2024 NHL Mock Draft 6.0: Post-Combine Picks 1-65

Zack Cook
Host · Writer
65. Brodie Ziemer (F) - Utah
Wrapping up the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft is Utah, selecting Brodie Ziemer. He brings the competitive drive and skillset Utah seeks for a complementary role.
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1. Macklin Celebrini (F) - San Jose Sharks
The decision is clear for the San Jose Sharks. After winning the draft lottery, they select Macklin Celebrini as the new face of their franchise. Celebrini is widely considered the top prospect in this draft class, providing the Sharks with the key player they need to hit the next level in their rebuild.Â
2. Artyom Levshunov (D) - Chicago Blackhawks
The buzz at the NHL Scouting Combine was all about the Chicago Blackhawks' interest in Artyom Levshunov. With the second overall pick, the Blackhawks are set to add a future top-pair defenseman to their lineup, something they currently lack in their system.Â
3. Anton Silayev (D) - Anaheim Ducks
It's hard not to be impressed with Anton Silayev's skill set. With Pat Verbeek at the helm in Anaheim, it's no surprise he might select this monster of a defenseman who skates like the wind. The key will be if Anaheim can unlock his offensive potential.
4. Beckett Sennecke (F) - Columbus Blue Jackets
Here's where things get a little more unpredictable in the 2024 NHL Draft. The Columbus Blue Jackets surprise the hockey world by selecting talented winger Beckett Sennecke. Even though Cayden Lindstrom is still on the board, concerns over his back injury history make the Blue Jackets take a home run swing in the top 5. There were plenty of whispers at the scouting combine that Columbus is high on Sennecke.Â
5. Ivan Demidov (F) - Montreal Canadiens
If Ivan Demidov is still available at fifth overall, you can be sure that Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and the Montreal Canadiens management team will rush to the podium. Demidov provides the Habs with the explosive forward they've been desperately needing in their rebuild.
6. Zeev Biium (D) - Utah
Zeev Buium has climbed the 2024 NHL Draft rankings considerably, thanks to his consistently outstanding performances in the WJC and Frozen Four. With top-tier offensive skills and the potential to play significant minutes in the NHL, Buium has become a highly sought-after prospect for Utah.
7. Zayne Parekeh (D) - Ottawa Senators
Steve Staios's unparalleled expertise in the OHL makes it unsurprising that he would choose a defenseman from that league. The Ottawa Senators have recognized Zayne Parekh's scoring potential and are excited to draft him as a cornerstone for their future on the backend.Â
8. Carter Yakemchuk (D) - Seattle Kraken
It’s unsurprising that the Seattle Kraken would add a defenseman like Carter Yakemchuk to their system. The offensively talented defenseman has consistently impressed this season in the WHL and is worthy of a top-10 pick.Â
9. Tij Iginla (F) - Calgary Flames
Although some believe that the Calgary Flames will lean in the direction of Cayden Lindstrom if he's still on the board, the opportunity to select Tij Iginla is too strong to pass up with the certainty he provides their future forward group up front.Â
10. Konsta Helenius (F) - New Jersey Devils
Playoff success often hinges on strong center depth and big, mobile defensemen. Konsta Helenius gives the New Jersey Devils the potential to have one of the best top-three center combinations in the NHL.
11. Cayden Lindstrom (F) - Buffalo Sabres
Although concerns remain about Cayden Lindstrom's back injury history, it's hard to envision the Buffalo Sabres passing up on his potential size and upside down the middle of the ice.Â
12. Sam Dickinson (D) - Philadelphia Flyers
Some believe that Sam Dickinson will go much earlier than this; others believe he's a candidate to drop outside the top 10. The Philadelphia Flyers reap the benefits of that with this strong, two-way defenseman.Â
13. Berkly Catton (F) - Minnesota Wild
Although they initially considered a defenseman, with the top tier off the board, the Minnesota Wild have decided to draft dynamic center Berkly Catton. Despite his smaller frame, don’t be fooled; this prospect is a true talent.
14. Cole Eiserman (F) - San Jose Sharks
Cole Eiserman's goal-scoring ability is undeniable. Though 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 begin their rebuild.Â
15. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (F) - Detroit Red Wings
Under Steve Yzerman's leadership, the Detroit Red Wings have demonstrated 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 possesses many qualities that could make him a promising NHL defenseman. While not flashy, his skillset suggests he could be a dependable top-four defenseman for an NHL team.
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17. Stian Solberg (D) - Washington Capitals
The Washington Capitals need to strengthen their defensive prospects. To address this crucial need, Stian Solberg is likely the best player available, especially considering his recent rise in the rankings over the past few months and strong combine testing results.Â
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18. Liam Greentree (F) - Chicago Blackhawks
With several smaller forwards currently projected at the top of their lineup, the Blackhawks could use an infusion of size and skill. Therefore, they select Liam Greentree after moving up two spots via a trade with the New York Islanders.Â
19. Trevor Connelly (F) - Vegas Golden Knights
Trevor Connelly has top ten talent in this draft class, but concerns about his off-ice character persist. Known for their bold decisions, the Golden Knights make headlines once again by selecting him.
