With the NHL Entry Draft less than 3 weeks away, today I will go through an entire mock draft of the first round, from the obvious to not, this draft is especially hard to predict, but I try my best to below.
1. San Jose Sharks – C Macklin Celebrini, Boston University
The Sharks got the first overall selection for the first time in their franchises history, this pick isn’t too difficult for them, as Celebrini is the best player in this draft class, and it isn’t particularly close. They are getting a potential franchise altering talent in Macklin Celebrini. He puts up an absurd amount of points no matter where he plays. Celebrini not only has a great shot, but he is also a good playmaker and does a great job at finding his teammates in the offensive zone. Celebrini is reportedly still undecided weather or not he will choose to return to BU next season or if he will join San Jose. There isn’t a downside to either option, but if I had to guess the Sharks will do everything they can to sign him early, and he’ll be in the NHL this fall.
2. Chicago Blackhawks – D Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State
The Blackhawks will likely deliberate hard at this pick, it’s between Levshunov and the MHL’s Ivan Demidov. Though the prospect of creating a line of Bedard with Demidov is enticing, the Blackhawks should select Levshunov. They need a top right handed defenseman, as Seth Jones isn’t producing as much as he used to. Levshunov not only has a good shot, but he’s also a smooth skater who looks almost effortless at times how good he looked for Michigan State last year. Levshunov is a guy who could come in and immediately be a Power Play Quarterback and play on a defensive pairing alongside fellow top draft pick Kevin Korchinski, this pick could solidify the Blackhawks blueline for the long term as they enter year two of the Connor Bedard era in Chicago.
3. Anaheim Ducks – F Ivan Demidov, MHL
The Ducks continue to add to their top offensive core, drafting Leo Carlsson last year and acquiring Cutter Gauthier from the Flyers in the Jamie Drysdale trade. Demidov put up 2 points per game on average last season, putting up 60 points in 30 games. Demidov is a dynamic forward who definitely has a very bright future in the NHL. There are obviously some concerns with the Russian factor, but his contract is up after next season, and he should be due to come over after that. It shouldn’t be as big of an issue and a story it was throughout the draft process as it was for Philadelphia’s Matvei Michkov this time last year. Demidov is a great prospect who could find himself on a line with Gauthier and Carlsson this time next fall, that’s a forward core Anaheim is definitely interested in, considering the amount of capital they’ve already put into their defensive core with guys like Pavel Mintyukov.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets – D Anton Silayev, Torpedo (KHL)
The Blue Jackets likely consider Sam Dickinson here, but I think they end up going with Silayev. The 6’7 unit has the upside of being a fantastic two-way top pairing defenseman. He uses his size greatly to his advantage and that physicality and defensive ability should definitely translate to the next level. Hes very aggressive and mobile, particularly along the boards he is not afraid to get into a puck battle down low. His skating ability and defensive positioning is very sound, that mixed with his size allows him to have a vast range for him to be able to cover. The only real knock on Silayev is that he won’t be in the NHL for a few years, as his contract with the Torpedo ends after the 2025-26 season. So we likely won’t see him in the NHL until the fall of 2026.
5. Montreal Canadiens – C Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat (WHL)
Montreal runs to the podium in order to select Cayden Lindstrom. Lindstrom likely could’ve gone 2nd overall in this draft if not for an injury that sidelined him for two thirds of his season. Lindstrom is a fast skating power forward who uses his size and skating to his advantage. Lindstrom put up 46 points in 32 games, his combo of speed and size makes him projectable as a future power forward in the NHL who could end up being a second line center. Lindstrom is a strong and physical player as well and Montreal has been very high on him throughout the draft process, so much so it was reported if they had both Lindstrom and Ivan Demidov available at this pick, that they’d pick Lindstrom over Demidov. Lindstrom will be a very good NHL player and Montreal will be very happy with this pick.
