With the Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament now officially completed and the upcoming 2023-24 regular season of major junior hockey less than two months away from kick-off, this seems like the perfect time to publish my initial rankings of the top thirty-two players available for selection in next summer’s 2024 NHL Entry Draft. If you have paid any attention to this blog over the last couple of years then you are probably aware that my Part 1 Rankings list is typically released sometime during the month of October, but this year I have decided to do things a little differently. Rather than put out an introductory, or preliminary, rankings list that I consider to be “unofficial” (like I did last year), I’m going to begin the new season’s scouting cycle with my “official” Part 1 publication and spread Parts 3 to 4 across the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign before concluding things with my Final Rankings list just prior to the actual day of the event itself. Between the various international tournaments, league play, and showcase opportunities these prospects have already performed in as 15, 16 or 17-year olds, I believe I’ve seen enough of the 2024-eligible crop to at least construct a legitimately well-researched (and scouted) top thirty-two. This early list will allow me to establish a framework that I can then continue to modify and build upon over the ensuing months as I gain further in-game viewings of next summer’s draft class. Armchair scouting/amateur analysis is a tricky business when you’re a single lowly writer attempting to assess an entire group of elite teenaged hockey prospects solo, but hopefully this new altered arrangement will pay dividends in that regard. Fingers crossed.
The biggest question surrounding each edition of the annual NHL Entry Draft is always: “who is most likely to become the first overall pick?” Last year, of course, Regina Pats center Connor Bedard was the runaway number one prospect from start to finish before the Chicago Blackhawks eventually surprised no one by snatching him up with the top selection. The year prior it was Kingston Frontenacs captain Shane Wright who was widely regarded the best player available, but the Montreal Canadiens chose big Slovakian winger Juraj Slafkovsky instead. The 2024 draft class, in my humble opinion, is currently a tight two-horse race to go first overall between former Shattuck St. Mary’s teammates Macklin Celebrini (a Canadian-born pivot bound for Boston University in 2023-24) and Cole Eiserman (a left winger with the U.S. NTDP). These two have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the pack with the historic seasons each of them produced as 16-year olds in their respective leagues last year, and I would honestly be quite shocked if they don’t become the first and second picks made by NHL GMs next summer. Most scouting sources have Celebrini perched comfortably inside the top spot on their lists, but I don’t believe it is nearly as “cut and dried” as many are already making it out to be. It was an incredibly difficult task to choose one of them that I felt should rank above the other, and if there is a new number one by the time my Part 2, 3 or 4 lists come out I won’t be shocked in the slightest. The gap between the two superstar-caliber prospects is so minuscule right now it’s practically nonexistent.
You’ve probably heard the rumblings about the class of 2024 being a defense-heavy group, and it certainly is. While last year’s crop seemed to lack any real blue-chip talent on the blueline yet featured a stunning wealth of top-tier forward prospects, next year’s batch is almost a polar opposite collection. There are promising defenders of all sizes, skillsets, playing styles and nationalities to be found among the 2006-born (or late-2005) players available in 2024, yet outside of a handful of high end gamebreakers up-front it appears to be a relatively weak forward group overall. If a GM were to perfectly plan their picks around the strengths of these wildly different draft classes, they could conceivably land future cornerstone pieces for their franchise at both the defense and forward positions within consecutive drafts. That’s asking a lot, obviously, but the possibility exists. Which of the 2024-eligible blueliners is off-the-board first will likely depend on what the organization making the selection values most: a slick skating, offense-minded puckmover? A hulking shutdown defender who has the ability to contribute offensively from time to time? A two-way minute-munching stud who can be trusted to play in all situations? Based on what we have seen so far, there are multiple defenders who could fit into any one of those categories. If a team is seeking NHL-ready size and excellent skating with above average defensive efforts, there are players like Sam Dickinson, Artyom Levshunov, Adam Jiricek, and Carter Yakemchuk. If they would rather add a future powerplay quarterback who can rack up points while remaining responsible in their own zone, there are players like Henry Mews, Zayne Parekh, and Anthony Cristoforo to fit that bill. And that’s without mentioning names like Aron Kiviharju, Cole Hutson, Zeev Buium and Veeti Vaisanen. The defensive depth of the 2024 draft class may even rival that of the stacked class of 2008 which featured some of the NHL’s greatest modern-era d-men including Drew Doughty, Erik Karlsson, Roman Josi, Alex Pietrangelo and John Carlson. I’m not saying it will rival 2008, but I believe it potentially could.
