharks can form their rebuild around. He was the consensus first pick all season for a reason.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, RHD, Michigan State Univ. (NCAA)

October 28, 2005 | 6′ 2″ | 209 pounds

Tier: Bubble elite NHL player and NHL All-Star

Player comparable: Brent Burns

Analysis: Levshunov was the best defenseman in the Big Ten this season and a big part of Michigan State being a top team. He is extremely skilled and creative, both as a puck-handler and passer. He has the hands of a top offensive defenseman and looks very comfortable with the puck. He skates well and can play an up-tempo style in how he attacks with his skill. He has the offensive sense to potentially run a PP1 in the NHL and has a good point shot, too. His defensive play doesn’t stand out as much, particularly because he tries to attack so much, but he can make stops due to his athleticism and has physicality in his game. He is too aggressive at times, and plays like a forward too much for some scouts’ liking. He makes enough stops to ease most evaluators’ concerns given how much offense he brings. He has the potential to be an impact NHL defenseman who scores at a premium level.

Pick grade: A-

Thoughts on the pick: In Levshunov, Chicago got my second-rated player in the draft, but a player who by no means was universally agreed upon at that number. Chicago has some great young defenders in their organization, but Levshunov is a whole other level of talent. He was playing at a level equivalent to pond hockey two years ago, and was one of the best defensem*n in college hockey this past season. He’s big, mobile and has a ton of natural skill and offensive sense. He is a budding star who I felt was being unfairly picked apart in the pre-draft process. He is a rare piece with star upside you can build a winner around.

3. Anaheim Ducks: Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

January 28, 2006 | 6′ 2″ | 181 pounds

Tier: Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player

Player comparable: Kyle Connor

Analysis: Sennecke’s pure point totals on the season don’t jump out at you, but he was very good in the second half and was a top player in the OHL playoffs. He’s 6-foot-2, skates quite well for his size and has game-breaking skill. He’s one of the more creative puckhandlers in the draft, and that he can make those difficult plays at full speed makes him highly intriguing for the NHL level. He sees the ice well and is creative as a passer, although not to the level of his 1v1 abilities. There have been times when I’ve questioned his compete and consistency, but he answered those questions as the season continued. His stock is sharply trending up, and he looks like a player who can be a difference-maker at the next level.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Sennecke is a dynamic winger who on his best games is one of the most impactful players in the class. Based on how he looked in the closing months of the season, I absolutely get this pick. He has the potential top be a top line wing with star upside if he really hits. I do wonder about the fit on Anaheim, given how many great young forwards they have, although I presume Trevor Zegras is on his way out. There were some great defense prospects on the board they passed up as well. We’ll see how Anaheim makes all the pieces fit, and if they felt too uncomfortable with the Russian variable in Anton Silayev I do understand this move.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)

February 3, 2006 | 6′ 3″ | 214 pounds

Tier: Top of the lineup player

Player comparable: Chris Kreider

Analysis: Lindstrom came out of the gates this season flying for the first few months. He then was hurt for most of the second half though between a hand and back injury. When healthy, he’s an elite athlete. He has the quick twitch feet of a smaller forward, and can get by opposing defenders. He’s a big, powerful center with a ton of physicality in his game. Lindstrom has good offensive skills, and can score goals. His playmaking is something I’ve questioned at times although he’s shown good instances this season. He has the potential to be a true No. 1 center if he hits although I don’t see a lot of NHL centers who play the way he does and I could see him get pushed to the wing.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Lindstrom projects as the potential second-line center for Columbus between Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger. In those three players it’s a lot of meanness and scoring ability down the middle. Lindstrom’s hockey sense and injury history would have given me some pause at fourth overall, but I presume Columbus got the green light from their doctors to make this pick. I don’t know if he’s ever going to be the biggest point producer in the NHL, but Lindstrom brings a unique skill set that coaches will love and has the potential to help create an identity of a Columbus team that people hate to play against.

5. Montréal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov, RW, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)

December 10, 2005 | 6′ 0″ | 192 pounds

Tier: NHL All-Star

Player comparable: Lucas Raymond

Analysis: Demidov has been the clear best player in Russia’s junior league over the last two seasons. He is the most purely skilled player in the draft, and is extremely creative in making plays with the puck. He has an excellent motor, attacks the net consistently and competes hard to win pucks. Demidov created scoring chances seemingly every shift this season. While he can run a power play when the game slows down, he makes a lot of plays on the move. He’s a powerful but awkward-looking skater though, who is a bit knock kneed and reliant on his edge work but gets around OK. He’s not the biggest winger as well so there is some question about how his game will translate to higher levels. I see a potential top-line winger who will score a lot and play a style of game that will appeal himself to coaches.