6. Utah – D Zeev Buium, University of Denver
Zeev Buium is probably the 2nd best offensive defenseman in this draft class. He’s a future top pairing and puck mover. Buium is a very creative offensive player who distributes the puck to his teammates greatly. His team at the University of Denver after defeating Boston College. Buium is a winning player, and for a Utah team that is revamping their defense core through the top of the draft after drafting Dimitri Simashev last year, Buium is another step in the right direction as the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City.
7. Ottawa Senators – D Zayne Parekh, Saginaw (OHL)
The Senators secure the future of their defensive core by selecting Zayne Parekh. Parekh is without a doubt the best offensive defenseman in this class. Parekh recorded over 30 goals and 90 points for the Memorial Cup winning Saginaw Spirit this season. Parekh has a great shot and a killer skating ability, he was an integral part of Saginaw’s cup run as the leading member of that blueline. The fit here with Ottawa is near perfect. They have no shortage of left handed defensemen, with guys like Jake Sanderson, Thomas Cabot and Jakob Chychrun, they don’t have a dynamic defenseman on the right side, Parekh can completely flip that pendulum.
8. Seattle Kraken – D Sam Dickinson, London (OHL)
Seattle doesn’t think too much with this pick, Sam Dickinson can be a top defenseman for this team as they ramp up their young core, hoping for a bounce back from Calder winner Matty Beniers, as well as a full NHL season for Shane Wright next season. Dickinson can be apart of that future young core that Seattle is building with their strong prospect pool. Dickinson’s London Knights lost in the Memorial Cup final to the Saginaw Spirit, and reportedly Dickinson’s strong playoff play is boosting his draft stock, potentially even as high as being selected by Columbus at 4th overall. Dickinson is a fantastic offensive D while also being sound defensively with good skating ability. He is able to close gaps and play physical which is very good as a younger defenseman. He’ll likely spend another season in London before turning Pro.
9. Calgary Flames – F Tij Iginla, Kelowna (WHL)
Yeah I know, the story writes itself if the Flames select Iginla. Son of former Flame Jarome Iginla, Tij flew up draft boards this past season after totaling 47 goals and 84 total points in 64 games with Kelowna. He has a great skating ability and there’s even a chance that the Flames won’t have the opportunity to select him at this pick. Some think Iginla could go as high as 5th overall to Montreal, but also as low as 11th overall to Buffalo. Though Iginla is listed as a center, and I think he could definitely stick there in the long term due to his size. The story writes itself with Tij getting drafted to Calgary, and it would make the draft that much more entertaining as a fan.
10. Calgary Flames – F Berkly Catton, Spokane (WHL)
Projected Trade: 10th overall pick Via New Jersey to Calgary in exchange for Goaltender Jacob Markstrom
The Devils get their goaltender, and the Flames get another pick to boost their retool. Catton is a guy who likely fell in this draft due to his size. Catton put up a fantastic season. Catton is one of just 4 CHL players since 2000 to put ip at least 50 goals and 115 points in their draft year, joining former #1 picks Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, and Connor Bedard. This is unprecedented point production and the only reason he fell? He’s 5”10. If he’s above 6 foot he likely goes top 3. Obviously that’s out of his control, but Catton long term projects as a winger for this exact reason. Catton could be a force on the wing for Calgary for years to come, as his offensive creativity could reign supreme in the coming years.
11. Buffalo Sabres – C Konsta Helenius, Liiga
The Buffalo Sabres could trade this pick, but they elect to keep it to take Konsta Helenius. Helenius is a fantastic two-way center who could walk into the NHL as a 50-60 point player who could play in your middle-six while also being an excellent penalty killer. Helenius is a high skill player with a good compete level. His high hockey IQ is something that he has been praised for, and has been labeled as one of the safest picks a team could make in the first round. He may not have the ceilings of guys like Celebrini and Demidov, but he has arguably the best floor out of almost any prospect in this draft. Some have him as the best European skater in this class, ahead of guys like Demidov and Silayev.