20. Michael Hage (F) - New York Islanders
At this stage of the first round, the New York Islanders decide to shoot for upside over cost certainty. Michael Hage has significant potential, but there is little consensus within the industry on how he is viewed.
21. EJ Emery (D) - Los Angeles Kings
When drafting a defenseman in the first round, teams often consider the player's potential upside and overall skill set. EJ Emery is overflowing with both tools and potential, highlighted by his standout performance at the NHL Scouting Combine.Â
22. Cole Beaudoin (F) - Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are an excellent fit for the forward prospect Cole Beaudoin represents. While his skills may not be flashy, his physical attributes are outstanding down the middle of the ice and represent a player with a high floor.Â
23. Jett Luchanko (F) - Toronto Maple Leafs
Guelph Storm center Jett Luchanko possesses many NHL-caliber traits. The Toronto Maple Leafs need more depth down the middle, and Luchanko has the potential to provide that in the future.
24. Nikita Artamonov (F) - Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche lack skilled forward prospects with significant upside in their system. Nikita Artamonov directly addresses this need, offering some high-risk, high-reward potential.
25. Sacha Boisvert (F) - Ottawa Senators
After selecting a defenseman inside the top 10, the Ottawa Senators opt to try and bolster their future forward core by selecting talented center Sacha Boisvert. Boisvert has one of the top ceilings of the available players at this point.Â
26. Yegor Surin (F) - 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 shoot for more upside by selecting Russian center Yegor Surin.Â
27. Igor Chernyshov (F) - Carolina Hurricanes
It's hardly a secret that the Carolina Hurricanes aren't afraid to shoot for upside at this point in the first round. The Hurricanes see that in spades with talented Russian forward Igor Chernyshov.Â
28. Dominik Badinka (D) - Calgary Flames
Dominik Badinka possesses many of the qualities desired in a potential top-four NHL defenseman. The Calgary Flames add another potential cornerstone to their defensive core with his selection.
29. Sam O’Reilly (F) - Anaheim Ducks
Sam O'Reilly is the ideal prospect for the direction this organization is heading. The Anaheim Ducks highly value his potential, and his winning experience in London is a significant asset.
30. Dean Letourneau (F) - Philadelphia Flyers
With multiple first-round picks, the Philadelphia Flyers can afford to take a bold risk with this selection. Dean Letourneau, a towering center from St. Andrews College, possesses a high ceiling, and would make for a great selection late in the first.Â
31. Linus Eriksson (F) - Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars have a proven track record of discovering hidden gems over the past decade. They're looking to continue that trend 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 now and for the future, giving them the flexibility to select a defenseman who may take some time to develop. Charlie Elick has a high floor as a defenseman. Can the Rangers unlock more?Â
33. Andrew Basha (LW) - San Jose Sharks
Kicking off the second round, the Sharks aim to bolster their forward lineup to complement first overall pick Macklin Celebrini. Choosing a skilled winger like Andrew Basha who boasts first round upside is a logical move.
34. Emil Hemming (RW) - Chicago Blackhawks
While Emil Hemming's stats may not be dazzling, he still possesses notable offensive potential. The Blackhawks are focusing on strengthening their forward core after picking a defenseman with the second overall selection.
35. Teddy Stiga (LW) - Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks secured a top-tier defensive prospect in the first round. With numerous skilled forward prospects available in the early second round, the Ducks opt to select standout winger Teddy Stiga.
36. Terik Parascak (RW) - Columbus Blue Jackets
After going somewhat off the board early on in the first round, the Columbus Blue Jackets go with the top player available in Round 2 with Terik Parascak waiting to hear his name called.Â
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37. Jesse Pulkkinen (D) - Winnipeg Jets
Following a series of forward selections, the Winnipeg Jets turn their attention to the remaining talented defensive prospects in Round 2. Jesse Pulkkinen stands out as one of the top defensemen 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.Â
39. Henry Mews (D) - Ottawa Senators
Despite dropping from his initial projections, Henry Mews remains a solid prospect. The Ottawa Senators, familiar with him from their own backyard, recognize his potential.
40. Leo Sahlin Wallenius (D) - Seattle Kraken
In the 2024 NHL Draft, the Seattle Kraken are focused on strengthening their future defense, and they advance this goal by selecting Leo Sahlin Wallenius in Round 2.
41. Maxim Masse (RW) - Calgary Flames
At this stage of the second round, the Calgary Flames are aiming for high potential. Maxim Masse, who had an impressive year in the QMJHL, possesses notable goal-scoring potential at the next level.
42. Alfons Freij (D) - San Jose Sharks
After starting both the first and second rounds with forwards, the San Jose Sharks shift focus to defense with another second-round pick. Alfons Freij brings significant upside to their defensive lineup.
43. Ryder Ritchie (RW) - Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have the potential to develop one of the NHL's top blue lines in the future. Now, they continue to address their forward needs by selecting the talented Ryder Ritchie.