Without further ado, though, let’s just get to the list shall we? Some of these choices you might agree with, and others I am sure you will not. That’s simply par for the course when it comes to releasing an opinionated piece like a rankings article, and especially when we’re talking about professional sports. I welcome all opinions, whether in favour or against. These are my personal opinions, however, and as such I stand behind them. Enjoy!
THE TOP 32 PROSPECTS
1. Cole Eiserman ,LW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: August 29, 2006 Size: 5’11”, 191 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-12g8a-20pts U18-WJC: 7gp-9g2a-11pts U17-NTDP: 42gp-43g29a-72pts U18-NTDP: 20gp-26g6a-32pts
I’m guessing this isn’t the player you expected to see in the number one spot, is it? Like I said in the intro above, though, I truly feel that Eiserman and Celebrini are basically neck-and-neck in the fight to go first overall at the moment. I ultimately gave the edge to this U.S. NTDP sniper mostly due to the unheard-of goal totals he produced at every single level last season, whether it was the 69 goals in 62 games split between the NTDP’s U17 and U18 squads, the all-time tournament record tying 12 goals in 7 games at the U17 World Hockey Challenge, or the tournament-best (tied) 9 goals in 7 games at the U18 World Championships. Eiserman, as a left winger, admittedly plays a less coveted position than Celebrini does in the eyes of most NHL scouts and GMs. But when you’re talking about a left winger with legitimate 50-goal, Rocket Richard Trophy-winning upside who can change the outcome of a game with a single blistering shot, does that really matter? He’s no one-trick pony either, even if scoring goals is his unquestioned on-ice specialty, as he can beat opposing netminders in an endless amount of ways: a bullet wrister while flying down the wing in full stride, a devastating one-timer slapshot on the powerplay, a quick set of hands to beat the goaltender one-on-one, tips/deflections, perfectly placed bad angle snipes…you name it, he can do it better than anyone else in this draft class. He’s also no slouch as a playmaker despite his tilted goal/assist totals, but when you have an NHL-caliber shooting arsenal at the age of 16 like he does wouldn’t you take the shot rather than pass too? I will need to see growth in Eiserman’s all-around game this season if he is going to continue to fend off Celebrini for the top spot in 2024, there’s no doubt about that, but I absolutely believe he is capable of doing so.
2. Macklin Celebrini ,C, Boston University (NCAA)
Born: June 13, 2006 Size: 5’11”, 189 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 4gp-1g1a-2pts U18-WJC: 7gp-6g9a-15pts USHL: 50gp-46g40a-86pts
He has all the makings of a future number one center in the NHL, from the elite toolkit he possesses (skating, stickhandling, shooting, playmaking, IQ) to the highly advanced two-way game he already employs, and he also has the staggering numbers to back it up as well. In 2022-23 Celebrini led the entire USHL in both goals (46) and points (86) and was named the league’s Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year as a result. The thing is, he was only 16 years old when he did so. He set all-time scoring records for an under-17 USHL player in the process, crushing 2023 third overall pick Adam Fantilli’s statistics in his pre-draft year by 9 goals and 12 points in 4 less games played. Oh, and he was eight months younger than Fantilli was at the time too. With that being said, it’s easy to see why the gifted centerman is the consensus number one ranked prospect for the 2024 NHL draft right now. Despite being an underaged competitor at the event, he led Team Canada to bronze at last spring’s U18 Worlds with a virtuosic performance that saw him collect 15 points (6g9a) in just 7 total contests while centering the club’s top-line. This coming season will see Celebrini suit up for Boston University as a 17-year old freshman, and most expect him to dominate from the outset much like Fantilli did with the University of Michigan last year. If he indeed does light the college circuit on fire, then he could very easily force his way past Eiserman and into the top spot on my lists. What truly makes him special, however, is his extremely intelligent and impactful 200-ft. game that goes along with his all-world scoring skill. Think the defensive acumen of Jonathan Toews combined with the lethal offensive attack of Nathan MacKinnon, provided he is able to maximize his insanely enormous potential.