12. Philadelphia Flyers – LW Cole Eiserman, USNTDP
If you asked me a year ago, I would’ve told you Cole Eiserman would’ve been selected at the 2nd overall spot, almost no matter what. A year later his stock has fallen. Why? It mainly stems from his lack of defensive ability and his low compete level. We know that Eiserman can score, putting up 82 goals in 81 games played last season between the U18 National team and the USNTDP USHL Team. We know Eiserman’s greatest abilities and parts of his game. His shot is without a doubt the best in the class. The main reason for the fall is the lack of consistency on the defensive side. Philly could be a place that helps him learn that under Head Coach John Tortoella. The Flyers have a rich prospect pool, including two first round picks from last year in Matvei Michkov and Oliver Bonk, Eiserman could be a great impact player for them in the future.
13. Minnesota Wild – D Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary (WHL)
Yakemchuk, the other top right handed defenseman in this class is not as elite as Parekh, but he is no slouch. His stride and strong deking ability have some people saying he resembles a power forward type of player, instead he’s a big puck moving defenseman with a wicket shot. His decision making and competitiveness are two elements of his game that stand out. Yakemchuk put up 30 goals for the Hitmen this year, and protects the puck very well, he does a great job along the boards. Yakemchuk is a future top power play contributor. Minnesota wasn’t expected to be in this position during the preseason, and they a nice young core with Matt Boldy, and Marco Rossi alongside Kirill Kaprizov. They have their top RH defenseman of the future in Brock Faber, and Yakemchuk could contribute a lot on that right side in the future.
14. San Jose Sharks (Via PIT) – D Stian Solberg, Färjestad BK (SHL)
The Sharks acquired this pick from the Penguins last summer after trading them defenseman Eric Karlsson, and they definitely are happy about this result. Coming into this season, Stian Solberg was not a player that was on many people’s radars that could be a selection in this first round. After dominating the top professional league in Norway, Solberg has emerged as a top 20 pick in this draft. He plays very well on both sides of the puck, though he specializes on the defensive side more than offense. He makes players lives hard especially in man-to-man coverage, he does a great job down low in puck battles as well.
15. Detroit Red Wings – F Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa (OHL)
Also a riser in this seasons draft, Detroit lands a very good prospect at this spot in Beckett Sennecke. He dealt with an injury that weakened his play throughout the Playoffs, the second half of his season however (and a growth spurt), is what boosted his draft stock throughout the regular season. He put up 27 goals and 68 total points in 63 games. He put up 17 goals and 44 Points over the final 28 games of his regular season, which is a 107 point pace over a full season. Part of why he’s projected in a wide range of different draft positions. He’s ranked as high as 4th overall to Columbus, and as low to 18th for the Chicago Blackhawks. I think the Red Wings deepen their prospect pool even more with this pick. Sennecke is a dynamic offensive player with a good combination of size and strength, and scouts have raved about his skill and work ethic. The Red Wings haven’t even sniffed their full potential yet, with top prospects like Simon Edvinssom, Marco Kasper, and Axel-Sandin Pellinka having not contributed at the NHL level yet. Sennecke only deepens that pool.
16. St. Louis Blues – F Liam Greentree, Windsor (OHL)
Greentree’s stock fell this year despite putting up a fantastic season for the Spitfires, who were not that great this year, part in fact because of the departure of Matthew Maggio, who turned pro in the Islanders organization. Greentree put up 36 goals and 90 total points. The main knock on Greentree is his skating ability. He is a bigger guy, He’s 6’2, 210. His below average skating ability makes him a bit of a liability off the rush, he projects as a power forward type player, with a mix of a great shot and can be a strong Middle-sixer in the future. The Blues have been bolstering their prospect pool as well, selecting Dalibor Dvorsky and Zachary Bolduc over the last two drafts respectively, Greentree can help them greatly in the future as they look to get back towards contention.
