The Journey: Post 2024 Draft Reactions and Surprises – Part 1
Puneet Sharma
2024-06-29
Welcome back to The Journey, where we track the development of prospects as they excel in junior, make the NHL, and push towards stardom.
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The first day of the NHL draft has wrapped up, and as the second day is under way, it’s time to dive into the action. After Celebrini, there was a lot of speculation on where players would land, and opinions varied widely. I’ll be breaking down the first-round picks today in a three-part series, covering 10-11 players each week. We’ll explore how each pick fits their team’s needs and highlight any surprises. Stay tuned for detailed insights and analysis on the future stars of the NHL.
Pick No. 1 – San Jose Sharks
It is official, Celebrini is a San Jose Shark. This one was no-brainer—Sharks fans, get excited. Celebrini’s exceptional performance in the NCAA makes him a near-lock to be NHL-ready this October pending his discussion with the Shark organization. Can you imagine Celebrini and Will Smith anchoring the middle. This team is already starting to look promising.
Pick No. 2 – Chicago Blackhawks
Seeing Connor Bedard step up to announce the second overall pick was a great moment. In the last two drafts, the Hawks have snagged five picks within the first two rounds. Levshunov, who will turn 19 years old in December, is a formidable right-shot defenseman. His game has been on the rise since he joined the NCAA.
Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects had the inside track on Levshunov being taken at second, and for good reason. Levshunov stands out in this draft, ticking all the boxes unlike any other prospect. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, he's a strong skater with great skills and high-level hockey IQ. His experience playing in North America likely played a big role in the Hawks' decision to pick him. Who knows what the Blackhawks have in store this upcoming season, but if Seth Jones is somehow moved this or next season, you may see Levshunov sooner than later in the NHL.
Pick No. 3 – Anaheim Ducks
After the number two pick, things really opened up. This next pick came as a surprise to everyone, including Sennecke himself. While Sennecke was projected as a first-rounder, most didn't see him cracking the top ten.
Pat Verbeek has a preference for players with size and growth potential, and Sennecke fits that mold perfectly at 6-foot-3. His draft stock surged at the end of the season when he racked up 22 points in his last 12 games, then followed that up with 15 points in 12 OHL playoff games. Don't forget, he wrapped up the 2023-24 season with 27 goals and 41 assists for a total of 68 points in 63 games. Sure, seeing him go third overall was a bit of a shock, but it's not like we didn't see his momentum building.
Pick No. 4 – Columbus Blue Jackets
Lindstrom was widely expected to go in the top five, and that's exactly how it played out. He became the first WHL player picked in this year's draft. Despite a back injury limiting him to just 32 games, Lindstrom still managed to score 27 goals and rack up 46 points. He's a big, strong center who dominates physically on the ice, and almost any NHL team would have jumped at the chance to draft him—if Columbus hadn't snagged him first (sorry, Anaheim). With Adam Fantilli, the No. 3 pick of the 2023 draft, standing at 6-foot-2 and 194 pounds, and now adding Lindstrom at 6-foot-3 and 213 pounds, Columbus boasts a physically dominating 1-2 punch down the middle.
Pick No. 5 – Montreal Canadians
Ivan Demidov, RW/C
Montreal really rolled out the red carpet for their pick, bringing in five-time Grammy winner Celine Dion to announce the selection of Ivan Demidov—a true spectacle. Demidov is a bulldog with elite skills, easily one of the most naturally talented players in this draft class. He's got the hockey smarts and a dynamic offensive skill set that rivals any top-five player, except maybe Celebrini. The Canadiens have secured a top-line forward who's going to push the pace, play hard, and become an NHL star.
While Demidov will spend another year in the KHL, expect him to join the Canadiens organization in 2025-26. A bit of patience will be required, much like with Michkov, but once Demidov makes the jump, he should definitely be on your rosters if not before. Montreal definitely hit it out of the park after missing out on Michkov last year. That top six in Montreal is starting to look scary.
Pick No. 6 – Utah Hockey Club
Tij Iginla, LW
Now that they’ve moved out of Arizona, things may be starting to look up for the Utah Hockey Club. Tij Iginla, their inaugural draft pick, now holds the edge over his father, having been drafted ahead of Jarome, who went 11th overall. Initially projected to go a few picks later, Iginla was snatched up before the Flames had a chance, though one can only imagine the dream of him joining Calgary. Iginla plays a rugged, hard-hitting style reminiscent of his father’s, making him a perfect fit for Utah. His presence will bring grit and added scoring threat to a team already brimming with elite prospects.
Pick No. 7 – Ottawa Senators
Another right-handed defenseman was off the board. The Senators snagged a player with a strong shot and the puck-handling skills of a forward. This pick was more about filling an organizational need than grabbing the best player available. Ottawa felt they clearly needed a right-shot defenseman more, which might signal a future move involving their existing D-core.
Yakemchuk is a solid two-way defenseman who notched an impressive 30 goals this season on a non-playoff team. There were stronger defensemen still available, but the Senators are banking on Yakemchuk's potential. If he hits, he could bring high upside to the team when he breaks into the league. I’m not entirely sure that's the best strategy, but time will tell.
Pick No. 8 – Seattle Kraken
Only two defensemen from the top five were projected to go within the first 10 picks. Ideally, a defenseman would have been chosen here, especially since Seattle hasn't drafted one in the first round since their inception. It was surprising they didn't pick a defenseman given who was still available, but Catton is a highly skilled center who can easily slot into a top-line role. He attacks with speed and deception, exploiting even the smallest gaps on the ice.
While his size might pose a challenge at the NHL level, his style is reminiscent of Andrei Svechnikov and Tyler Seguin. Nonetheless, it was a solid pick by the Kraken. How awesome was it to see Marshawn Lynch backing up Catton when Demidov showed up?
Pick No. 9 – Calgary Flames
Zayne Parekh, D
With Andrew Mangiapane traded before the draft, the Flames have clearly entered rebuild mode. Selecting Parekh 9th overall is a brilliant move for Calgary. They have acquired an elite offensive defenseman, touted by many as the most dynamic player in the draft. Bringing Parekh into the fold may suggest that Craig Conroy has a strategic vision for this rebuild. Expect to see potential further moves in the lead-up to free agency.
Regardless, Parekh is an exceptional skater with immense potential, adept at outmaneuvering defenders and creating scoring opportunities. In drafting Parekh, the Flames believe he can anchor their even-strength play and lead their power play unit for years to come. Aiming to reach 70-plus points in a season isn't far-fetched.
Pick No. 10 – New Jersey Devils
Sam Cosentino compared Silayev to a mix between Zdeno Chara and Jay Bouwmeester—an excellent comparison. Silayev is a high-end shutdown defenseman, so don't expect him to rack up points like Zayne Parekh or Levshunov, who will be great fantasy assets. Tom Fitzgerald picked the best available player, which makes sense for the Devils given their offensive firepower on the back end.
Silayev is a giant at 6-foot-7, and he moves like a gazelle. Add in his heavy-hitting style, and this pick is a smart move for New Jersey, especially for a team that missed the playoffs this season despite some player issues bad breaks. Silayev will be a great defensive stalwart and might see some time on the second power play.
Stay tuned for next week's Draft picks from 11 to 22. Thanks for reading and see you next week! Follow me on X @Punters_hockey for more content and fantasy hockey analysis.
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