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

Macklin Celebrini – C

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.

MACKLIN CELEBRINI TO SAN JOSE 🦈

The @SanJoseSharks select forward Macklin Celebrini with the first overall selection in the 2024 #NHLDraft! pic.twitter.com/u7l0nhnnQs

— NHL (@NHL) June 28, 2024

Pick No. 2 – Chicago Blackhawks

Artyom Levshunov, D

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.

What're we hearing from Las Vegas and the top of the draft? @Hockey_Robinson has the buzz. pic.twitter.com/jASQe9wYG5

— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) June 27, 2024

THE BLACKHAWKS SELECT ARTYOM LEVSHUNOV AT 2ND OVERALL AT THE 2024 DRAFT

It's been rumored that the Blackhawks were going to select Levshunov at 2nd overall for the last few weeks and here we are.

Levshunov is one of a number of stud offensive dmen available in this draft. His… pic.twitter.com/2qgLFVukZ7

— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) June 28, 2024

Pick No. 3 – Anaheim Ducks

Beckette Sennecke, RW

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.

Beckett Sennecke was SHOCKED when his name was called by the Ducks at #3 overall 👀 pic.twitter.com/JsmBcSalf8

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 28, 2024

#FlyTogether select Beckett Sennecke 3rd overall. I ranked him 27th overall.

Sennecke is a great prospect – a big-bodied winger who scored just over a point per game in the OHL this year, and just under in his D-1. But that's well beneath the typical statistical profile of a #3. pic.twitter.com/hANXZmwLad

— Patrick Bacon (@TopDownHockey) June 28, 2024

Pick No. 4 – Columbus Blue Jackets

Cayden Lindstrom, C

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.

Columbus Cayden❕#NHLDraft | #MeettheFuture pic.twitter.com/gQI5cmamon

— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 29, 2024

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.

The pick that #GoHabsGo fans have been praying for… Ivan Demidov is going to Montreal! #2024NHLDraft

🔗: https://t.co/kavdQICcPT pic.twitter.com/p7ZKbx6QMP

— Elite Prospects (@eliteprospects) June 28, 2024

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.

HISTORY MADE ✅

The @utahhockeyclub has made its first ever #NHLDraft selection by drafting Tij Iginla with the sixth overall pick!

📺: 2024 Upper Deck #NHLDraft on @espn, @ESPNPlus, @Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, and @TVASports pic.twitter.com/RCrPgqYccm

— NHL (@NHL) June 28, 2024

Pick No. 7 – Ottawa Senators

Carter Yakemchuk, D

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.

Carter Yakemchuk is the first big swerve of the draft to the @Senators at 7. He's a big RHD with high offensive upside. Shoots and hits a lot, but doesn't block that much. Big question is if his offense translates to the pros. I like him, but I wouldn't have taken him here. pic.twitter.com/PJQIenEFrH

— Fantasy Hockey Doctor – Victor Nuño (@VictorNuno12) June 29, 2024

Pick No. 8 – Seattle Kraken

Berkly Catton, C

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?

BEASTMODE 😅 @MoneyLynch
#GoHabsGo | #RepêchageLNH | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/0klKORqrDq

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 29, 2024

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.

CALGARY FLAMES GET ZAYNE PAREKH AT #9!!!

Was honestly a bit nervous where they would go here but this is tremendous!

Parekh is an offensive dynamo. His pre-draft year and draft year equivalencies were in the 99th percentile.

To produce this much, this early as a dman is not… pic.twitter.com/p58gzzpct9

— Byron Bader (@ByronMBader) June 29, 2024

Pick No. 10 – New Jersey Devils

Anton Silayev, D

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.

17-year-old Anton Silayev is a hitting machine.#GagarinCup pic.twitter.com/6jWq2EyV0c

— KHL (@khl_eng) March 1, 2024

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.