Ranking top 5 centers available at 2024 NHL Draft feat. Macklin Celebrini

Boston University star Macklin Celebrini headlines a list of talented forwards eligible for this year’s draft. While the 2024 draft class includes an impressive list of forwards and defensemen, five centers stand out.

While the consensus is that the San Jose Sharks will pick Celebrini with the first-overall selection, several other high-caliber players are capable of becoming stars in the NHL.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the top five centers available in this year’s entry draft.

Macklin Celebrini and other top centers available at the 2024 entry draft

#5. Cayden Lindstrom

Lindstrom played with Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League (WHL) this past season. Most scouts consider Lindstrom one of the top forwards in the draft, given his size and speed. While he had surgery related to an upper-body injury, that should not impact his play moving forward.

At 6-foot-3, Lindstrom should become an impact player at some point. NHL.com captured NHL Central Scouting director Dan Marr's comments regarding Lindstrom:

"Lindstrom is an elite NHL prospect that any NHL club would covet."

Lindstrom could land in the top five, most likely following Macklin Celebrini. The Anaheim Ducks or Columbus Blue Jackets could be interesting landing spots for Lindstrom.

#4. Tij Iginla

Tij Iginla, son of former Calgary Flames Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, ranks among the top North American skaters. He has speed and talent, the potential to land him within the top ten. There are rumors that the Calgary Flames want Tij Iginla. Calgary has the ninth overall pick. So, it’s well within reach that Iginla follows in his father’s footsteps in Calgary.

#3. Konsta Helenius

The Finnish prospect played well this past season as a 17-year-old in the men’s pro league in Finland. He registered 36 points in 51 games while notching five powerplay goals. He would be an intriguing option for teams looking for center depth as he could land within the top 15.

Perhaps the Buffalo Sabres or Philadelphia Flyers could become a good fit for Helenius.

#2. Berkly Catton

The Spokane Chiefs star notched 116 points in 68 games in WHL. His totals have ranked him alongside Connor Bedard and Nic Petan in WHL history. Catton drives the rush and can skate with the best of them.

Central Scouting has Catton ranked eighth among North American skaters. Nevertheless, teams looking for a boost at center could take a long look at Catton. Ultimately, he could become a top-ten pick. The Montreal Canadiens or Utah Hockey Club could be intriguing landing spots for Catton.

#1. Macklin Celebrini

Macklin Celebrini has been the talk of the draft. He’s the presumptive first-overall pick with the rebuilding Sharks, the default landing spot for the young star. His play at Boston University earned him the Hobey Baker Award, joining names such as Jack Eichel and Chris Drury.

It would be a shock to see the Sharks pick anyone other than Celebrini first overall. If, for some reason, San Jose passed on Celebrini, the Blackhawks would not pass up the opportunity to draft a player compared to Chicago great Jonathan Toews.