17. Washington Capitals – D Adam Jiricek, HC Plzeň (Czechia)
Brother of top Blue Jackets draft pick David Jiricek, Adam doesn’t exhibit the same top end potential. Jiricek is a solid player, he had a season ending injury at the end of December to his right knee while playing for Czechia at the World Juniors. Jiricek has some solid skating and skills, he has a good ability to join the rush and use his size to create separation, leading to good offensive opportunities. He doesn’t produce the type of points that guys lile Buium or Parekh are, but Jiricek provides good two-way play. He’s played a solid pro game in Czechia, adjusting to the speed and overall tempo of the game well. The main concern in his profile is injuries, they have plagued him throughout the last few years. If he can stay healthy, his mix of skill and hockey sense project him as a future second pairing defenseman in the NHL. And this would be a very good pick by the Capitals as they retool their roster.
18. Chicago Blackhawks (Via NYI) – F Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, Mora IK (Allsvenskan)
After trading up with the New York Islanders over a month in advance in the draft, the Blackhawks snag Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. Brandsegg-Nygard projects as a solid two-way top six player. Brandsegg-Nygard has a lot of qualities in his game that make people think that he is among the most pro-ready players in the class. He isn’t as dynamic as some other forwards, but he does not have to be. His defensive play and compete level particularly are strong. He also has a great shot, he could end up being a future threat on the power play for the Blackhawks. His hockey IQ is also off the charts, he has an advanced ability to read plays and see how they develop. Brandsegg-Nygard is a prospect the Blackhawks could target at this spot as they enter year two of the Connor Bedard era.
19. Vegas Golden Knights – F Trevor Connelly, Tri-City (USHL)
From a skills standpoint, Connelly is in the top 10 in this entire draft class. However, he has a number of character and effort concerns that is going to make him slide in the draft. Including a moment in the Gold Metal game of the U18 World Juniors tournament, he delivered a hit to the head of Canadian forward Ryder Richie, and he argued with the refs, and got himself ejected. The Americans would go on to lose the game after that. That in part of off-ice concerns is what is making Connelly slide. But on the ice, he is very dynamic. Great speed, his one-on-one play is excellent. He is also a pretty good playmaker as well, recording 47 assists in 52 games this season. He is very agile on one-on-ones and uses his quick hands and swift crossovers to create separation to generate high danger scoring chances.
20. New York Islanders (Via CHI) – F Igor Chernyshov, MHK Dynamo Moskva
The Islanders are starved of prospects, last selecting in the first round in 2019 when they selected Swedish forward Simon Holmstrom. They stay in Europe with this pick, selecting Igor Chernyshov after trading down. Chernyshov is a future power forward in the NHL who could be a 50-60 point player. A right handed shot who plays on his off-wing, Chernyshov has a good shot who uses his size and skill to open up the play to get a good look. Last year he really matured in the MHL, putting up 28 points in 22 games. He also got 34 games of run at the KHL level for Dynamo Moskva, he averaged around 6-8 minutes a night, which isn’t bad for an 18-year old prospect. Chernyshov could be a future power play weapon and top 6 forward, and the Islanders could use some young talent on their roster. Chernyshov has another year on his contract before he comes to North America, and the Isles could be making this pick very strategically, as they have no shortage of Russians on their roster: Ilya Sorokin, Semyon Varlamov, Alexander Romanov, and Maxim Tsyplakov.
21. Los Angeles Kings – C Jett Luchanko, Guelph (OHL)
The Kings take a late riser in Jett Luchanko. Luchanko a bit on the smaller side at 5’10, has risen late in this draft process. He had a good finish to his season and he also tested well at the NHL Combine in Buffalo within the last week. Luchanko is a very consistent player and despite his size he does a good job winning puck battles, he’s quick with a solid stride and he has a very high end hockey IQ. He totaled 74 points in 68 games for the Guelph Storm Luchanko is a pretty good player in almost every facet of the game. He projects as a good 2-way center who will likely end up on the third line of a team. About a month ago he was projected to go around the late 20s or early in the 2nd round, but now he’s skyrocket up towards the late teens and early twenties. It’s a solid fit with the Kings, who as a team tend to play a defensive type of game, Luchanko could be a solid middle-six contributor in the future.