44. Matvei Gridin (LW) - Pittsburgh Penguins
We know Kyle Dubas's draft strategy, and he won't hesitate to make a pick like this. Matvei Gridin fits many of the qualities the Penguins seek in a forward.
45. Cole Hutson (D) - Minnesota Wild
It will be intriguing to see where Cole Hutson ultimately lands in the 2024 NHL Draft. Unlike his brother Lane, who was picked at the end of the second round, it’s difficult to imagine a similar slide for Cole after seeing his brothers ceiling. The Wild seem like a great fit given their current defensive setup.
46. Harrison Brunicke (D) - Pittsburgh Penguins
At this stage in the draft, selecting a large defenseman with genuine puck skills offers significant value. Harrison Brunicke represents the kind of high-upside pick the Penguins should make.
47. Lucas Pettersson (C) - Detroit Red Wings
Given our solid projections for the Red Wings' defense in two years, they continue to seek solutions for their forward lines by making a strong selection with Lucas Pettersson.
48. Marek Vanacker (LW) - St. Louis Blues
Marek Vanacker displayed impressive flashes in the OHL this season. The St. Louis Blues can easily envision him becoming a top-nine forward on their roster in the future.
49. Tanner Howe (F) - Utah
Early in the scouting process, it seemed Tanner Howe might be selected much higher. Nonetheless, the potential is evident, and Utah seizes the opportunity here.
50. Simon Zether (C) - Chicago Blackhawks
Despite being one of the older players eligible for this draft class, Simon Zether demonstrated impressive maturity in his game this season, a quality the Blackhawks can greatly benefit from in their rebuild.
51. Luke Misa (C) - Philadelphia Flyers
While the duration of John Tortorella's tenure with the Philadelphia Flyers is uncertain, adding a player with Luke Misa's speed will significantly enhance the team's forecheck in the future.
52. Leon Muggli (D) - Washington Capitals
Competing in Switzerland's top professional league, Leon Muggli garnered significant attention from NHL scouts this season. Muggli is a robust two-way defender, a quality the Washington Capitals could greatly benefit from.
53. Adam Jecho (F) - Nashville Predators
Adam Jecho's impressive size and international experience make him an intriguing pick for the Nashville Predators, who continue to add forwards to the mix.Â
54. Adam Kleber (D) - New York Islanders
It's uncertain whether Adam Kleber will still be available at this stage in the second round. If he is, it's easy to imagine the New York Islanders quickly snapping him up.
55. Christian Humphreys (F) - Nashville Predators
Christian Humphreys offers an impressive profile that stands out. With the Nashville Predators aiming to boost their forward talent, this pick fits perfectly into their strategy.
56. Riley Patterson (F) - St. Louis Blues
Riley Patterson is a prospect who has steadily risen throughout his draft year. His strong athleticism and skating ability make him an excellent fit for the St. Louis Blues organization.
57. John Mustard (F) - Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are looking to bolster their prospect pool with more depth at center. John Mustard, a well-rounded center, perfectly fits this need.
58. Julius Miettinen (F) - Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks already boast one of the deepest prospect pools in the NHL and have further enriched their high-end talent early in this draft class. Julius Miettinen adds even more forward depth to their roster.
59. Max Plante (F) - Nashville Predators
Armed with a slew of second-round draft picks, the Nashville Predators are banking on their selections of forwards to yield success. Max Plante presents a strong option for the Preds at this stage.
60. Melvin Fernstrom (F) - Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes, known for being a well-run organization unafraid to take draft risks with high potential, continue this approach in the second round by selecting forward Melvin Fernstrom.
61. Alexander Zetterberg (F) - New York Islanders
Despite lacking the size the New York Islanders typically prefer in a center, the potential Alexander Zetterberg offers at this stage of the draft is too enticing for them to pass up.
62. Marcus Gidlof (G) - Calgary Flames
With the Calgary Flames recent goalie trade, it's no surprise they might choose one early in this draft class. Marcus Gidlof, one of our top-ranked goalies, would be a sound late second-round pick.
63. Anthony Romani (F) - Seattle Kraken
After focusing on their defense early in the draft, the Seattle Kraken are now looking to balance their roster. Anthony Romani, a promising forward prospect from the OHL, offers solid value at this stage.
64. Will Zellers (F) - Edmonton Oilers
With their first selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, the Edmonton Oilers choose one of the top prospects on the board, Will Zellers. Facing depth issues both on defense and offense, Edmonton seizes the opportunity to pick the best player available.
65. Brodie Ziemer (F) - Utah
Wrapping up the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft is Utah, selecting Brodie Ziemer. He brings the competitive drive and skillset Utah seeks for a complementary role.
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1. Macklin Celebrini (F) - San Jose Sharks
The decision is clear for the San Jose Sharks. After winning the draft lottery, they select Macklin Celebrini as the new face of their franchise. Celebrini is widely considered the top prospect in this draft class, providing the Sharks with the key player they need to hit the next level in their rebuild.Â
