2024 NHL Mock Draft 3.0: Post-Draft Lottery Picks 1-32

Zack Cook
Host · Writer
32. Dominik Badinka (D) - New York Rangers
Dominik Badinka possesses many of the qualities desired in a potential top-four NHL defenseman. The Rangers, having the luxury of patience, opt for this type of selection.
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1. Macklin Celebrini (C) - San Jose Sharks
This decision is an obvious one for the San Jose Sharks. Following their victory in the draft lottery, the Sharks choose Macklin Celebrini as the new face of their franchise. Celebrini is widely regarded as the top prospect in this draft class, providing the Sharks with the crucial piece they need to kickstart their rebuild.
2. Ivan Demidov (RW) - Chicago Blackhawks
The decision for the Chicago Blackhawks will likely come down to Ivan Demidov and Artyom Levshunov. Do you prefer the potential point-per-game winger to play with Connor Bedard, or the high-end two-way defenseman? The Blackhawks opt for Bedard's new linemate.Â
3. Anton Silayev (D) - Anaheim Ducks
Even with Artyom Levshunov still on the board, the Anaheim Ducks pull the first surprise of the 2024 NHL Draft and select Anton Silayev. The big frame and high-end defensive qualities give Pat Verbeek's team a new building block on defense.Â
4. Artyom Levshunov (D) - Columbus Blue Jackets
After Celebrini is selected, it's hard to say how the rest of the top 10 will play out. We have a strong idea of the names, but where they go is puzzling to lock down. With Artyom Levshunov still available, the Blue Jackets happily snatch him up.Â
5. Cayden Lindstrom (C) - Montreal Canadiens
It’s well-known that the Montreal Canadiens are aiming to draft a forward. GM Kent Hughes has confirmed this, making the Canadiens' leadership ecstatic that Cayden Lindstrom, a big center, is still available. Lindstrom could fall more depending on how his lingering back issues show up during medical testing.Â
6. Zeev Buium (D) - Utah
Zeev Buium has significantly risen in the 2024 NHL Draft rankings due to his consistently stellar performances in the WJC and Frozen Four. Buium offers top-tier offense and the potential to log major minutes in the NHL, making him a highly coveted prospect for Utah.
7. Zayne Parekh (D) - Ottawa Senators
Steve Staios possesses unparalleled knowledge of the OHL, so it's no surprise that he would opt for a defenseman from that league. The Ottawa Senators have recognized the point-producing potential of Zayne Parekh and are pleased to choose him as a cornerstone for their future.
8. Carter Yakemchuk (D) - Seattle Kraken
Carter Yakemchuk is a powerful, offensively inclined defenseman who scored 30 goals this season in the WHL. Yakemchuk excels in both zones, projecting as a future top-pairing threat for the Seattle Kraken.
9. Tij Iginla (C) - Calgary Flames
This is not a case of nepotism. Tij Iginla has earned his place as a potential top ten pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on his own merit. Nevertheless, it certainly adds to the story for Tij to follow in the footsteps of Jarome Iginla's legacy with the Calgary Flames.
10. Konsta Helenius (C) - New Jersey Devils
It's well-known that playoff success hinges on strong center depth and big, mobile defensemen. Konsta Helenius provides the New Jersey Devils with the potential to boast one of the best top three center combinations in the NHL.
11. Beckett Sennecke (RW) - Buffalo Sabres
After selecting smaller skilled players of late, the Buffalo Sabres are happy to see a big winger like Beckett Sennecke fall to them just outside the top 10. Sennecke gives the Sabres a nice compliment to their forward core and doesn't lack the necessary skill.Â
12. Sam Dickinson (D) - Philadelphia Flyers
It's easy to see why Sam Dickinson is considered a potential top-ten pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Dickinson skates exceptionally well and is projected to be a minute-eating defenseman in the NHL, with potential top-pairing upside.
13. Berkly Catton (C) - Minnesota Wild
Although we looked at a defenseman the last time we did this exercise, the Minnesota Wild opt for a dynamic threat down the middle of the ice in Berkly Catton. Don't let his smaller frame fool you, this kid's a player.Â
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14. Cole Eiserman (LW) - San Jose Sharks via Pittsburgh
Cole Eiserman's goal-scoring ability is unquestioned. Despite being arguably the best pure goal scorer in this draft class, his weaknesses away from the puck are likely to push him out of the top ten. The San Jose Sharks are willing to take the chance, hoping he develops well as they begin their rebuild.
15. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (RW) - Detroit Red Wings
Under Steve Yzerman's leadership, the Detroit Red Wings have shown a clear draft strategy, and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard fits that mold perfectly. While some question his overall skill level, he's a tough forward who excels in the offensive zone with his strong forechecking ability.
16. Adam Jiricek (D) - St. Louis Blues
Despite his season being cut short by injury, Adam Jiricek has many qualities that make him a promising NHL defenseman. While he may not dazzle, his skillset projects him as a reliable top-four defenseman on an NHL roster.
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17. Stian Solberg (D) - Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals need to replenish their defensive prospects. Addressing this crucial need, there's a strong case that Stian Solberg is the best player available, especially given his recent rise in the rankings over the past few months.
18. Liam Greentree (LW) - Chicago Blackhawks
With several smaller forwards currently projected at the top of their lineup, the Blackhawks could benefit from adding size and skill. For this reason, they select Liam Greentree.
19. Trevor Connelly (LW) - Vegas Golden Knights
While Trevor Connelly possesses top ten level skill in this draft class, his character has raised some questions off the ice. The Golden Knights, never one to shy away from making headlines, make another bold move by selecting him.
20. Jett Luchanko (C) - New York Islanders
Although not traditionally their focus, the New York Islanders will see a shift under Patrick Roy in terms of how they play the game. Jett Luchanko brings an added level of skill to their lineup down the line.Â
21. Igor Chernyshov (RW) - Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings find themselves in an intriguing position as an organization. They're not yet Stanley Cup contenders, but also not poor enough to tank for a high draft pick. Thus, they decide to gamble on the skill Igor Chernyshov brings.
22. E.J. Emery (D) - Nashville Predators
It's well-known that the Nashville Predators excel at developing strong defensemen within their organization. Recognizing the potential tools E.J. Emery offers, they decide to bolster their defensive prospects with this pick.
23. Cole Beaudoin (C) - Toronto Maple Leafs
It will be intriguing to see how the Toronto Maple Leafs handle this pick. With limited draft assets in the coming years, they need to make this selection count, much like they did last year. Cole Beaudoin offers future stability for their forward group.
24. Nikita Artamonov (LW) - Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche lack skilled forward prospects in their system. Nikita Artamonov immediately addresses this need, offering a high-risk, high-reward potential.
25. Michael Hage (C) - Ottawa Senators
After selecting a defenseman in the top ten, the Ottawa Senators shift their focus to strengthening their center depth. Despite having some promising young forwards, Michael Hage's talent is too strong to overlook at this point.
26. Sacha Boisvert (C) - Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have aimed to strengthen their center depth for the past 20 years. After selecting Cayden Lindstrom in the top five, they continue to build their core by adding Sacha Boisvert.
27. Yegor Surin (C) - Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes have a strong roster aiming to overcome the final hurdle in the Eastern Conference. Yegor Surin is projected to be a player who can contribute to their success, potentially sooner rather than later.
28. Charlie Elick (D) - Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames find themselves in an unusual position as an organization. It's hard to pinpoint whether a retool is on the horizon. They opt to select the top player remaining on the board here as a result.Â
29. Sam O'Reilly (C) - Anaheim Ducks
Sam O’Reilly is the type of prospect that checks a lot of the boxes for where this organization is looking to go. The Ducks like the potential that he boasts, and the winning he's done in London doesn't hurt.Â
30. Dean Letourneau (C) - Philadelphia Flyers
With multiple first-round picks, the Philadelphia Flyers have the opportunity to take a bold risk with this selection. Dean Letourneau, a big center, remains a player with a high ceiling.
31. Linus Eriksson (C) - Dallas Stars
If there's one team that's consistently uncovered hidden gems over the past decade, it's the Dallas Stars. They aim to do that again with the selection of center Linus Eriksson.
32. Dominik Badinka (D) - New York Rangers
Dominik Badinka possesses many of the qualities desired in a potential top-four NHL defenseman. The Rangers, having the luxury of patience, opt for this type of selection.
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1. Macklin Celebrini (C) - San Jose Sharks
This decision is an obvious one for the San Jose Sharks. Following their victory in the draft lottery, the Sharks choose Macklin Celebrini as the new face of their franchise. Celebrini is widely regarded as the top prospect in this draft class, providing the Sharks with the crucial piece they need to kickstart their rebuild.