3. Ivan Demidov ,RW, SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL)
Born: December 10, 2005 Size: 5’11”, 168 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) MHL: 44gp-19g45a-64pts KHL: 2gp-0g0a-0pts
There are a few striking similarities between Demidov and 2023 seventh overall pick Matvei Michkov, starting with the fact that both players are Russian-born right wingers who came up through the SKA-St. Petersburg organization. Aside from that, both are also supremely talented offensive dynamos with the kinds of jaw dropping point totals typically only found among the absolute upper echelon of teenaged hockey phenoms. That’s precisely what Demidov is, although his actual playing style is far from the one Michkov employs. Whereas Michkov is an opportunistic, calculated quick-strike attacker, Demidov is more of an electrifying one-on-one attacker who can stickhandle his way around the opposing defense with ease and execute high-end passing plays with his tremendous vision and soft set of hands. In fact, he is arguably the single most purely skilled offensive forward in this draft class (Eiserman and Celebrini included). There are very few players out there who can slice and dice their way through the opposing end of the ice on a dazzling solo dash like he can, and oftentimes he will pull it off on seemingly every other shift during a game. That’s essentially how Demidov, as a late-2005 birthday who spent the 2022-23 season as a 16/17-year old, posted 64 points (19g45a) in 44 MHL games for a league-leading 1.45 points-per-game average that earned him Most Valuable Player honours. That also explains one of his noticeable flaws, however: his tendency to take on the entire opposition singlehanded instead of consistently identifying and utilizing his best options. He is going to need to iron out some of those kinks in order to hold onto a spot in my top three beyond just this list, but for now he undoubtedly deserves his standing.
4. Berkly Catton ,C, Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
Born: January 14, 2006 Size: 5’11”, 164 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-3g9a-12pts U18-WJC: 7gp-1g3a-4pts WHL: 63gp-23g32a-55pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-8g2a-10pts
If Berkly Catton’s showing at last year’s U17 Challenge (where he captained Canada Red to silver and posted 12 points in 7 games) or rookie WHL campaign (23 goals and 55 points in 63 games, named a finalist for Rookie of the Year) didn’t convince you he was top five worthy, the MVP-caliber performance he put on to captain Team Canada to gold at the recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup surely should have. The former first overall pick (2021 WHL Prospects Draft) has demonstrated phenomenal leadership, work ethic, offensive skill and two-way reliability since the day he stepped foot onto a major junior ice surface, but the clutch goalscoring and elite-level hockey IQ he showed off at the Hlinka Gretzky cemented his status as an ultra promising, top-notch young talent. He’s not the biggest guy for a center at 5’11” and 164 lbs., yet his smooth, technically proficient skating stride, vision and smarts should be more than enough to make up the difference once he reaches the NHL. Based on my viewings of him with the Spokane Chiefs last season I had him pegged as a potential second-line pivot, but I saw clear flashes of top-line upside that can’t be ignored. Much still hinges on the way his 2023-24 sophomore campaign in the WHL plays out, just like it does with every other player on this list. I am fully confident in his top five placement, though, and I don’t see him falling any farther than that by the time the day of the draft rolls around either.
5. Aron Kiviharju ,D, HIFK (Liiga)
Born: January 25, 2006 Size: 5’10”, 165 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-1g5a-6pts U18-WJC: 5gp-0g7a-7pts U20 SM-Sarja: 22gp-2g18a-20pts Liiga: 21gp-0g3a-3pts
In all honesty, I strongly debated ranking Kiviharju as high as third overall on this list. His resume while competing against older competition, dating back to when he was just a 15-year old kid in Finland’s U20 SM-Sarja, is extremely impressive in and of itself and was the main reason he emerged as the initial leading candidate to go number one in 2024. In 35 games with TPS’ U20 squad he recorded a mindboggling 30 points (7g23a), numbers never before seen from a Finnish blueliner at his age, and he followed it up with a spectacular U18 Worlds tournament that saw him notch 6 points (0g6a) in 6 games, help his country to a bronze medal, and be voted one of the Finns’ top three performers by the coaching staff. All Kiviharju has done since then is continue to pile up ridiculous stats and log gargantuan minutes in all situations nearly everywhere he goes. The exception was his 21-game stretch in the men’s Liiga last season, I suppose, though the then-16-year old averaged more than twenty minutes a game despite his rather underwhelming 3 total assists. He is expected to start the coming year with HIFK in the Liiga before joining the Finnish U20 World Juniors team, and there is certainly going to be pressure on him to perform to the best of his capabilities at both levels if he hopes to maintain a spot in or around the top five.