Pick grade: B+

Thoughts on the pick: In Demidov, Montreal gets the most purely skilled player in the draft. He provides a game-breaking element to their system that they haven’t had before. He has the potential to become a star for them down the line. They were one of the few teams that got their decision maker overseas to get live eyes on him, and obviously were very comfortable with the idea of him. He projects to be a top line/top power play winger alongside budding star Juraj Slafkovsky.

6. Utah Hockey Club: Tij Iginla, LW, Kelowna Rockets (WHL)

August 1, 2006 | 6′ 0″ | 192 pounds

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Viktor Arvidsson

Analysis: Iginla was excellent this season in the WHL for Kelowna and at the U18s for Canada, emerging as a top NHL prospect. The son of Jarome Iginla, Tij is a very talented offensive player. His stickhandling displays stand out constantly. He beats defenders one-on-one at a high rate and improvises very well with the puck. He skates well and can make high-skill plays with his feet moving. Iginla has a great shot that gets off the stick quick and can pick corners. He scored a lot of goals this season and projects to beat pro goalies from range. He gets to the inside to score as well and displays a strong effort away from the puck. His pure sense and playmaking don’t stand out like the rest of his game, though. He projects as a strong top-six wing who will score a lot of goals.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Iginla is a player who kept rising as the season went along, and became an option this high in the draft. He’s a highly competitive goal-scorer with a ton of skill. I had some minor concerns on his hockey sense, and I’m a bit surprised given some of the great defense prospects on the board such as Anton Silayev, Zeev Buium and Zayne Parekh that they didn’t go in that direction. Iginla projects as a top-six forward who brings a lot of elements to a lineup.

7. Ottawa Senators: Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)

September 29, 2005 | 6′ 3″ | 203 pounds

Tier: NHL All-Star

Player comparable: Alex Pietrangelo

Analysis: Yakemchuk was a top defenseman in the WHL this season. He’s a 6-3 right-shot defenseman who has legit game-breaking skill. He constantly breaks down opponents one-on-one and can pull off a lot of highlight reel moments. That he skates well and can attack with his skill makes him so difficult to stop as he often dances by checkers. His skating stride isn’t technically perfect. It can break down at times with his legs starting to flail at the end of shifts, but it’s a powerful stride and he often pulls away from pressure. Yakemchuk has a bullet shot from the point. He is more of a shot than a pass threat, and while he can see the ice, his vision isn’t at the same level as his shot or stickhandling. He can make stops due to his feet, length and strong physicality but his defensive play and consistency in that area can use work. Yakemchuk has star potential and projects to be a major minutes player in the NHL with a lot of offensive upside.

Pick grade: A

Thoughts on the pick: I think anyone who read my draft coverage knew I was going to be a big fan of whoever took Yakemchuk. He’s a dynamic big man. He has high-end skill, he can skate, and plays hard. He has the potential to be a star in the NHL even if he has some things in his all-around game to clean up.

8. Seattle Kraken: Berkly Catton, F, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)

January 14, 2006 | 5′ 11″ | 174 pounds

Tier: Bubble NHL All-Star and top of the lineup player

Player comparable: Logan Cooley

Analysis: Catton was one of the best players in the WHL this season and was the best player at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the summer. He is a well-rounded center and a high-end skater, with powerful edge work that will make him very difficult to check in the NHL and lets him elude pressure constantly. His footspeed is strong, but not at the same level as his edges. He’s a very skilled puckhandler and a great passer who can run a NHL power play. Catton makes a ton of difficult plays on the move and has a lot of pace in his game. He’s not overly physical, but he competes. He wins pucks, gets to the net and can kill penalties. He projects as an excellent top-six center with a chance to be a No. 1 center.

Pick grade: B+

Thoughts on the pick: I’m a huge fan of Catton’s game. I thought he was one of the most dynamic players in the draft. Given how much Seattle needed a premier defense prospect, it’s a bit surprising that they went and took a forward, but if they were going to take one, Catton is more than reasonable at this slot. He has top-line forward potential and could be a star if he truly hits. Teams were worried by his size, but everything else about his game was a major positive.

