NHL Draft prospects 2024: Final big board of top 60 players overall, position rankings

The 2023-24 NHL season is over. The Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, defeating the Oilers in seven games to win the title. 

While the campaign concluded less than a week ago, there is no rest for the wicked, and the NHL continues to roll on with the 2024 NHL Draft. 

More than 200 names will be called at the draft between Friday and Saturday. And while it's not official until the card is submitted, the first name is very likely to be Macklin Celebrini. The Boston University center won the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in the NCAA, solidifying his status as the top prospect in the draft class. 

Who follows Celebrini? Let's dive right into the top 60 prospects for the 2024 NHL Draft.

NHL MOCK DRAFT: Full Round 1 projections after Macklin Celebrini goes No. 1 overall

NHL Draft prospects 2024: Big board of top 60 players

1. Macklin Celebrini, Boston University (NCAA)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 197 lbs

There are a few question marks about where to rank the prospects in the 2024 draft class — but not this one. Celebrini was viewed as the consensus No. 1 pick entering the 2023-24 season, and all he did was solidify his spot ahead of the rest of the pack. The Boston University center became just the fourth freshman ever to win the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey, finishing third in the nation in points and second in goals. 

He's a goal scorer, he's a playmaker, and he also brings it on both ends of the ice. Celebrini has all the makings of a top-line center in the NHL, and he'll be a slam-dunk pick for the Sharks. 

2. Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg (MHL)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 192 lbs

For the second consecutive year, Demidov dominated at the junior level in Russia. He put up better numbers than Nikita Kucherov did when he was Demidov's age, averaging 2.0 points per game in the regular season. 

A crafty playmaker, the winger carries a high motor and is a pain to play against in one-on-one battles due to his immense skill. The biggest knock on the Russian winger is that he isn't the smoothest of skaters, but Demidov undoubtedly possesses elite offensive talent. He bills out to be a top-line winger that should give defenses nightmares.  

3. Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State (NCAA)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 205 lbs

Simply put, Levshunov is a force on the ice at both ends. In his first season at Michigan State, the Belarussian native finished second on the Spartans in points. His skating is phenomenal, which is a key component as to why he's so good at getting the puck out of his own zone.

Levshunov's biggest knock entering college was his work on defense, but he has progressed extremely well in that category. The fact that he's a right-handed defenseman, a novelty in today's NHL, also can't be overlooked.

4. Zeev Buium, Denver (NCAA)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 186 lbs

The longer the season progressed, the better Buium got. He was viewed as a potential late first-round pick entering this season, but now, he very well could end up being the first defenseman selected in an incredibly deep class at the position. He handles the puck with ease, he works a blue line better than most his age, and he is dangerous in 1-on-1 attacks. Buium's skating is a big part of why he's successful.

There's a reason why USA won gold at World Juniors and why Denver won the NCAA championship, and Buium was a key cog for both squads. 

5. Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat (WHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 213 lbs

Lindstrom has a lot of the tools that made Adam Fantilli appealing in the 2023 draft. The Medicine Hat center owns a lethal shot and can play on the edge, using his size and strength to muscle defenders off the puck or get in front of the net to cause havoc. Injuries caused a bit of a decline for Lindstrom to end the season, but he projects to be one of the safer picks at forward in this class.

MORE: Six key moves paved way for Panthers' 2024 Stanley Cup win

6. Anton Silayev, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) 

• Position: D
• Height: 6-7
• Weight: 211 lbs

Teams simply do not find players of Silayev's size at his age. At 6-7, he's a monster on the ice, and he spent the entirety of the season playing in the KHL. He skates incredibly well for a defenseman his size and handles the puck well, but there isn't much that suggests he'll provide a ton of offensive output in the NHL. Still, he's shaping up to be a top shutdown option in the pros. 

7. Zayne Parekh, Saginaw (OHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 178 lbs

Parekh is an intriguing case. He started his OHL career as an all-offensive blueliner who was a negative player in his own zone. While there is still work to be done defensively at some point, what Parekh brings offensively outweighs his defensive deficiencies. The Saginaw defenseman lit up the OHL this year, showcasing an elite ability to create with the puck on his stick. He plays with aggression and confidence, and any team that needs offense generated from the back end would love to have a player like Parekh on their team. 

