2024 NHL Mock Draft 5.0: Post-Combine Picks 1-65

Zack Cook
Host · Writer
65. Brodie Ziemer (F) - Utah
Closing out the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft is Utah. Brodie Ziemer brings the competitive drive and skillset that Utah will be searching for in a complimentary role.
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1. Macklin Celebrini (C) - San Jose Sharks
This decision is straightforward for the San Jose Sharks. After winning the draft lottery, they select Macklin Celebrini as the new face of their franchise. Celebrini is widely regarded as the top prospect in this draft class, giving the Sharks the key player they need to kickstart their rebuild.
2. Artyom Levshunov (D) - Chicago Blackhawks
The buzz has been heating up at the NHL Scouting Combine surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks interest in Artyom Levshunov. The Blackhawks add a future top pair defenseman to the mix at second overall.
3. Anton Silayev (D) - Anaheim Ducks
It's difficult not to be impressed with the package that Anton Silayev brings to the table. With Pat Verbeek leading the charge in Anaheim, it won't be a surprise to see him select this large defenseman that skates like the wind. Let's see if Anaheim can unlock his offensive tools.
4. Sam Dickinson (D) - Columbus Blue Jackets
It's no secret that Don Waddell is looking to create more offense for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Offense comes in different ways, which two-way stud defenseman Sam Dickinson can certainly help provide. The buzz is real about Dickinson climbing into the top five after a strong Memorial Cup.
5. Ivan Demidov (RW) - Montreal Canadiens
If Ivan Demidov is still on the board at fifth overall, you can bet Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and the Montreal Canadiens management team will sprint to the podium. Demidov gives the Habs an explosive forward that they've bene direly missing in their rebuild.
6. Zeev Buium (D) - Utah
Zeev Buium has risen significantly in the 2024 NHL Draft rankings due to his consistently stellar performances in the WJC and Frozen Four. With top-tier offensive skills and the potential to log significant minutes in the NHL, Buium has become a highly coveted prospect for Utah.
7. Zayne Parekh (D) - Ottawa Senators
Steve Staios has unmatched expertise in the OHL, so it's no surprise he would select a defenseman from that league. The Ottawa Senators have identified Zayne Parekh's point-producing potential and are thrilled to draft him as a cornerstone for their future.
8. Carter Yakemchuk (D) - Seattle Kraken
It's no surprise that the Seattle Kraken would add a defenseman with the potential of Carter Yakemchuk to their system. The talented offensive minded defenseman has consistently impressed this season in the WHL.
9. Cayden Lindstrom (C) - Calgary Flames
Cayden Lindstrom's history of back injuries raises some concerns. More clarity should come at the NHL Scouting Combine, but until then, it's difficult to predict his draft position. If he is available, it's likely the Calgary Flames would be thrilled to select him.
10. Konsta Helenius (C) - New Jersey Devils
Playoff success is often built 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.
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11. Tij Iginla (F) - Buffalo Sabres
Having recently focused on smaller skilled players, the Buffalo Sabres are pleased to see a strong and talented winger like Tij Iginla available. Though not the biggest, his playing style more than compensates for his size.
12. Beckett Sennecke (RW) - Philadelphia Flyers
Although the Philadelphia Flyers are a relatively deep organization on the wing, it's hard to pass up the high potential that Beckett Sennecke can add to their future forward core.
13. Berkly Catton (C) - Minnesota Wild
Although a defenseman was previously considered, the Minnesota Wild now opt to draft dynamic center Berkly Catton. Don't be fooled by his smaller frame; this prospect is a true talent.
14. Cole Eiserman (LW) - San Jose Sharks via Pittsburgh
Cole Eiserman's goal-scoring ability is undeniable. While he is arguably the best pure goal scorer in this draft class, his weaknesses away from the puck will likely keep him out of the top ten. The San Jose Sharks are willing to take a chance on him, hoping he develops well as they start 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. Despite some concerns about his overall skill level, he is a gritty 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 could make him a promising NHL defenseman. Though not flashy, his skillset projects him as a reliable top-four defenseman for an NHL team.
17. Stian Solberg (D) - Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals need to bolster their defensive prospects. Addressing this crucial need, Stian Solberg is arguably the best player available, particularly given his recent climb 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 an infusion of size and skill. Hence, they select Liam Greentree.
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19. Trevor Connelly (LW) - Vegas Golden Knights
Trevor Connelly possesses top ten talent in this draft class, but concerns about his off-ice character remain. The Golden Knights, known for their bold decisions, make headlines once again by selecting him.
20. Michael Hage (C) - New York Islanders
At this point in the first round, the New York Islanders opt to take a swing for the fences. The upside on Michael Hage is there, but it's hard to find a consensus on how many in the industry view him.