9. Calgary Flames: Zayne Parekh, RHD, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)

February 15, 2006 | 6′ 0″ | 181 pounds

Tier: Top of the lineup player

Player comparable: John Klingberg

Analysis: Parekh is an extremely talented offensive defenseman who was the best defenseman in the OHL this season. He has a ton of skill and hockey sense. When the puck is on his stick he beats opponents one-on-one often. His brain operates differently from other players on the ice in how he sees the ice and can take an extra second with the puck to create a scoring chance. He skates well and can attack with his speed and skill. He has strong edge work and top speed and is very elusive off the blue line. He also has an excellent point shot being a constant goal-scoring threat. The big issue with Parekh is his play away from the puck. He gives half-efforts at times defensively and doesn’t engage physically. I’ve seen worse defenders though. He picks off a lot of passes and makes stops but will likely never be a tough minutes defender. He projects as a top pair/PP1 type who may need to be deployed away from opponents’ top forwards.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Parekh is a super smart defenseman, arguably the smartest player in the entire draft. This is a bit of a swing by Calgary given his defensive issues, but he’s exactly what they need in their organization, as a potential top PP/top pair defender who can be a star if he truly hits. I’m a bit surprised they looked his way over Zeev Buium though given the similar profiles.

10. New Jersey Devils: Anton Silayev, LHD, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

April 11, 2006 | 6′ 7″ | 207 pounds

Tier: NHL All-Star

Player comparable: Zdeno Chara

Analysis: Silayev took a regular shift with power-play time on a KHL team this season as a 17-year-old and stood out for Torpedo in the KHL playoffs. When he went down to their junior team for their playoffs, he wasn’t as good as expected, although he was strong to end his year captaining Russia’s U20 team. He is a unique type of prospect who’s easy to dream on. He can play all situations and play on his off wing. Silayev is a 6-foot-7 defenseman who skates very well for his size. He has excellent footwork and a smooth stride, with strong four-way mobility. He closes gaps quickly on his check, plays a very physical brand of hockey and thus projects to be a premier shutdown type of defenseman in the NHL. He can skate pucks out of his zone well, makes a good first pass and shows strong hockey sense at the offensive blue line. Silayev has strong puck skills and can beat pro defensem*n one-on-one often enough. His offensive play won’t blow you away, but it’s good enough to move pucks in the NHL and get points. He can be solid offensively to go with elite defensive play to be a potential No. 1 defenseman one day.

Pick grade: A

Thoughts on the pick: Silayev fell further than some expected in the draft, as teams were unfamiliar with him and had some offense concerns in his game. I didn’t share those concerns. I don’t see premier offense in his game, but I see enough with his size, mobility, and physicality for him to be a premier NHL defenseman.

11. San Jose Sharks: Sam Dickinson, LHD, London Knights (OHL)

June 7, 2006 | 6′ 3″ | 203 pounds

Tier: Top of the lineup player

Player comparable: Noah Hanifin

Analysis: Dickinson was a major minutes player on a great London team. It’s easy to envision him having a long NHL career. He’s a 6-foot-3 defenseman who is one of the best skaters in the draft. He has an explosive, fluid stride that easily picks up power. He breaks up plays and closes gaps easily due to his skating and creates so much possession time for his team. Dickinson is very skilled at handling the puck, and often creates chances due to the combo of his skating and skill. He also has a hard slap shot from the point and projects to score a good number of goals in the NHL. He has offense and can make some tough plays but I wouldn’t call his vision what gets you excited about his game. Even with that in mind, in terms of what he could be in the league, I see PP2 potential who could have a major impact at even strength.

Pick grade: B+

Thoughts on the pick: The Sharks have to be very happy with how the draft played out for them. They get a potential top pair two-way defenseman in Dickinson to go alongside Macklin Celebrini in the same class. They traded up to 11 to secure a premier defense prospect and were able to accomplish that.

