2024 NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Final predictions for Round 1 ahead of Vegas mega event

The 2024 NHL Draft is finally here and so is our NHL Mock Draft 2.0! The top hockey prospects will gather at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, hoping to have their name called by an NHL franchise.

It is one of the biggest moments of their hockey-playing careers and the beginning of the next chapter of their lives. It will be an exciting and unpredictable night for the prospects, their families, and NHL fans across the globe.

2024 NHL Mock Draft 2.0: Final Predictions for Round 1

#1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, Boston University

One of the best parts of any sports draft is its unpredictability. In this case, there will be no surprise when the San Jose Sharks take Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick. Widely regarded as the top prospect of the class, Celebrini will provide the Sharks with a key building block for the future and take the top spot in this NHL Mock Draft.

"Macklin Celebrini goal" - @MyFryHole

#2. Chicago Blackhawks: Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg

It's rare that the draft becomes unpredictable so early, however, here we are. The Chicago Blackhawks can go a number of different directions, but the idea of pairing Ivan Demidov with franchise superstar Connor Bedard might be too much to pass up. The pair could become the next dynamic duo in the NHL.

#3. Anaheim Ducks: Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State University

If the Blackhawks opt to take Demidov, the Anaheim Ducks will more than likely take the top defenseman in the draft: Artyom Levshunov. The talented blueliner's potential is among the highest in the class and could instantly become a staple on the Ducks' top pairing.

#4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat

The Columbus Blue Jackets have a few glaring needs: offensive firepower and size. Cayden Lindstrom could check both boxes for the club. Plus, pairing Lindstrom with Adam Fantilli could give the team a high-potential duo to build around.

#5. Montreal Canadiens: Anton Silayev, Torpedo

For this NHL Mock Draft, I have the Montreal Canadiens going with the next-best defenseman on the board, Anton Silayev. The hulking 6'7 shut-down defender could be a force for the Canadiens. While his offensive game might need some refinement, his ability to control the defensive zone is among the best in the class.

#6. Utah Hockey Club: Tij Iginla, Kelowna

The Utah Hockey Club will likely be looking to make some noise in their first draft in franchise history. By selecting Tij Iginla, they could accomplish that goal. The son of Jerome Iginla, Tij is a high-end talent who could make an impact on the NHL's newest franchise. Some NHL Mock Drafts have Iginla falling later down the board, but he is an intriguing snag for Utah.

"TIJ IGINLA – HIGHLIGHT REEL. Just a sample of Tij’s 47-goal season! @Kelowna_Rockets | #NHLDraft" - @TheWHL

#7. Ottawa Senators: Sam Dickinson, London

The Ottawa Senators are determined to contend next season. Many NHL Mock Draft experts believe that Sam Dickinson could help the team accomplish that goal. The big, left-handed defender could help bolster the club's blueline in front of the newly acquired Linus Ullmark. Plus, Dickinson was born in Toronto, so that local flavor could add to the selection.

#8. Seattle Kraken: Zeev Buium, Denver

The Seattle Kraken has been linked to Zeev Buium entering the draft. An elite, offensive defenseman, Buium could bring some additional firepower to the team's blueline. In addition, his defensive abilities are nothing to ignore, making him one of the most well-rounded blueliners in the class.

#9. Calgary Flames: Zayne Parekh, Saginaw

The Calgary Flames could land the potential steal of the draft if Zayne Parekh falls to them at the 9th pick. The top offensive defenseman of the class, Parekh could become an instant impact player on the Flames' powerplay, while also being a key building block for the franchise.

#10. New Jersey Devils: Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa

Beckett Sennecke is the top forward remaining on the board, which makes him an easy target for the New Jersey Devils. Sennecke would become yet another talented offensive weapon for the club, joining the likes of Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Given their Stanley Cup aspirations, there is a chance they will try to trade out of this spot.

"Beckett Sennecke understood the assignment. 22 points in his final 12 regular season games. Now 15 points in ~10 playoff games - 2nd most in the OHL That draft stock is cliiiimbing" - @Hockey_Robinson

#11. Buffalo Sabres: Konsta Helenius, Jukurit

A talented center who can contribute on both sides of the ice, Konsta Helenius could be an ideal pick for the Buffalo Sabres. An elite playmaker with a high on-ice IQ, Helenius could make an impact for the Sabres as an eventual Top 6 forward.

#12. Philadelphia Flyers, Berkly Catton, Spokane

The Philadelphia Flyers will likely be looking to land a center with the 12th pick, which makes Berkly Catton an ideal target in this NHL Mock Draft. A strong offensive weapon with elite playmaking, Catton could be a perfect fit with the Flyers based on their need for the position. He may be small (5'11") but he is certainly talented.

13. Minnesota Wild, Cole Eiserman, USNTDP

The Minnesota Wild have all the makings of a strong team next season, however, the one area where they could improve goal scoring. This is where Cole Eiserman could be an intriguing fit. A talented offensive player, Eiserman could be a productive scorer for the Wild.

14. San Jose Sharks, Stian Solberg, Valerenga

This is the San Jose Sharks' second appearance in the NHL Mock Draft. The team is currently in a rebuilding phase and basically needs upgrades across the board. Enter Stian Solberg, a hard-hitting, physical defenseman who would instantly bolster the Sharks' blueline.

15. Detroit Red Wings, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Mora

The Detroit Red Wings are expected to pursue a high-potential forward with this pick, and in this NHL Mock Draft, that is exactly what they do. His combination of skill and size makes him an intriguing fit for a playoff-contending Red Wings team.