21. EJ Emery (D) - Los Angeles Kings
When you look at drafting a defenseman in the first round, teams often look at the potential upside that player has and their overall tools. EJ Emery is brimming with tools and upside.
22. Cole Beaudoin (C) - Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a great match for the type of forward prospect Cole Beaudoin represents. While his skill may not dazzle, his physical attributes are exceptional down the middle of the ice.
23. Jett Luchanko (C) - Toronto Maple Leafs
There are a lot of NHL traits that Guelph Storm center Jett Luchanko brings to the table. The Maple Leafs need more depth down the middle, and Luchanko will be able to provide that down the road.
24. Nikita Artamonov (LW) - Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche lack skilled forward prospects in their system with this type of upside. Nikita Artamonov directly addresses this need, offering high-risk, high-reward potential.
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25. Igor Chernyshov (RW) - Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are trying to get over the hump in their rebuild. Igor Chernyshov offers them a potential solution on the wing. At this range in the draft, swinging for upside is the correct calculation, and Ottawa does just that.
26. Sacha Boisvert (C) - Montreal Canadiens
For the past 20 years, the Montreal Canadiens have prioritized enhancing their center depth. After selecting winger Ivan Demidov in the top five, they continue to strengthen their offensive core by adding center Sacha Boisvert.
27. Yegor Surin (C) - Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes boast a strong roster ready to conquer the final hurdle in the Eastern Conference. Yegor Surin is projected to be a player who can contribute to their success, potentially in the near future.
28. Dominik Badinka (D) - Calgary Flames
Dominik Badinka embodies many of the qualities desired in a potential top-four NHL defenseman. The Calgary Flames add another potential cornerstone to their defensive core.
29. Sam O'Reilly (C) - Anaheim Ducks
Sam O'Reilly is the kind of prospect that fits perfectly with the direction this organization is heading. The Anaheim Ducks value his potential, and his winning experience in London is a definite advantage.
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 towering center from St. Andrews College, has a high ceiling.
31. Linus Eriksson (C) - Dallas Stars
If there's one team that's consistently unearthed hidden gems over the past decade, it's the Dallas Stars. They're aiming to do it again with the selection of center Linus Eriksson.
32. Charlie Elick (D) - New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are fortunate to be in an excellent position both presently and for the future. This allows them the flexibility to select a defenseman that might take some time to develop.
33. Andrew Basha (LW) - San Jose Sharks
Kicking off the second round, the Sharks are looking for more talent up front to compliment first overall pick Macklin Celebrini. Opting for a talented winger in Andrew Basha makes plenty of sense here.
34. Emil Hemming (RW) - Chicago Blackhawks
Although his numbers won't wow you, there's still some offensive upside in Emil Hemming's tool kit. The Blackhawks continue to build their forward core after selecting a defenseman with the second overall pick.
35. Teddy Stiga (LW) - Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks added a premiere defensive prospect in the first round. With plenty of talented forward prospects dropping to the early second round, the Ducks select talented winger Teddy Stiga.
36. Terik Parascak (RW) - Columbus Blue Jackets
After passing on multiple talented forward prospects in the first round, the Columbus Blue Jackets don't do that a second time with Terik Parascak still on the board.
37. Jesse Pulkkinen (D) - Winnipeg Jets
After a run on forwards, the Winnipeg Jets shift gears to some of the remaining talented defensive prospects in Round 2. Jesse Pulkkinen sticks out as one of the top defenseman available.
38. Aron Kiviharju (D) - Utah
The Utah Hockey Club are once again excited to add another talented defensive prospect to their system early on in Round 2 of the 2024 NHL Draft.
39. Henry Mews (D) - Ottawa Senators
Although he's fallen from where some might have initially projected him, Henry Mews is still a solid prospect in his own right, and the Ottawa Senators have seen him plenty in their backyard.
40. Leo Sahlin Wallenius (D) - Seattle Kraken
The Seattle Kraken are looking to fortify their future on defense in this 2024 NHL Draft, and they continue to do that with the selection of Leo Sahlin Wallenius in Round 2.
41. Maxim Masse (RW) - Calgary Flames
At this point in the second round, the Calgary Flames are swinging for upside. Maxim Masse had a strong year in the QMJHL and has goal-scoring potential at the next level.
42. Alfons Freij (D) - San Jose Sharks
After beginning the first and second round with forwards, the San Jose Sharks move toward a defenseman with another second round selection. Alfons Freij has real upside on the backend.
43. Ryder Ritchie (RW) - Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have the potential to have one of the NHLs top bluelines in the future. Now, they continue trying to check off boxes up front and do so with the talented Ryder Ritchie.
44. Matvei Gridin (LW) - Pittsburgh Penguins
We know how Kyle Dubas tends to operate at the draft, meaning he won't be afraid to make a selection like this. Matvei Gridin checks a lot of the boxes that the Penguins will covet up front.