12. Minnesota Wild: Zeev Buium, LHD, Univ. of Denver (NCAA)

December 7, 2005 | 6′ 0″ | 185 pounds

Tier: NHL All-Star

Player comparable: Morgan Rielly

Analysis: Buium was one of the top-scoring defensem*n in college as a draft-eligible and one of the best draft eligible defensem*n I’ve ever seen at that level. He is an extremely intelligent puck-mover who can run a power play like a top NHL player. He makes high-end plays routinely and can break shifts open with his puckhandling and passes. Buium is a strong skater who can activate off the blue line and create off the rush. He has very good edge work and is proficient at making checkers miss. His defense is good enough at the amateur level, but he isn’t very physically imposing. He is smart and mobile and breaks up enough plays to go with his great offense to be a major positive at even strength. He has game breaking potential and looks like a potential star No. 1 defenseman in the NHL who will put up big numbers.

Pick grade: A+

Thoughts on the pick: Buium is exactly what the Wild need. He’s a dynamic defenseman who is one of the smartest players in the draft and carried Denver to a title. He has the potential to be a top pair/PP1 defender for the Wild and provides some star upside they don’t have a ton of in their organization.

13. Philadelphia Flyers: Jett Luchanko, C, Guelph Storm (OHL)

August 21, 2006 | 5′ 11″ | 187 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Yanni Gourde

Analysis: Luchanko took significant steps forward this season into a legit NHL prospect. He is one of the better skaters in the draft. He has an explosive stride and when he winds up he’ll be able to get plenty of controlled entries in the NHL. He competes very hard at both ends of the ice and attacks the tough areas. He has skill and excels as a playmaker. Luchanko often creates chances for his teammates can do so on the move, in tight and off the edge. His finishing touch could use work as he didn’t convert on a lot of chances this season. As a smaller forward, whether his offense is special enough is a minor question but it lessened for me over the course of the season. He looks like a potential third line center or second line wing.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Luchanko gives Philly some much needed center depth in their pipeline. He’s a well-rounded player whose stock kept going up this season. He plays hard, is a great skater, and has offense in his game. He projects as a middle six center in the NHL.

14. Buffalo Sabres: Konsta Helenius, C, Jukurit (Liiga)

May 11, 2006 | 5′ 11″ | 190 pounds

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Max Domi

Analysis: Helenius was very good at the Liiga level and was a top player for Finland’s U20 team. He had a strong playoffs for Jukurit leading to an invite to Finland’s national team. He is a highly skilled playmaker who can make a lot of difficult passes consistently. He shows the vision to run a pro powerplay effectively. He skates well and creates a lot of offense with pace for himself and others. Helenius isn’t a big center, but he gives strong efforts off the puck, doesn’t shy from going to the net and has an edge to his game. Inside the NHL the debate is whether he’s a good or a special 5-11 forward. I’ve seen enough flashes to think the latter, but his so-so U18 worlds and World Juniors gives some pause. I think he can be a top line center or a #2 on a top team.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Helenius is a very good and well-rounded player. He’s very intelligent and scored versus men this season. He fits here on talent and projects as a top-six forward, but, yet again, Buffalo takes a sub 6-0 forward with a premium pick. I get the best player available angle, but there are only so many power play jobs in the NHL, and it feels like they are backing themselves into a corner on the trade market.

15. Detroit Red Wings: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, F, Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)

October 5, 2005 | 6′ 1″ | 207 pounds

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Tyler Bertuzzi

Analysis: Brandsegg-Nygard was very good at the Swedish junior level. He started off slow versus men, but was very good in the Allsvenskan playoffs and made Norway’s senior team. He is a well-rounded forward. He’s a good skater. He has strong puck skills. He has a great shot and is often a threat to score from mid-distance. His frame is average-sized, but he plays hard and has physicality in his game. He thinks the game well and sees plays develop, but I don’t think his playmaking is his main asset. Even if he’s not very dynamic, Brandsegg-Nygard has a game that should lend itself to success versus men, eventually as a good NHL forward and potentially in a top six.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: In what may be the most predictable pick in this draft, Detroit picks the player that we gave them in nearly every mock draft. He’s a hard-working two-way winger who can score and has some bite, and projects as a top-six wing.

