Which 2024 NHL Draft Selections Are Expected to Play in 2024-25?
Grant White
Host · Writer
Konsta Helenius
Drafted 14th overall, Konsta Helenius has made his intentions clear; his goal is to play in the NHL this year. Although the Buffalo Sabres have a stockpile of young, talented players, Helenius adds to their intrigue in the 2024-25 season.
The Finnish forward has all but severed ties with his former Liiga club, focusing his efforts on making the Sabres out of camp. Considering his recent history of competing against grown men as a teenager in Finland, we suspect Helenius has an inside track of quickly moving up the depth chart in Buffalo.
At worst, Helenius is headed to the AHL; however, the Sabres don't have many forwards they can rank ahead of Helenius on their depth chart. With a few strong preseason showings, we should see the 18-year-old penciled in as one of the top 12 skaters to make the Sabres opening-night roster.
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Macklin Celebrini
Amongst 2024 NHL Draft picks, Macklin Celebrini has an unparalleled ceiling. The former Boston Terrier University center was drafted first overall in last spring's draft and has already bid adieu to his collegiate career. That leaves him no alternative but to start the 2024-25 season with the San Jose Sharks.
Celebrini has an elite offensive ceiling that doesn't come at the expense of defensive responsibility, a skater profile the Sharks desperately crave. The 18-year-old totaled 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games with the Terriers last year, becoming just the fourth player in NCAA history to claim the Hobey Baker award as a 17-year-old freshman. Moreover, he finished with a +25 plus/minus rating, illustrating his ability to dominate possession without becoming a defensive liability.
The Sharks have one of the most celebrated first-overall draft picks in recent memory. With a roommate in Joe Thornton already lined up, the centerman will spend the upcoming campaign in San Jose.
Artyom Levshunov
It might not be common practice to rush 18-year-old defensemen into the NHL, but Artyom Levshunov will likely spend the upcoming season with his new squad, the Chicago Blackhawks.
Chicago drafted the Belarussian rearguard second overall in June's draft, and Levshunov already looks ready to jump to the professional level. The 6'2", 198 lbs blueliner wrapped up his freshman season with the Michigan State Spartans, recording 35 points in 38 games, and has nothing left to accomplish at the collegiate level. He was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and AHCA West Second Team All-American.
More pressingly, the Blackhawks have a desperate need on their blue line, which Levshunov fulfills with his offensive upside and defensive responsibility.
Tij Iginla
The recently relocated Utah Hockey Club has a poor track record of rushing prospects into the NHL. While it's yet to be determined how Tij Iginla's trajectory pans out, the Canadian center will have every chance to stay with the big club throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Drafted sixth overall out of the Western Hockey League, Iginla inked his entry-level contract a few weeks after getting drafted. A late bloomer, Iginla's breakout campaign came in 2023-24, when he tallied 47 goals and 84 points in 67 games with the Kelowna Rockets. Coincidentally, Utah needs scoring, with only Clayton Keller tallying more than 23 goals last season.
A recent track record of success and a Hall of Fame pedigree give Utah plenty to look forward with Iginla. We expect him to skate in the NHL when the puck drops on the regular season.
Zeev Buium
The Minnesota Wild have been looking for a franchise cornerstone on the blue line for years, and they've finally found one in Zeev Buium. The 12th overall selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, Buium is poised to spend the next year refining his skills at the pro level.
Buium's most recent campaign couldn't have gone much better. The d-man won gold with the United States at the World Junior Championships in Sweden, following up with NCAA All-Tournament Team, AHCA West First Team All-American, and NCHA Rookie of the Year honors.
Brock Faber was the highest-scoring defenseman on the Wild last year, and Buium could easily surpass his 47-point total in his rookie campaign. Defensive depth is an issue for Minnesota, ensuring Buium starts the season in the NHL.
Konsta Helenius
Drafted 14th overall, Konsta Helenius has made his intentions clear; his goal is to play in the NHL this year. Although the Buffalo Sabres have a stockpile of young, talented players, Helenius adds to their intrigue in the 2024-25 season.
The Finnish forward has all but severed ties with his former Liiga club, focusing his efforts on making the Sabres out of camp. Considering his recent history of competing against grown men as a teenager in Finland, we suspect Helenius has an inside track of quickly moving up the depth chart in Buffalo.
At worst, Helenius is headed to the AHL; however, the Sabres don't have many forwards they can rank ahead of Helenius on their depth chart. With a few strong preseason showings, we should see the 18-year-old penciled in as one of the top 12 skaters to make the Sabres opening-night roster.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Macklin Celebrini
Amongst 2024 NHL Draft picks, Macklin Celebrini has an unparalleled ceiling. The former Boston Terrier University center was drafted first overall in last spring's draft and has already bid adieu to his collegiate career. That leaves him no alternative but to start the 2024-25 season with the San Jose Sharks.
Celebrini has an elite offensive ceiling that doesn't come at the expense of defensive responsibility, a skater profile the Sharks desperately crave. The 18-year-old totaled 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games with the Terriers last year, becoming just the fourth player in NCAA history to claim the Hobey Baker award as a 17-year-old freshman. Moreover, he finished with a +25 plus/minus rating, illustrating his ability to dominate possession without becoming a defensive liability.
The Sharks have one of the most celebrated first-overall draft picks in recent memory. With a roommate in Joe Thornton already lined up, the centerman will spend the upcoming campaign in San Jose.