8. Tij Iginla, Kelowna, (WHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 191 lbs

Before getting into the player, yes, Tij is related to that Iginla. The center prospect is the son of former NHL star Jarome Iginla. Iginla catapulted up the draft rankings thanks to a breakout season with Kelowna, and he has a chance to potentially sneak into the top 10. He is a superb skater with standout puck skills that make him dangerous in transition. Iginla never shies away from getting in on the forecheck, and his snap shot has developed into arguably his best weapon.

9. Sam Dickinson, London (OHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 203 lbs

One of the best skaters in the draft, Dickinson stood out on a deep London team this year and last. The defenseman uses his legs to be effective both offensively and defensively, and he also has a thunderous slap shot. His defensive work is levels above the rest of prospects at his age, as he's positionally sound in his own zone and uses an active stick to break up plays. Dickinson is as well-rounded of a defenseman as you can ask for in a prospect.

10. Cole Eiserman, USA U18 (NTDP)

• Position: LW
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 197 lbs

Eiserman is an elite scorer in every sense of the term. He just has that "it" factor when he's around the net, and his team has a chance to capitalize. He's capable of scoring from any angle, any distance, and in any situation, and his pair of silky mitts makes him even more dangerous. The biggest concern with Eiserman is ... everything else. Outside of scoring, there is work to be done in all areas, including his skating, his defensive work, and his play away from the puck. But again, you simply can't teach his ability to score at a high level. Eiserman has boom or bust potential.

MORE: When will 2024 NHL Awards winners be announced?

11. Konsta Helenius, Jukurit (Liiga)

• Position: C
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 189 lbs

Helenius is undoubtedly one of the smartest players in the 2024 draft class. The Finnish center creates a ton of offense for himself and his teammates thanks to his elite passing ability and awareness in all zones. He isn't the most dynamic center, but he plays an intelligent two-way game. Helenius also has shown versatility in his ability to play both wing and center. Like Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, the fact that Helenius has excelled against players older than him should help raise his draft stock. 

12. Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa (OHL)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 182 lbs

Sennecke is a bigger winger who possesses a ton of skill. He brings a really smart game to the ice, which helps him create offense with his teammates. His point totals in the regular season with Oshawa didn't necessarily correlate with his play, but Sennecke finished with a strong showing in the OHL playoffs. He loves to go at defenders 1 on 1, which likely needs to be toned down for the pros  — and his defense and backchecking needs improvement — but his talent with the puck makes him stand out. 

13. Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary (WHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 202 lbs

Yakemchuk showed this season the ability to do things better than most everyone else at his position. He can score goals aplenty as a defenseman, and he also takes a ton of penalties. Yakemchuk's shot is without a doubt his best weapon, using it to light the lamp more than 30 times this season for Calgary. He can dance around defenders with ease, making him a constant threat with the puck.

14. Berkly Catton, Spokane (WHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 175 lbs

When the puck is on his stick, Catton is a weapon. He can toy with defenders, baiting them to get in close before either using his edge work to cut around them or his playmaking ability to pass it off to a teammate. He was fourth in the WHL in scoring, showcasing a balanced ability to make an impact on offense. Catton is pesky defensively with stick lifts, but he can use some more work in his own zone. Teams shouldn't shy away from taking Catton due to his smaller stature, either. 

15. Michael Hage, Chicago (USHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 188 lbs

Injuries last season hurt Hage's draft stock heading into this season, and an inconsistent 2023-24 with Chicago may not help. However, the tools are there with Hage. He's a true center who can make defenses pay with his shot and his passing ability. When Hage is on, he's on, and it's hard for the opposition to contain him thanks to his skating and hands. 

16. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Mora (HockeyAllsvenskan)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 207 lbs

Norway has never produced a prospect like Brandsegg-Nygard. The right winger is incredibly well-rounded with few holes in his game. He does a lot of things well, including scoring from range and handling the puck. While he may not possess that one elite-level skill, there is so much to like about Brandsegg-Nygard's all-around game. The fact that he's been as effective as he has while playing against older competition bodes well for his NHL projection. 

17. Trevor Connelly, Tri-City (USHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 190 lbs

Connelly is the most polarizing prospect in this draft class. He excels in transition, as his nifty pair of mitts helps him weave through defenders with grace, and his superb skating gets him to accelerate around his opposition. His offensive ability is dynamic, but Connelly comes with multiple red flags about his character, including issues with teammates and an alleged incident with racist slurs. From a hockey standpoint, he's a sure first-rounder who could go in the top 15, but his extra baggage may drop him far down the round.