16. St. Louis Blues, Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary

The St. Louis Blues will be more than happy if real life emulates this NHL Mock Draft and Carter Yakemchuk falls to them at 16. The defenseman has all the tools to have a long career in the NHL. While he may have some kinks to his game that need to develop, the Blues would be more than happy to do so.

"And that’s 30 for Carter Yakemchuk" - @WHLHitmen

17. Washington Capitals, Aron Kiviharju, HIFK Helsinki

The Washington Capitals will undoubtedly be looking to add a defenseman during the event. Aron Kiviharju is an elite playmaking defender who could be an asset for the Capitals, particularly playing alongside club legend Alexander Ovechkin on the powerplay.

18. Chicago Blackhawks, Adam Jiricek, HC Plzen

The Chicago Blackhawks have already selected Ivan Demidov in this NHL Mock Draft, so this time around I have them bolstering their defensive unit. Adam Jiricek could be a massive steal for the Blackhawks with the 18th overall pick. An all-round defenseman, he would be a nice fit at this pick.

19. Vegas Golden Knights, Michael Hage, Chicago

Michael Hage is a talented forward with high potential and is the type of player that the Vegas Golden Knights should be targeting. The potential loss of Johnathan Marchessault in free agency makes the Golden Knights' need for scoring even more glaring.

20. New York Islanders, Ryder Ritchie, Prince Albert

Ryder Ritchie is a flashy talent with plenty of room to grow at the NHL level. For this NHL Mock Draft, the New York Islanders add this speedy forward to their strong offensive core. Ritchie could be a valuable pick for the Islanders.

21. Los Angeles Kings, Trevor Connelly, Tri-City

One of the most talented forwards in the entire class, Trevor Connelly's off-ice issues have him tumbling down NHL Mock Draft boards. That being said, the Los Angeles Kings have a strong core of proven veterans that could help maximize Connelly's talent. He is a risk, but one that could pay off handsomely for the Kings.

22. Nashville Predators, Jett Luchanko, Guelph

As one of the youngest players in the entire class, Jett Luchanko has plenty of time to develop into an impact player. For the Nashville Predators, they may not mind waiting for the forward to grow as a player. Luchanko has two-way skills and attacks the zone with speed.

"JETT LUCHANKO DRAFT STOCK #NHLDraft | @Storm_City" - @OHLHockey

23. Toronto Maple Leafs, EJ Emery, USNTDP

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a clear need for defense. An offensive juggernaut, the Maple Leafs have been prone to allowing their opponents to overwhelm them and score. EJ Emery is a big, physical defenseman who could help the Leafs keep their opponents off the board.

24. Colorado Avalanche, Liam Greentree, Windsor

Liam Greentree and the Colorado Avalanche are a perfect fit for one another. A well-rounded forward with the ability to score goals, it may be wishful thinking in the NHL Mock Draft that he would fall this far. If he does, it would be huge.

25. Boston Bruins, Sacha Boisvert, Muskegon

The Boston Bruins' only appearance in this NHL Mock Draft has the club landing Sacha Boisvert. The talented forward has the making of a prototypical power forward, something that the Bruins could use. Boisvert is physical and fully capable of racking up goals.

26. Montreal Canadiens, Igor Chernyshov, Dynamo Moskva

This NHL Mock Draft has the Montreal Canadiens selecting Igor Chernyshov at the back of the first round. The talented Russian forward brings size to the promising Canadiens' roster while also posing a threat to his opponent's goaltenders. He could be a nice power-forward addition to Montreal's roster.

27. Carolina Hurricanes, Nikita Artamonov, Novgorod

The Carolina Hurricanes will only make one pick in this NHL Mock Draft and I believe that Nikita Artamonov could be their pick on Friday. A two-way player, Artamonov has an eye for the net and has strong playmaking skills.

"2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points. At the age of 17. Wow, Nikita Artamonov" - @khl_eng

28. Calgary Flames, Leo Sahlin Wallenius, Vaxjo Jr.

Leo Sahlin Wallenius is an intriguing defensive prospect, one that the Calgary Flames should consider taking a chance on. Even though he falls to the 28th pick in this NHL Mock Draft, he is certainly a high-upside pick here for the rebuilding Flames.

29. Dallas Stars, Cole Beaudoin, Barrie

Cole Beaudoin could be a steal here for the Dallas Stars. An intelligent player with some grit to his game, Beaudoin may not have top-line potential but could become an important depth forward for the Stanley Cup contenders.

30. New York Rangers, Emil Hemming, TPS

The New York Rangers will enter the new season as a Stanley Cup contender thanks to their loaded roster. This might keep a rookie off their roster, however, a young player such as Emil Hemming could become a nice future piece for the Rangers. He goes here with the 30th pick of this NHL Mock Draft.

31. Anaheim Ducks, Terik Parascak, Prince George

With their second pick of the first round, I have the Anaheim Ducks adding to their forward depth. Terik Parascak is a talented scoring forward who could develop alongside the Ducks' young core.

32. Philadelphia Flyers, Charlie Elick, Brandon

Closing out the first round of this NHL Mock Draft are the Philadelphia Flyers. The club looks to bolster its defensive core by adding a shutdown presence in the form of Charlie Elick. They say defense wins championships and adding a steady lockdown defender could help the Flyers get closer to that goal.