22. Nashville Predators – F Tarik Parascak, Prince George (WHL)
The Preds take a swing for a potential home run with this pick. Parascak burst into the scene and put up 43 goals and 105 total points in his first WHL season with the Prince George Cougere. Did he benefit from playing with good linemates? sure, but he’s also a great play driver who plays off his linemates well. He isn’t the most explosive skater, but his play off the rush makes up for it. He has a very good ability to find his teammates in transition. He has a strong hockey IQ, excelling at reading coverages to give his teammates easy plays or take the shot himself and bury it. The main knock on Parascak is the skating ability. He’s going to have to make an improvement on that in order to succeed at the next levels of professional hockey. He projects as a top six winger who could potentially thrive on the power play.
23. Toronto Maple Leafs – C Michael Hage, Chicago (USHL)
The Maple Leafs need some top end talent in their prospect pool to contribute to their lineup c and Michael Hage could definitely provide that in the future. Hage’s stock has fallen mainly due to injuries and a little bit of inconsistency on the ice. Though he put up north of a point-per-game, Hage struggled a lot this year mentally due to the loss of his father. Something teams are definitely aware of. Hage provides strong two way play. And projects as a future second line center in the future due to his strong right handed shot. His skating ability is also is also very good. He has the ability to completely change a game and brings and incredible amount of skill and creativity to his game. Hage is committed to play at the university of Michigan next season.
24. Colorado Avalanche – C Cole Beaudoin, Barrie (OHL)
Beaudoin is a late riser after the NHL Combine, Beaudoin is a very good all around player and he had some good production with the Barrie Colts this season. He relies on his shot a lot, netting 28 goals last season. He isn’t talked about as an elite playmaker in this class but still put up 34 assists. Beaudoin is a big bodied power forward who is very well rounded and plays a complete game. He does a good job on the forecheck as well as on the defensive side of the puck, one thing he does very well is protect pucks and evade defenders. The main knock on Beaudoin is his overall skating ability, he’s a strong skater, but he doesn’t exactly have elite speed. Beaudoin is someone who mainly projects as a middle-six center in the future, and with a team like Colorado he could definitely fill into that type of role.
25. Ottawa Senators – C Sacha Boisvert, Muskegon (USHL)
Boisvert is a responsible two-way centre who can put up productive offense as well. He is big, strong, and has a good compete level. Boisvert relies heavily on his shot, he collected 36 goals this season. Boisvert also does a great job being able to score no matter where he is on the ice, he has a very good one-timer and has the ability to score goals from range. He definitely leans more on his shot rather than playdriving. Boisvert has been rising up some prospect rankings as of late, maybe not to the level of guys like Luchanko or Hage, but Boisvert in the future could be a dynamic second-line center behind Tim Stutzle in the future. He is committed to play at North Dakota next season.
26. Montreal Canadiens – F Emil Hemming, TPS (Liiga)
Hemming is a very raw prospect, but he shows a lot of promise on both sides of the puck. Hemming is a offense first prospect, his shot is his greatest asset. He could be a killer on an NHL power play in the future with the strength of his one-timer. Hemming could use his size a little more, being more aggressive along the boards is something he could improve on. His skating is around average, but that doesn’t make him easy to contain. Hemming showed a lot of promise this season, and has the IQ, compete level and worth ethic to be an impact top-six guy at the NHL level. The Habs have shown a willingness to take a risk with top European skaters, particularly when they selected Juraj Slafkovsky firsr overall a few years ago, but maybe Hemming could continue that trend. Hemming will play for TPS in Liiga next season in Finland.