6. Konsta Helenius ,C/RW, Jukurit (Liiga)
Born: May 11, 2006 Size: 5’10”, 168 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-2g9a-11pts U18-WJC: 5gp-2g4a-6pts U20 SM-Sarja: 19gp-8g20a-28pts Liiga: 33gp-3g8a-11pts
If someone were to ask me which 2024-eligible prospect on this list had the best chance of climbing his way into the top three overall by the end of the year, I would probably have to say speedy Finnish forward Konsta Helenius. Although a tad undersized by NHL standards, Helenius possesses blazing footspeed, dynamic one-on-one puck skills and (perhaps most importantly) consistency. No matter where he played this past season he was outstanding, from his tour-de-force showing at the U17 Challenge to his top-line promotion and point-per-game production at the last U18 Worlds or his dominance of the U20 SM-Sarja at 16 years old. Standing tall above the rest, however, is his showing for Jukurit in the men’s Liiga. He notched a brilliant 11 points (3g8a) in 33 games in the country’s top pro league, outscoring the likes of 2022 first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky during his draft campaign when he was a full year older. I’m personally not convinced he plays center at the NHL level, but he has all the tools to be an impact top-line winger someday even if he doesn’t.
7. Henry Mews ,D, Ottawa 67s (OHL)
Born: March 9, 2006 Size: 6’0”, 179 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 6gp-2g6a-8pts OHL: 55gp-12g19a-31pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-1g6a-7pts
Drafted seventh overall by the Ottawa 67s in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Mews is the rare kind of blueline prospect whose terrific offensive game is actually equaled by his defensive excellence. He would have been my choice for Best Defenseman at the recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup after notching a position-leading 7 points (1g6a) in 5 games, displaying incredible poise with the puck in all three zones, and helping Team Canada win gold for the second year in a row. Just like he did at the U17 Challenge or during his debut OHL campaign, Mews consistently made the right reads on both sides of the puck and executed smart plays at the most critical times. He blocks shots, kills penalties, capably runs a powerplay and is not afraid to jump into the rush and contribute to his team’s attack when the occasion calls for it. He can also be tasked with shutdown duties as his skating, anticipation and off-the-charts hockey sense combine to make him a difficult defender for opposing forwards to beat one-on-one. In a draft class that is stacked with tantalizing defensemen from top to bottom, Mews has begun to truly separate himself as one of the most promising all-around studs available.
8. Sam Dickinson ,D, London Knights (OHL)
Born: June 7, 2006 Size: 6’3”, 195 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-1g1a-2pts OHL: 62gp-9g14a-23pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-0g3a-3pts
I have seen Sam Dickinson ranked as high as the number four spot on some lists out there, and while I agree with the astronomical amount of potential he has I haven’t seen the type of dominant performance from him that would justify a higher position just yet. There’s no question he possesses rare natural gifts that are bound to get plenty of NHL GMs salivating on the draft floor, including great size (6’3”, 195 lbs.), excellent skating ability, strong defensive prowess and steadily growing offensive skills. The problem is that we have yet to see him produce massive point totals (even when competing at U17 and U18 events) or deliver a masterful two-way showing to indicate that he is indeed going to take that next step forward. As an OHL rookie he put up a solid but unspectacular 23 points (9g14a) in 62 regular season games, followed by 4 goals and 8 points in 21 postseason contests as the Knights reached the league Finals, and he finished the U17 Challenge with just 2 points (1g1a) in 7 games and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with 3 points (0g3a) in 5 games. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments throughout the year where he dictated the pace of play, constantly stymied opposing attacks and displayed considerable skill with the puck. I, and the NHL’s scouts as well I assume, simply need to see him deliver this level of play on a nightly basis before I (or we) can comfortably place him inside the top five.
9. Zayne Parekh ,D, Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
Born: February 15, 2006 Size: 6’0”, 170 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-3g2a-5pts OHL: 50gp-21g16a-37pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-0g3a-3pts
Parekh’s addition makes him the third straight OHL-based defender to crack the top ten on this list, and in my estimation the Saginaw star has by far the highest potential offensive ceiling of the three. He set a new all-time OHL record for goals by an under-17 defensemen in 2022-23 when he racked up 21 in just 50 games to go along with his 37 total points. If you include the 6 goals and 9 points he put up for the Spirit during their playoff run, Parekh’s numbers jump to a jaw dropping 27 goals and 46 points in just 61 games played. I can’t remember ever seeing those kinds of statistics from a rookie blueliner in Canadian major junior in all the years I’ve been following it, and that’s saying something. He was fantastic in a silver-winning performance for Canada Red at the U17 Challenge, and though he posted just 3 points (0g3a) in 5 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup his elite skating ability, blistering and deadly accurate shot, and slick pair of hands were on display all tournament long. Is Zayne Parekh a future number one guy though? Or is he going to be relegated to a powerplay specialist in the NHL? The answers to those questions will ultimately determine whether he rises or falls in these rankings.