45. Cole Hutson (D) - Minnesota Wild
It will be interesting to follow where Cole Hutson ultimately lands in the 2024 NHL Draft. After teams waited until the end of the second round to select his brother Lane, it's hard to envision we see a similar slide for Cole. The Wild feel like a strong fit with how they've constructed their defense.
46. Harrison Brunicke (D) - Pittsburgh Penguins
There's real value at this point in the draft for a team to take a chance on a big defenseman with real puck skills. Harrison Brunicke is the type of upside swing the Penguins need to take.
47. Lucas Pettersson (C) - Detroit Red Wings
With how were projecting the Red Wings defense to look in two years, they continue to try and find more answers up front with the strong selection of Lucas Pettersson here.
48. Marek Vanacker (LW) - St. Louis Blues
Marek Vanacker showed some really strong flashes in the OHL this season. The St. Louis Blues can certainly see a world where he projects as a top nine forward on their roster one day.
49. Tanner Howe (F) - Utah
There was a time where it looked like early on in the scouting process where it appeared Tanner Howe would go much higher. Still, the potential is there and Utah pounces on it here.
50. Simon Zether (C) - Chicago Blackhawks
Although he's one of the older players eligible to be drafted in this class, Simon Zether showed a nice maturity to his game this season, something the Blackhawks can use more of in their rebuild.
51. Luke Misa (C) - Philadelphia Flyers
Although it remains to be seen how long John Tortorella will man the Philadelphia Flyers bench, adding a player with the speed that Luke Misa brings to the table will help this team on the forecheck in the future.
52. Leon Muggli (D) - Washington Capitals
Playing in Switzerland's top pro league, Leon Muggli drew plenty of NHL eyeballs this season. Muggli is a strong two-way defender, something the Washington Capitals can use more of.
53. Adam Jecho (F) - Nashville Predators
The size that Adam Jecho brings to the table, along with his international experience make him an intriguing selection for the Nashville Predators.
54. Adam Kleber (D) - New York Islanders
It's hard to say if Adam Kleber will still be on the board at this point in the second round. If he is, it's not difficult to envision the New York Islanders snatching him right up.
55. Christian Humphreys (F) - Nashville Predators
There's good reason to like the profile that Christian Humphreys brings to the table. With the Nashville Predators looking to add more talent up front, this pick is right in their wheelhouse.
56. Riley Patterson (F) - St. Louis Blues
Riley Patterson is a prospect that's risen throughout his draft year. Patterson strong athleticism and skating ability make him a solid fit within the St. Louis Blues organization.
57. John Mustard (F) - Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are trying to add more depth down the middle of the ice to their prospect pool. John Mustard is a well-rounded center that fits this need.
58. Julius Miettinen (F) - Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have one of the deeper prospect pools in the NHL, and have added more high-end depth to the equation early on in this class. Julius Miettinen adds more forward depth to the mix.
59. Max Plante (F) - Nashville Predators
With a barrage of second round draft picks, the Nashville Predators continue hoping that their shots at selecting forwards will pay off. Max Plante is a solid option for the Preds here.
60. Melvin Fernstrom (F) - Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a well run organization that aren't afraid to take draft risks with potential upside. They do that here in the second round with forward Melvin Fernstrom.
61. Alexander Zetterberg (F) - New York Islanders
Although he doesn't have the size that the New York Islanders typically covet down the middle of the ice, it's hard for them to pass on the potential that Alexander Zetterberg provides at this point in the draft.
62. Marcus Gidlof (G) - Calgary Flames
With some goalie movement expected from the Calgary Flames this offseason, it won't be a surprise to see them select one early in this class. Marcus Gidlof is our top ranked goalie, making this a strong selection late in the second.
63. Anthony Romani (F) - Seattle Kraken
After addressing their backend early in this draft, the Seattle Kraken shift gears to balance the scales. Anthony Romani is a strong forward prospect out of the OHL and presents solid value in this range.
64. Will Zellers (F) - Edmonton Oilers
With the Edmonton Oilers first selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, they opt to go with one of the top available prospects on the board in Will Zellers. With depth issues on the backend and up front, look for Edmonton to pounce on their top player available.
65. Brodie Ziemer (F) - Utah
Closing out the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft is Utah. Brodie Ziemer brings the competitive drive and skillset that Utah will be searching for in a complimentary role.
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1. Macklin Celebrini (C) - San Jose Sharks
This decision is straightforward for the San Jose Sharks. After winning the draft lottery, they select Macklin Celebrini as the new face of their franchise. Celebrini is widely regarded as the top prospect in this draft class, giving the Sharks the key player they need to kickstart their rebuild.