27. Carolina Hurricanes – RD Dominik Badinka, Malmo (SHL)
Badinka is yet another late riser in this class, Carolina will bolster their already strong defensive prospect core by selecting Badinka left the Finnish U-20 league with Jokerit in 2022, the in 2023 transferred to the Malmo Redhawks program in Sweden, where he played U-20 and has seen 25 games with Malmo in the SHL, and mans the blue line well. He has good vision on the offensive side, he has confidence in his ability even when the play breaks down. He is very agile but there is some work that can be done on his skating ability. With the possible departure of Brett Pesce, Badinka could be a solid replacement in the future for the Canes.
28. Calgary Flames – D EJ Emery, USNTDP
The Flames continue to bolster their prospect pool in this first round, selecting their third player after already selecting Iginla and Catton. Emery is a very physical defenseman who may not have as much offensive prowess in his came, but he surely makes up for it on the defensive end. He is a solid skater with a long reach due to his size (6’3), he has a good ability to close out on opponents and likes to throw his body around. His defensive IQ is a great part of his game, he has a great awareness and anticipation to break up plays. He tires to keep the game simple on offense, he can move the puck but he isn’t the type of guy who is going to be a power play quarterback. Emery is a solid fit with the Flames here at 28, and I think they pick him at this spot.
29. Dallas Stars – D Aron Kiviharju, HIFK (Liiga)
Kiviharju has had an interesting path over the last year and a half. This time last year he was projected to be a potential candidate to be selected at the 2nd overall spot. Now there are mocks that have him as low as the backend of the 2nd round. I believe he’ll go in the backend of the first, here to the Dallas Stars. Kiviharju may not be the biggest guy (5’9), but he is a polarizing figure in the offensive zone do to his smooth skating and his poise. He isn’t overly physical, but his hands are very quick and he definitely still has top pairing potential, and if Dallas could eventually get him playing alongside Miro Heiskanen, he could be very dangerous.
30. New York Rangers – F Teddy Stiga, USNTDP
The Rangers are grabbing a very skilled forward at the end of the first round, Teddy Stiga is a guy who can play both the wing and center positions at a high level. He has the great skating ability and quick hands that make him able to make plays quickly and drive a line. He is a solid playmaker with good vision and anticipation. He could be a great skill guy on a second line in the future who has a quick and accurate snap shot. He relies a lot on his stick work along the boards and isn’t very physical. He has shown a development in the range he can score, burying more chances from farther away from the net. And like last years Ranger first round pick Gabe Perreault, Stiga will be playing at Boston College next season.
31. Anaheim Ducks (Via Edmonton) – Dean Letourneau, St. Andrews College (U18 AAA)
The Ducks make this pick that they acquired from Edmonton as a part of the Adam Henrique deal. Letourneau is a massive 6’7 center absolutely destroyed his competition last season, putting up 61 goals and 127 total points in 56 games. Letourneau obviously uses his size to his advantage, playing a very physical game to ware his opponents down. Letourneau is going to play in the USHL next season before heading off to Boston College, if all goes well, Letourneau is going to be a monster in the NHL, and a team that wants to take a swing on a guy like the Hurricanes or Islanders may look to take him even earlier than where I have him going to Anaheim.
32. Philadelphia Flyers – C Yegor Surin, Loko Yaroslavl (MHL)
The Flyers acquired this pick from Florida in the Claude Giroux deal, And I expect the Panthers to finish off the Oilers and make this pick at 32 rather than 31. I have the Flyers taking Yegor Surin out of the NHL. Surin is a very physical player, but he lacks discipline which can make him a very frustrating player to watch. His effort is never gonna be a question, as he always brings it every night. When he is on his game he is a very difficult player to stop. Surin played mostly wing last year, but he projects as a future NHL center. If any coach could turn Surin into a more disciplined player, its Torts.
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