10. Artyom Levshunov ,D, Michigan State University (NCAA)
Born: October 28, 2005 Size: 6’2”, 198 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) USHL: 62gp-13g29a-42pts
The Belarusian-born blueliner might be the most common name filling the number three spot on early preliminary lists right now, with the majority of scouting sources already hailing him as the best defensemen in this draft class. I understand the reasons behind the hype (he’s 6’2” and nearly 200 lbs., skates exceptionally well and posted attention grabbing stats as a 17-year old rookie in the USHL last season) and can see the substantial upside he carries if he is able to maximize his development. I also believe Levshunov has become somewhat overrated because of his impressive numbers (13 goals and 42 points in 62 USHL contests, fifth-most among league defenders) and current size/strength advantages. He is still susceptible to frequent defensive lapses and struggles inside his own zone, weaknesses which will likely be exposed to a far greater degree in the NCAA next season. Due to his Belarus nationality we haven’t been able to see him competing with/against his peers on the global stage, which is extremely valuable viewings for scouts, so his upcoming freshman campaign is bound to carry a ton of weight.
11. Cole Hutson ,D, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: June 28, 2006 Size: 5’8”, 143 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-0g9a-9pts U18-WJC: 7gp-1g11a-12pts U17-NTDP: 42gp-8g34a-42pts U18-NTDP: 19gp-2g24a-26pts
If you’re a diehard hockey fan then I’m sure you have heard of Lane Hutson’s record-setting campaign in the NCAA in 2022-23, and/or his insane display at the recent U20 WJC Summer Showcase. Well, Cole Hutson is his younger brother (and also a defenseman) and just finished breaking Lane’s all-time points record for blueliners in the NTDP. As a 16-year old with a whole ‘nother year to go. In 61 games split between the U17 and U18s Cole recorded 68 points (10g58a), including a magnificent run at the U18 Worlds where he contributed 12 points (1g11a) in 7 games to Team USA’s golden victory. He shares similar size (or lack thereof) with his brother Lane too, being listed at 5’8” and 143 lbs. by USA Hockey, but he shares the same fearlessness, fiery competitiveness and phenomenal manipulation techniques (with both his feet and hands) that allow him to maneuver around bigger and stronger opponents with ease. I made the mistake of not including Lane in my Final Rankings of the 2022 NHL draft class a couple of years ago, so I won’t make the same mistake with Cole this time around.
12. Maxim Masse ,RW, Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Born: April 7, 2006 Size: 6’1”, 180 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) QMJHL: 65gp-29g33a-62pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-5g1a-6pts
Despite being the third overall selection in the 2022 QMJHL Entry Draft, Masse’s amazing rookie season still managed to fly under the radar somehow. The 6’1” winger collected 29 goals and 62 points in just 65 games with Chicoutimi and eventually took home both the QMJHL and CHL Rookie of the Year awards. He was a huge part of Team Canada’s gold medal win at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup too, posting 5 goals and 6 points in 5 games while emerging as one of the squad’s best penalty killers and most impactful two-way forces. His knack for the net and wicked wristshot were evident to anyone watching, as was his physicality and relentless approach to every shift. Masse’s skating has been the target of criticism from some scouts, but his smarts, anticipation and ability to read the play as it develops allowed him to create multiple odd-man rush opportunities throughout the tournament. To me, there is no issue with his skating at this stage of his career as he still has plenty of time to improve his speed and mobility. The tools, the IQ, and the results have been there in spades, and that is what truly matters at the end of the day.
13. Igor Chernyshov ,LW, MHK Dynamo Moskva (MHL)
Born: November 30, 2005 Size: 6’2”, 192 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) MHL: 38gp-18g20a-38pts KHL: 5gp-1g0a-1pt
Arguably the best pure power forward in this draft class, Chernyshov is a big, highly skilled winger with a pro-caliber shot, razorsharp instincts inside the offensive zone and a “drive the net” mentality that should serve him well in his journey towards the NHL. On top of being a point-per-game player during his first full MHL season, the Russian-born wrecking ball scored his first career KHL goal during a 5-game call-up to the big club that proved that his talents can indeed translate to the men’s level. When watching Chernyshov I can’t help but be reminded of Daniil But from last year’s 2022 NHL draft. Chernyshov doesn’t have the electrifying hands that But does, but he shares similar upside as a potential top-six mainstay who can create space for his linemates and make life difficult for his opponents in all three zones.
14. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard ,RW, Mora IK (Allsvenskan)
Born: October 5, 2005 Size: 6’1”, 194 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U20-WJC(D1A): 5gp-2g3a-5pts J18-Region: 4gp-5g5a-10pts J20-Nationell: 35gp-17g21a-38pts Allsvenskan: 11gp-1g2a-3pts
The first Norwegian-born prospect I have ever placed inside any of my top thirty-two rankings lists, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard decided to ply his trade with the Swedish program this past season in an attempt to find a higher level of competition. The move definitely paid off as the right winger advanced through the J18 Region and J20 Nationell before landing in the men’s second-tier Allsvenskan for the final 11 contests of the year. He managed to put up a solid 3 points (1g2a) in that span, a testament to his high degree of skill and ability to hold his own against bigger, stronger opponents, and there is likely a lot more to come. Brandsegg-Nygard’s game is built around the desired traits of speed, skill, and ultra-competitiveness, and his NHL-ready size and strength only add to his appeal. As he continues to develop his game in the Swedish system he will also continue to improve and grow as an all-around impact player. I consider him to be one of the most intriguing players to watch for this upcoming campaign, particularly because it will be fascinating to see how much higher his ceiling can reach with another year of experience under his belt.
15. Ryder Ritchie ,LW, Prince Albert Raiders (WHL)
Born: August 3, 2006 Size: 5’10”, 157 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 6gp-4g0a-4pts WHL: 61gp-20g35a-55pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-3g6a-9pts
The son of former NHLer Byron Ritchie, this 5’10” left winger put together an outstanding rookie season with the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders in which he racked up 55 points (20g35a) in 61 games for a 0.90 points-per-game average that led all 2024-eligible prospects coming out of the Western League. The quick, shifty, and highly skilled 16-year old was the recipient of the 2022-23 WHL Rookie of the Year award for his efforts, but it was his showing at the latest Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament that truly turned heads. Ritchie dominated puck possession inside the offensive zone with a combination of effective fakes, slick hands and one-on-one ability, and elusive footwork that opposing defenders struggled to keep up with. He also came up with big plays in big moments, and the 9 points (3g6a) in 5 games he produced stands as proof of his formidable scoring prowess. The Raiders will look to Ritchie as a leader on and off the ice this coming year, and based on his continually elevated play over the past season or so he is definitely up for the challenge.
16. Trevor Connelly ,LW, Tri-City Americans (USHL)
Born: February 28, 2006 Size: 6’1”, 161 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) USHL: 57gp-24g23a-47pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-5g5a-10pts
Prior to the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, I would not have had Trevor Connelly in my top thirty-two at all. Not because he wasn’t impressive last season, but because I really didn’t know anything about him at the time. After seeing his commanding and brilliant performance for Team USA, where he drug a mediocre club to a bronze medal with a tournament-best (tied) 10 points (5g5a) in 5 games, it was impossible not to have him in my top thirty-two. The left winger used sharp cuts and turns, endless dangles, and power forward-like drives to the net to create constant havoc inside the offensive zone. He scored huge goals, he made huge plays and he brought his linemates into the fight with his relentless determination. What’s not to like? Plus, he put up an outstanding 24 goals and 47 points in 57 USHL contests as a rookie to land on the league’s Second All-Rookie Team. Connelly’s got a bright future ahead of him, and I believe the scouts who attended the Hlinka Gretzky would all agree with that.
