Top 10 2024 NHL draft picks from Day 1 feat. Macklin Celebrini

This year’s NHL draft yielded plenty of drama and excitement as plenty of talented players were selected in the first round. Unfortunately, not all first-round picks emerge as impact players in the NHL.

Here's a look at the top 10 best picks in the 2024 NHL draft.

Top 10 picks from Day 1 of 2024 NHL draft

#10. Cole Eiserman, New York Islanders - Pick No. 20

The Islanders drafted in the first round in 2019. Given the lack of high-end prospects in the Islanders’ system, getting Cole Eiserman at No. 20 overall gives the Isles a solid center moving forward. Eiserman was ranked 12th in North American skaters, giving the Islanders an offensive-minded winger.

#9. Terik Parascak, Washington Capitals - Pick No. 17

The Capitals are another club lacking high-end prospects. Adding Parascak with the No. 17 pick gives the Caps a dynamic forward who can score. This pick is crucial as Washington seems to be heading toward a turnover in talent, especially as Alex Ovechkin gets older and begins to decline Solid pick for a club on the fringe of the playoff race.

#8. Sam Dickinson, San Jose Sharks - Pick No. 11

The Sharks parlayed their second, first-round pick into a young, highly-skilled defenseman. While Dickinson was projected to go in the top 10, the drama Anaheim created at No. 3 allowed Dickinson to slip to the Sharks. This draft could turn out fantastic for the Sharks, given their two picks in the top 11.

#7. Cayden Lindstrom, Columbus Blue Jackets - Pick No. 4

Lindstrom is a fantastic choice for the Blue Jackets, as the club lacks center depth. Lindstrom gives the Blue Jackets a powerful center who could easily slot behind Adam Fantilli. While Lindstrom could gone in the top three, the Blue Jackets should be thrilled to have gotten him at number four.

#6. Ivan Demidov, Montreal Canadiens - Pick No. 5

Demidov was also expected to go in the top three. However, the surprise pick by Anaheim almost gifted Demidov to the Canadiens. The Canadiens got their No. 2 international skater, giving the club a seemingly NHL-ready forward. Demidov could slot in Montreal’s top six as early as next season.

#5. Anton Silayev, New Jersey Devils - Pick No. 10

The Devils were fortunate to get the No. 1 international skater at No. 10. Silayev has played well as an 18-year-old in the KHL. While his skills are considered “raw” by some reports, Silayev’s potential is high. So, Silayev, at No. 10, could be the steal of this year’s NHL draft.

#4. Tij Iginla, Utah Hockey Club - Pick No. 6

Plenty of fans believed Iginla would go to the Calgary Flames at No. 9. However, Utah made sure that didn’t happen by taking him sixth overall. Iginla was ranked as one of the best centers in this draft. He brings an elite-level shot and a high IQ. He should draw immediate attention from Utah fans, making him a highly visible figure in the NHL’s newest market.

#3. Artyom Levshunov, Chicago Blackhawks - Pick No. 2

The Blackhawks made arguably the smartest pick in this NHL draft by taking Levshunov, the best defenseman available, at No. 2. While Levshunov is not expected to cause an immediate impact in Chicago, he should become the Hawks’ top right-hand shot defenseman at some point.

#2. Zeev Buium, Minnesota Wild - Pick No. 12

The Wild traded up to get Buium at No. 12. Buium was ranked as the fourth North American skater. However, 11 other teams passed on him. Given the Wild’s lack of defensive prospects, the club could not pass up the opportunity to take Buium.

Early assessments place Buium alongside Brock Faber, potentially giving the Wild one of the best top-pairings in the league.

#1. Macklin Celebrini, San Jose Sharks - Pick No. 1

This pick was a no-brainer for the Sharks. Celebrini was the consensus No. 1 pick.

So, it made sense for the rebuilding Sharks to take a player with top-line, franchise center potential. Celebrini, along with Dickinson, could give the Sharks a franchise-altering NHL draft in 2024.