16. St. Louis Blues: Adam Jiříček, RHD, HC Plzen (Czechia)

June 28, 2006 | 6′ 2″ | 168 pounds

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Vladislav Gavrikov

Analysis: Jiricek was one of the best players at the Hlinka Gretzky in the summer. His play in the top Czech league wasn’t as impressive, and then he got injured in the opening game of the world juniors. The knee injury cost him the rest of the season. When healthy, he’s a 6-3 right shot who skates quite well. His skating allows him to make a lot of stops and be strong going back to retrieve pucks. Jiricek uses his big body well and competes for pucks. Offensively he doesn’t stand out, but he has some skill and moves pucks efficiently. It’s hard to tell which version of Jiricek we saw this season is the real one, but it’s probably somewhere in the middle. That Jiricek still looks like a potential top four NHL defenseman.

Pick grade: B+

Thoughts on the pick: The Blues had a clear need for more blue-line talent in their system, and Jiricek was a clear fit here on talent and need. He’s a big right-shot who can skate, move the puck, and make stops. He projects as a top four defenseman for them one day and becomes the clear best young defenseman in their system.

17. Washington Capitals: Terik Parascak, RW, Prince George Cougars (WHL)

May 28, 2006 | 6′ 0″ | 179 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Fabian Zetterlund

Analysis: Parascak had a monster first WHL season as a top scorer in the league after playing U18 hockey the season prior. He has a ton of skill and offensive sense. He beats defenders often with his puckhandling and makes a lot of plays to teammates. He’s not very big, but Parascak works hard. He makes high-end skilled plays at the net, can kill penalties and gives a good effort every night. The big issue in his NHL projection is his skating. He has a heavy stride that lacks any kind of NHL footspeed. He’s overperformed a lot to date and while he doesn’t fit the athletic profile, his hockey sense is so good he could potentially be a middle-six wing.

Pick grade: C+

Thoughts on the pick: Parascak at 17 is a surprise to me. Their AGM Ross Mahoney knows the WHL extremely well, and Parascak had a fantastic rookie season in the WHL. He has a ton of skill and offensive sense, but I have some questions on his pro projection due to his frame and skating. He’s a good player who could be a middle-six wing and help a power play, but there’s a lot of risk on him missing and this seemed heavy to me at this point of the draft.

18. Chicago Blackhawks: Sacha Boisvert, C, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

March 17, 2006 | 6′ 2″ | 183 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Josh Norris

Analysis: Boisvert has been a highly productive USHL player over the last two seasons. He has a lot of appealing tools for the NHL. He’s a 6-2 center who can skate and has legit offensive abilities. He is very skilled and instinctive with the puck. He’s able to beat defenders with pace as well. Boisvert has an excellent shot and is a threat to score from the faceoff dots. I don’t love his playmaking as he’s certainly more of a shoot-first type of player but he can make tough plays. His compete is fine. He’s not going to be known for that aspect of his game but he wins enough battles and uses his size. He could be a middle-six forward in the NHL.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Boisvert checks a lot of boxes for the NHL. He’s big, skates well, has good skill and scoring ability, and competes well enough. The believers in him see major offensive upside. I see more of a potential third-line center, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest he could be a second-line player if he hits. He brings some much needed size to the Chicago forward group of prospects. There was buzz he was going to go this high in the lead-up to the draft.

19. Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly, LW, Tri-City Storm (USHL)

February 28, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 161 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Anthony Duclair

Analysis: Connelly has been a top player in the USHL this season and at the various tournaments he’s played in for Team USA. He’s a dynamic offensive player. He’s a fantastic skater, with the edge work and top speed to evade and get by NHL checkers consistently. Connelly has a lot of skill and can attack at top speed. That combination allows him to be a force at even strength at times. His playmaking isn’t as good as his one-on-one play, but it’s good enough. Connelly competes well enough off the puck, attacks the net and can be a reliable defensive forward. He has some physical play in him but also can lack discipline. Some NHL teams have some character-based concerns about drafting Connelly, further discussed here.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Vegas was often a team discussed as a potential landing spot for Connelly, as a team that doesn’t shy away from rolling the dice. Connelly is very talented — he is a top 10 player in this draft on pure traits. He’s a dynamic skater with a very high skill level. His decisions on and off the ice concerned a lot of teams though. Time will tell if he can ease those concerns and how his career will go, but he looks like an NHL forward for sure.