18. Stian Solberg, Valerenga (EliteHockey Ligaen)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 205 lbs

Another prospect hailing from Norway this year is Solberg. The defenseman has shot up draft boards over the last couple of months of the season after injuries hurt his stock last season. If a team is in need of a wrecking ball along the blue line, Solberg is that guy. The blueliner is known for his physicality, but he also excels on the penalty kill and in his own zone. He is a pain for offenses due to how he plays along the boards.

19. Liam Greentree, Windsor, (OHL)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 215 lbs

Greentree may not be fleet of foot, but he's a strong prospect who gets into the gritty areas. The Windsor forward is poised under pressure and makes the right decisions, finding his teammates and escaping tricky situations. He also carries an above-average shot that can finish from mid-range. Greentree doesn't have the dynamic offensive toolset to be a high first-round pick, but his makeup screams potential. 

20. Adam Jiricek, Plzen (Czech Extraliga)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 167 lbs

The younger brother of Blue Jackets prospect David Jiricek, Adam Jiricek is a right-shot defenseman with strong skating that makes him effective on puck retrievals. Like his older brother did in his draft, Jiricek suffered a major injury at the World Juniors, knocking him out of the rest of the season. There is certainly some concern with taking the defenseman given the injury history, but he has a lot of tools that scouts like, including his mobility and his aggressiveness on both ends of the ice. Jiricek's talent is raw, but he can be unlocked in the right setting. 

21. Igor Chernyshov, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 204 lbs

Chernyshov is a big, well-rounded Russian who excels at puck protection, making him a constant headache in 1-on-1 situations for defenders. He carries a variety of tools in his arsenal, although there may not be one that stands out among the rest. The winger competes hard and uses his size to his advantage. Chernyshov has the build for a prototypical power forward in the NHL, and he'll get the time to hone his skills for a couple more years in the KHL. 

22. Sacha Boisvert, Muskegon (USHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 183 lbs

Boisvert may be more of a project, but the tools are there with the Muskegon center. His shot stands out above all of his other skills, but he also has a strong touch with the puck and can get creative when needed. At 6-2, he has the height NHL teams are looking for, but he needs to fill out a bit more if he's going to find success in the pros. The North Dakota commit scored 36 goals in the USHL this season, which is no easy task. 

23. Terik Parascak, Prince George (WHL)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 179 lbs

There is no doubt that Parascak benefitted this season from playing with Ondrej Becher and Zac Funk, two of the WHL's older and more dominant players. With that said, the Prince George winger showed immense intelligence on the ice, getting into open spaces for his linemates. That kind of hockey IQ is hard to teach. That's not the only positive with Parascak, as he has a great wrist shot, reads plays well both on offense and defense, and just knows where to be at the right time. 

24. E.J. Emery, USA U18 (NTDP)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 183 lbs

A top defenseman out of the U.S. NTDP, Emery is a talented blueliner who is efficient in his own zone. He skates well, which helps when making gaps on the rush and retrieving pucks. There isn't a ton in his offensive game, but he plays smart and is willing to join the rush from time to time. Emery knows where his strengths are, and he doesn't shy away too often from those. 

25. Marek Vanacker, Brantford (OHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 178 lbs

Vanacker is a name that worked his way late in the season up the draft boards after a strong season with Brantford. He's a crafty forward who has quick hands, an accurate shot and is always a threat on the rush. The offensive upside is enticing, while the defense needs more work, but Vanacker also played all season injured — an indictment on his toughness, and also a sign that even operating at less than 100%, he's still an offensive threat. 

26. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie (OHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 210 lbs

Beaudoin is a competitor. He isn't the greatest skater and may not flash immense skill, but the center gets in on the forecheck, constantly winning 1-on-1 battles for pucks. The Barrie forward doesn't shy away from physical play either, and he very likely is the strongest, most athletic kid in the 2024 draft class. 

27. Andrew Basha, Medicine Hat (WHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 187 lbs

There is no lack of competitiveness when it comes to Basha's game. He is relentless on the forecheck and in the gritty areas. He has excellent hands, but he doesn't force it when it doesn't need to be. Basha's patience with the puck is also one of his stronger traits. He's another player who doesn't have the elite, high-end offensive talent for a forward, but he is a consistent player that every team needs. 

