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The 2024 NHL Draft promises to deliver some of the most talented future stars. With some can’t-miss prospects, the first round yields franchise-altering potential for some clubs. However, some teams might swing and miss, given the doubtful choices made.
So, let’s take a look at the winners and losers from the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
The biggest winners and losers from Day 1 of the 2024 NHL Draft
Winner: Montreal Canadiens
The Anaheim Ducks gifted Ivan Demidov to the Montreal Canadiens. With the Ducks shocking everyone by taking Beckette Sennecke third overall, Demidov slipped to the fifth spot as the Blue Jackets took a center at No. 4.
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Now, the Canadiens have one of the best Russian players in recent memory, allowing them to continue building a formidable top six around captain Nick Suzuki.
Loser: Ottawa Senators
The Senators picked defenseman Carter Yaremchuk at No. 7. While this pick is a solid one, the Sens let Zeev Buium pass by. Despite the Sens potentially being intrigued by Yaremchuk’s offensive upside, Yaremchuk was ranked 11th among North American skaters. With this pick, the Sens missed out on two high-ranked defensemen and the best international defenseman, all of whom were picked after Yaremchuk in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Winner: New Jersey Devils
The Devils must be thrilled to have landed Anton Silayev at No. 10 in the 2024 NHL Draft. Silayev was ranked as the top international skater. While still only 18, he’s already played in the KHL as a pro. Silayev could be ready to make an impact in North America, though he would most likely start off in the AHL. Silayev has the potential to become a top-pairing defenseman, making him a steal at tenth overall.
Loser: Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs traded down from the 23rd pick to acquire the 31st from the Anaheim Ducks. In the deal, the Leafs also got the 58th pick. With the pick, the Leafs took Ben Danford, ranked 35th among North American skaters. Danford is good-sized and a right-hand shot defenseman, which is something the Leafs need.
However, Danford seems more like a solid second-round pick. Had the Leafs kept the 23rd pick, the club could have addressed other positional needs and still taken Danford in the second round. Nevertheless, the Leafs must feel content to have gotten a solid prospect to fill a void on the right side of the team’s blue line.
Winner: Minnesota Wild
The biggest win goes to the Minnesota Wild, getting Zeev Buium at No. 12. The Wild actually traded up one spot to ensure they got Buium. Considering that Buium was ranked as the top NCAA defenseman, it’s surprising to see him slip to No. 12.
Still, the Wild must be ecstatic to have gotten Buium, as early assessments show Buium could slide into the top pairing with Brock Faber. This pick could be the biggest steal of the 2024 NHL Draft.