20. New York Islanders: Cole Eiserman, LW, U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)

August 29, 2006 | 6′ 0″ | 196 pounds

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Owen Tippett

Analysis: Eiserman is an excellent goal-scoring winger who has put up huge numbers in junior and scored the most goals ever by a U.S. NTDP player. He isn’t the best playmaker in the world, but he has game-breaking qualities with his one-on-one play and shot when the puck is on his stick. He can beat goalies often with his one-timer and wrist shot from range. He sees the ice well enough and can make tough passes, although he absolutely prefers to shoot and tends to overshoot the puck. He’s a strong skater who can create his own shot and doesn’t shy from going to the net to score as well. His consistency isn’t the best and can be a frustrating player to watch at times, but I don’t think he’s soft and actually had some physical bite in his game. Despite all his faults, Eiserman is also a goal-per-game player in junior, so you ride the wave with him. He projects as a legit top six wing in the NHL.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: The star has faded on Eiserman after being a projected high lottery pick 12 months ago. At No. 20, it was worth the shot for the Islanders. He is highly skilled and an exceptional goal scorer, even if parts of his game will frustrate you. He still projects as a top-six wing who will score in the NHL even if you don’t always love his game.

21. Montréal Canadiens: Michael Hage, C, Chicago Steel (USHL)

April 14, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 190 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Rickard Rakell

Analysis: Hage was one of the top forwards in the USHL this season. Hage is a good-sized center who skates well and has a ton of skill. The high-end one-on-one plays he can make at full flight are clear NHL quality and he has the ability to break open a shift. Hage’s playmaking and finishing are good enough, with a shot that can score from the faceoff dots, but neither match the caliber of his feet and hands. Hage has the potential to break open a game, but I do find his game to be inconsistent and too perimeter at times. He projects as a middle-six wing with a chance to be more.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Hage was one of the best players in the USHL this season. He was a tough evaluation this year because he missed most of his 16-year-old season and had to deal with the sudden passing of his father. He was inconsistent at times this year, but he was on fire in the second half. Some scouts question his compete, and some wonder if it was just a kid dealing with a difficult situation. He has clear NHL talent, and if he hits he could be a top-six forward.

22. Nashville Predators: Yegor Surin, C, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)

August 1, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 192 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Ivan Barbashev

Analysis: Surin is an easy player to like. He was a top player in Russia’s junior league this season with a stellar playoff run for Loko. He’s a skilled forward who can create a lot of offense. He displays quality vision and finishing touch and skates well, too. Surin is a hyper competitive forward and the energy he brings to shifts is what makes me optimistic about his NHL projection. He brings it every game, plays both ways, is very physical and has a lot of tempo in how he creates offense. Surin has mostly played wing this season, but he has the traits to be a pro thid line center or second line wing.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Surin is one of the most competitive players in the draft. He had a monster playoff in the Russian junior league. The pure talent in his game doesn’t jump out at you, but he has a chance to be an Ivan Barbashev or even a Philip Danault type if he gets to his NHL projection.

23. Anaheim Ducks: Stian Solberg, LHD, Vålerenga (Norway)

December 29, 2005 | 6′ 2″ | 205 pounds

Tier: Bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Kaiden Guhle

Analysis: Solberg played all-situations minutes for his pro team in Norway this season and was an important part of Norway’s U20 and senior team, ending his year with a great World Championship where he was one of Norway’s best players. He’s a very good defender due to his combination of size, mobility and compete. He is a hyper physical defenseman who plays with an edge and wins a lot of pucks. He closes on gaps well and breaks up a good number of plays. Offensively he can skate pucks up ice and has decent hands as well. I don’t see top-end puck play, but over the course of the season I came around on that aspect of his game. He can make a first pass and shows enough touch to go with tremendous defensive work, projecting as a legit top-four NHL defender.

Pick grade: A-

Thoughts on the pick: Solberg understandbly slid a bit, as NHL teams were concerned by drafting a player who was in the Norway pro league all season with a major pick. I’m a big believer in the player though, especially based on what he showed in the men’s worlds. He’s super physical, skates well, has size and is good enough with the puck. He projects as a top four defenseman and it’s hard to ask for more at No. 23. He complements the defensem*n in their organization very well too.