28. Jett Luchanko, Guelph (OHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 187 lbs

Last year, Luchanko struggled to adjust to the OHL, and he was viewed as a mid-round prospect. Now, he has worked his way up draft boards after a strong second year with the Storm. Luchanko is a smart player who always finds his way into good spots by reading plays and how they are expected to develop. His skating doesn't necessarily pop, but it can stand out when you watch him individually. 

29. Emil Hemming, TPS (Liiga)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 205 lbs

Hemming is viewed as one of the safer picks in the draft class. The Finn is a strong, two-way winger with an above-average shot that he has proven he can use at a multitude of angles. His work in his defensive zone never slacks, and he is a threat to win puck battles every time he is in the corner. His ceiling may not be high, which is why he is viewed as a fringe first-rounder, but Hemming should carve out a bottom-to-middle-six role. 

30. Ryder Ritchie, Prince Albert (WHL)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 177 lbs

Ritchie was the WHL's best rookie last year, but he didn't take the expected step forward this year. Still, he's shifty and finds ways to elude defenders with ease. He's not a high-end offensive talent, but he has a solid motor and plays with a ton of smarts. Ritchie finds ways to get out of trouble when defenders close in on him, as well. 

31. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Vaxjo (J20 Nationell)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 180 lbs

Sahlin Wallenius is a solid two-way option who is one of the smoother skaters in this class. He uses his fluidity to be a one-man breakout but also can utilize his feet to get back and close gaps on defense. The Swede has a lot of traits that should translate well to the NHL, as he isn't afraid to jump up in the rush to provide offense. 

32. Dominik Badinka, Malmo (SHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 185 lbs

The tape on Badinka may not jump off the screen, but he has a lot of attributes that teams look for in a defenseman. He's got mobility, NHL size and enough skills to make plays on offense. He defends well in his own zone, bringing a solid two-way game to any lineup. 

33. Dean Letourneau, St. Andrew's College (Prep Hockey Conference)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-6
• Weight: 214 lbs

When you're 6-6, 214 pounds at the age of 18, you're going to get NHL attention. That's why Letourneau is an intriguing prospect. His size stands out, but he also plays with a ton of finesse, a rare talent for a player of his build. There are some scouts skeptical of the Boston College commit given his playing competition, but he most certainly will get attention simply because of his frame.  

34. Charlie Elick, Brandon (WHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 202 lbs

Elick is billing out as a future shutdown defenseman in the NHL. The Brandon blueliner is an exceptional skater, using a smooth and powerful stride to chase down the oppositions. He doesn't have a ton of playmaking abilities with the puck, but Elick isn't a liability with it either. He's got the size as well needed to translate his game to the pros. 

35. Cole Hutson, USA U18 (NTDP)

• Position: D
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 165 lbs

There should be 31 teams in the NHL kicking themselves for not taking Lane Hutson in the first round of the 2022 draft. Well, this year, they have a chance at landing another Hutson. Cole, the younger brother of Canadiens prospect Lane, is a similar player to his sibling. Cole may not be as defensively sound as Lane (yet), but the offensive upside jumps off the tape. 

36. Henry Mews, Ottawa (OHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 189 lbs

Henry Mews' strengths can be found in his offensive skill set. He's an agile skater who loves to jump up in the rush to join the play. He also is a strong distributor on the breakout. Mews' defense is a work in progress, but he has taken steps this year in Ottawa to round out his game. He may be all over draft boards, but there is enough intrigue to warrant a first-round pick.  

37. Nikita Artamonov, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 187 lbs

A teammate of Silayev, Artamonov also has carved out a role on a quality KHL squad as a teenager. The left winger is incredibly intelligent, knowing what the right play is with the puck, and he also excels with his off-puck positioning. 

38. Yegor Surin, Yaroslavl (MHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 197 lbs

One of the youngest players in the draft class, Surin is a versatile forward that comes with plenty of skill. While he has played mostly on the wing with Yaroslavl, he has the tools to become a center at the pro level. There is a bit of concern with him given his lack of discipline at times that put his clubs in bad situations, but his finesse and scoring touch are enticing for any NHL team.  

39. Aron Kiviharju, HIFK (Liiga)

• Position: D
• Height: 5-9
• Weight: 170 lbs

It feels like there has been no name in the 2024 draft class discussed for as long as Kiviharju has. Once viewed as a candidate to go in the top-five overall, the Finnish defenseman hasn't progressed as much as imagined, and injuries this season have also impacted his stock. Still, the 5-9 defenseman is an incredibly smart distributor who has a knack for finding his teammates, no matter how difficult the pass, and he's most noticeable on the ice breaking the puck out of his own zone. 