24. Utah Hockey Club: Cole Beaudoin, C, Barrie Colts (OHL)

April 24, 2006 | 6′ 2″ | 209 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Andrew Copp

Analysis: Beaudoin is a very likable player. He’s a tremendously hardworking center, with NHL size and skill. He is constantly noticeable throughout the game in how many pucks he wins and the amount of plays he makes. He is quite physical and doesn’t shy from getting to the tough areas of the ice. He can create offense in junior, but with a somewhat heavy skating stride, the debate is in how his game will translate to the pros. I’ve seen him get by enough defenders and think his compete is so good that his game will work in a potential third-line center role.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Beaudoin is a very likeable prospect. He’s an extremely competitive, big center with good enough talent. He’s probably a third-line center in the NHL who is loved by your coach, but if he hits he reminds me a lot of Boone Jenner at the same age.

25. Boston Bruins: Dean Letourneau, C, St. Andrew’s College (PHC)

February 21, 2006 | 6′ 7″ | 214 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Michael Rasmussen

Analysis: Letourneau was a dominant player at the prep level this season and one of the very best pro prospects to come through St. Andrew’s College. His toolkit is rather unique. He skates very well for 6-foot-6. That he has a legit offensive touch to go with his feet is what makes him so appealing for his pro projection. He can dangle defenders at full flight and create a lot of scoring chances. Letourneau isn’t a high-energy compete and some scouts question his effort at times, but he gets to the middle well enough and isn’t afraid of using his body. The debate on Letourneau will be how real his offense is. The athlete is obvious, but is he actually NHL smart or does he have NHL scoring ability? It’s so hard to pinpoint at the low level of competition he faced all season. He could be Tage Thompson, but he could be Joe Colborne or Riley Tufte. I think he ends somewhere in the middle.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Boston takes a big swing at 25, pun intended, on one of the most purely talented players in the draft. Letourneau is 6-foot-7, skates well for a big man and has legit skill. If he hits, he has the potential to be a top-six center. But it’s so hard to gauge his hockey sense and compete given he played prep hockey all season. Time will tell how it goes for him, but he’s a very good player and worth the gamble at 25.

26. Los Angeles Kings: Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)

January 1, 2006 | 6′ 2″ | 214 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Dominik Kubalik

Analysis: Greentree was a top-scoring winger in the OHL this season although his play for Team Canada at two tournaments wasn’t that impressive. The appeal of his game is that he’s a large winger with legit offensive skills. He makes difficult plays often with the puck as a handler and passer and possesses high-end creativity. He competes well enough and can use his size to get to the net although I don’t think he’s the type who is going to run people over. He can score at the net and is able to finish from the faceoff dots. The main concern on Greentree is his skating. He lacks NHL footspeed and he will need to prove the rest of his game is good enough to overcome those issues. Given his size/skill combo, I think he will, and has a chance to be a top nine wing who can help a power play.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Greentree is a talented, big winger with a lot of skill and natural goal-scoring ability. I actually mocked him to the Kings when they had the 21 pick, as I thought he was a fit for the kind of player they like, adding some size/skill to their forward group.

27. Chicago Blackhawks: Marek Vanacker, LW, Brantford Bulldogs (OHL)

April 12, 2006 | 6′ 0″ | 165 pounds

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Analysis: Vanacker had a strong second OHL season scoring at over a point/game clip for Brantford but he wasn’t great with Canada in the spring. He’s a strong skating winger with very good hands. He can beat defenders often off the rush and creates a lot of controlled entries. Vanacker isn’t going to run players over, but he’s a decent-sized forward who works hard, wins a lot of 50/50 pucks and gets to the net to create offense. He makes plays but I wouldn’t call him a top-tier playmaker or a true offensive threat. He has the traits of a bottom six wing in the league.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Vanacker was a projected late-first-round pick due to his tenacity, while being a strong skater and puck handler. He’s not the flashiest player in the world, and I have some questions on how much offense he will have in the NHL, but he looks like an NHL forward coaches will love.

28. Calgary Flames: Matvei Gridin, RW, Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL)

March 1, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 185 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Yegor Chinakhov

Analysis: Gridin was a top scorer in the USHL this season. The talent is obvious in Gridin’s game. He’s a strong skater with excellent offensive skills. He routinely beats USHL defenders with his one-on-one play and can improvise well with the puck. He’s a strong playmaker and finisher who can generate a lot of offense. His effort level is just OK and he can play on the perimeter too much. He did kill penalties at times in the USHL though and I think his compete and consistency are good enough to be a solid pro.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Gridin had a huge year in the USHL and played his way from relative unknown into a late-first-round pick. He’s a great goal-scorer with good speed, skill and a pro frame. He projects as a top-nine wing who can score goals in the NHL. Calgary has a lot of quality wing prospects but Gridin is just as good as many of them.

29. Dallas Stars: Emil Hemming, RW, TPS (Liiga)

June 27, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 205 pounds

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Analysis: Hemming was a very good player at the Finnish junior level and for Finland’s U18 team. He got time in Liiga and with the world junior team, although both were in limited-minute roles. Hemming has a lot of offensive talent. He’s a highly skilled winger who can skate well. He is dangerous in transition, creates a lot of controlled entries and can break open shifts with his skill. Hemming can make plays and see openings develop, but his shot is his best weapon. He can rip pucks from range and will be a legit goal-scoring threat versus top goalies. Like a lot of goal scorers, Hemming can lean on his shot too much and stays on the outside. The lack of interior offense and inconsistent effort is the only thing keeping me from tabbing him as a potential middle-six forward.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Hemming is one of the better natural goal-scorers in the draft with a solid overall talent level. He frustrated scouts at times with his consistency and lack of playmaking, but there’s no doubting he can be an NHL scorer if he hits. He has a little more size than some of Dallas’ other top forward prospects, which helps. His game rubbed me the wrong way, but I see the path to him being a middle-six forward.

30. New York Rangers: EJ Emery, RHD, U.S. National U18 Team (NTDP)

March 30, 2006 | 6′ 3″ | 185 pounds

Tier: Middle of the lineup player

Player comparable: Dylan Samberg

Analysis: Emery is a player with a lot of pro traits. He’s 6-foot-3 and skates very well being one of the more athletic defensem*n in his age group. He is strong on gaps and retrievals, plays hard on his checks and has the potential to make a lot of NHL stops. He can attack with his feet and often jumps up into the rush. Emery’s offense is a question, as his pure production won’t excite you with zero goals on the season. I think the first pass offense in his game is good enough to play a regular shift in the league, but it will be the main part of his game he will need to prove versus better players.

Pick grade: B

Thoughts on the pick: Emery is a Rangers type of defenseman. He is a big, highly mobile defender who plays hard and can make a lot of stops. He has first-pass offense, but he also had zero goals this season, so offensive expectations aren’t that high. He can project to play in the NHL as a 4/5 D whom coaches love, and his elite athleticism gives him some upside to be better than that if he really hits.

31. Toronto Maple Leafs: Ben Danford, RHD, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

February 6, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 190 pounds

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Analysis: Danford was a strong two-way defenseman for Oshawa this season who played a lot of minutes. Danford skates quite well. He’s able to escape pressure with the puck and skate pucks up ice like a pro. Defensively he closes on pucks quickly, and competes well enough to win a lot of close races. Offensively he’s not dynamic, but he’s quite smart with the puck. He makes a lot difficult passes, often while skating with pace. I don’t think he stands out at either end of the ice in the NHL, but he could be a useful defenseman for an organization.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: Danford is a likeable player. He is a very smart and competitive defenseman who skates well and has decent size. He’s not the sexiest defender, but he has a lot of substance and projects as an NHL defenseman. He’s a third-pair type for me who can play hard minutes, but if there’s a bit more offense to come in his game I can see him get to a second-pair projection.

32. Edmonton Oilers: Sam O’Reilly, C, London Knights (OHL)

March 30, 2006 | 6′ 1″ | 183 pounds

Tier: Projected to play NHL games

Analysis: O’Reilly was very good for a rookie in the OHL. He’s played a major role for a top London team, playing in all situations. He’s a two-way center. He competes hard and has physicality. I’ve seen quicker skaters, but he can escape pressure and has good enough quickness for the NHL level. O’Reilly has quality skill and vision and can create chances. He has a decent shot but I like him more when he’s making plays. He has the potential to be a bottom-six center in the league.

Pick grade: B-

Thoughts on the pick: O’Reilly is a well-rounded center prospect whom plenty of scouts liked by the end of the season. He’s a hard worker, a good skater, and has legit skill as well. He projects as a bottom-six center, and if he were to add a bit more consistent scoring, I could see him as a middle-six pivot in the NHL.

(Illustration: Sean Reilly / The Athletic; photos: David Berding, Maksim Konstantinov / SOPA Images / LightRocket, Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)