40. Sam O'Reilly, London (OHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 184 lbs

London was a loaded team this season with a plethora of big-name players in the junior world. That meant that Sam O'Reilly's rookie season flew under the radar, but he was a key player for the Knights. A versatile, 200-foot player, the winger is responsible with and without the work, and never shies away from the physical game. He may not be able to do a lot on his own offensively, but he proved he can be a complimentary player given the right linemates. 

41. Maxim Masse, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 190 lbs

42. Adam Kleber, Lincoln (USHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-6
• Weight: 215 lbs

43. Jesse Pulkkinen, JYP (Liiga)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-6
• Weight: 219 lbs

44. Teddy Stiga, USA U18 (NTDP)

• Position: C
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 178 lbs

45. Alfons Freij, Vaxjo (HockeyAllsvenskan)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 197 lbs

47. Matvei Gridin, Muskegon (USHL)

• Position: RW
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 189 lbs

48. Tanner Howe, Regina (WHL)

• Position: LW
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 184 lbs

49. Julius Miettinen, Everett (WHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 201 lbs

50. Lucas Pettersson, Modo (HockeyAllsvenskan)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 173 lbs

51. Ben Danford, Oshawa (OHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-2
• Weight: 191 lbs

52. Linus Eriksson, Djurgarden (HockeyAllsvenskan)

• Position: C
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 189 lbs

53. Adam Jecho, Edmonton (WHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-5
• Weight: 201 lbs

54. John Mustard, Waterloo (USHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-1
• Weight: 186 lbs

55. Justin Poirier, Baie-Comeau (QMJHL)

• Position: RW
• Height: 5-7
• Weight: 185 lbs

56. Luke Misa, Mississauga (OHL)

• Position: C
• Height: 5-10
• Weight: 174 lbs

57. Matvei Shuravin, CSKA (MHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 218 lbs

58. Lukas Fischer, Sarnia (OHL)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 182 lbs

59. Brodie Ziemer, USA U18 (NTDP)

• Position: RW
• Height: 5-11
• Weight: 196 lbs

60. Leon Muggli, Zug (National League)

• Position: D
• Height: 6-0
• Weight: 177 lbs

NHL Draft prospect rankings by position 

Center

1. Macklin Celebrini, Boston University
2. Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat
3. Tij Iginla, Kelowna
4. Konsta Helenius, Jukurit
5. Berkly Catton, Spokane
6. Michael Hage, Chicago 
7. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie
8. Jett Luchanko, Guelph
9. Dean Letourneau, St. Andrews's College
10. Yegor Surin, Yaroslavl

Left Wing

1. Cole Eiserman, USA U18
2. Trevor Connelly, Tri-City
3. Igor Chernyshov, Dynamo Moscow
4. Sacha Boisvert, Muskegon
5. Marek Vanacker, Brantford
6. Andrew Basha, Medicine Hat
7. Nikita Artamonov, Nizhny Novgorod
8. Sam O'Reilly, London
9. Ondrej Kos, Ilves 
10. Eriks Mateiko, Saint John

Right Wing

1. Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg
2. Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa
3. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Mora
4. Liam Greentree, Windsor
5. Terik Parascak, Prince George
6. Emil Hemming, TPS
7. Ryder Ritchie, Prince Albert
8. Matvei Gridin, Muskegon
9. Justin Poirier, Baie-Comeau
10. Brodie Ziemer, USA U18

Defense

1. Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State
2. Zeev Buium, Denver
3. Anton Silayev, Torpedo
4. Zayne Parekh, Saginaw
5. Sam Dickinson, London
6. Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary
7. Stian Solberg, Valerenga
8. Adam Jiricek, Plzen
9. E.J. Emery, USA U18
10. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Vaxjo

Goaltender

1. Mikhail Yegorov, Omaha
2. Carter George, Owen Sound
3. Eemil Vinni, Jokipojat
4. Ilya Nabokov, Magnitogorsk
5. Nicholas Kempf, USA U18
6. Evan Gardner, Saskatoon
7. Kim Saarinen, HPK
8. Dawson Cowan, Spokane
9. Lukas Matecha, Tri-City
10. Pavel Moysevich, SKA St. Petersburg