17. Beckett Sennecke ,RW, Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Born: January 28, 2006 Size: 6’1”, 167 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 5gp-0g3a-3pts OHL: 61gp-20g35a-55pts
Another prospect who had a phenomenal 2022-23 campaign that somehow went unnoticed by the hockey community at large. Listed at 6’1” and 167 lbs., Sennecke looks bigger than that on the ice and is practically guaranteed to get a lot bigger (both in height and muscle mass) before he’s done growing. He was good, but not great, at the U17 Challenge, yet he would find his groove upon returning to the OHL and finish the year with an excellent 20 goals and 55 points in 61 games. Sennecke trailed 2023 first rounder Calum Ritchie by just 4 points on the Oshawa Generals’ scoring leaderboard, and one could even make the argument that Sennecke was the more consistent player over the entirety of the campaign. A talented puckhandler who prefers to play the role of playmaker with his creativity and ability to read the ice at a high level, he’s no slouch in the goalscoring department either with his snappy, accurate bullet of a wrister and courage to go to the dirty areas for opportunities. There’s a lot to like in Sennecke’s game, and he clearly carries legitimate first round talent, so he inevitably lands smack-dab in the middle of the list.
18. Zeev Buium ,D, University of Denver (NCAA)
Born: December 7, 2005 Size: 6’0”, 177 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U18-WJC: 7gp-1g5a-6pts U18-NTDP: 63gp-5g35a-40pts
I wasn’t quite sold on Zeev Buium during most of his final U18 season in the NTDP, and then the U18 Worlds came along and changed everything. The late-2005 birthday was a vital piece of the gold medallist Team USA squad’s blueline corps, manning big-minute roles on both special teams units and demonstrating strong, steady defensive play while still conjuring up 6 points (1g5a) in 7 games. Buium (whose older brother Shai was a second round pick in 2021) has all the attributes GMs look for in a defenseman: skating, smarts, versatility, physicality, and natural on-ice leadership. His numbers jumped from 13 points (4g9a) in 49 games as a U17 to 40 points (5g35a) in 63 games as a U18, and if he can continue that ascension upon reaching the NCAA then he could end up ranked even higher than this.
19. Emil Hemming ,LW/RW, TPS (U20 SM-Sarja)
Born: June 27, 2006 Size: 6’2”, 194 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 5gp-3g2a-5pts U18 SM-Sarja: 3gp-1g4a-5pts U20 SM-Sarja: 22gp-7g9a-16pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-4g5a-9pts
The Finnish hockey program appears poised for a huge bounce-back at the 2024 draft after a string of underwhelming crops coming from the typically talent loaded nation. 6’2” winger Emil Hemming is one of the gifted young prospects leading the charge, and his stellar work at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (where he was easily their best overall performer) further confirmed his standing as a top-notch (and first round worthy) Finn. He usually leans toward being a shooter rather than a passer due to his quick, deceptive release and impressive accuracy, but that doesn’t mean he lacks in the playmaking department. Because he doesn’t. Hemming is intelligent enough to understand his strengths and how to utilize them as well as understanding his weaknesses and how to make up for them. Likely to spend some time in the Liiga to start this coming season, he has the power to increase his draft stock even further if he gets his game going early on.
20. Tanner Howe ,C/LW, Regina Pats (WHL)
Born: November 28, 2005 Size: 5’10”, 182 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-2g2a-4pts U18-WJC: 7gp-0g1a-1pt WHL: 67gp-36g49a-85pts
The common theme surrounding Tanner Howe’s draft stock going into the 2023-24 season is reluctance. This is a side effect of playing primarily next to a generational talent (Connor Bedard) for the past two years and producing big-time numbers. With Bedard moving on to the NHL, Howe will now be handed the reigns of the Regina Pats as their likely top-line center in place of his departed teammate. Does he have the ability to lead a major junior club himself? We’re about to find out for sure, but based on the time he spent away from Bedard as the Pats’ second-line center it’s tough to really say. The undersized forward has had strong showings without Bedard next to him (like the 2021-22 U17 Capital City Challenge and the 2022-23 Hlinka Gretzky Cup) and he has had mediocre-at-best showings as well (the last two U18 Worlds). Howe has some good offensive skill as both a playmaker and shooter, plus he plays a relentless, aggressive brand of hockey that belies his size and isn’t afraid to deliver (or receive) crushing bodychecks. He gets to the front of the net, he battles in the corners, and he has a visible drive to win on nearly every single shift. For me, that was enough to earn him this spot.
21. Veeti Vaisanen ,D, KooKoo (U20 SM-Sarja)
Born: February 15, 2006 Size: 6’0”, 163 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-0g0a-0pts U17-WHC: 6gp-0g3a-3pts U18-WJC: 5gp-1g1a-2pts U20 SM-Sarja: 37gp-3g19a-22pts
The Finnish national team brass are blatantly big fans of Vaisanen’s game, seeing as they added him to their blueline roster for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and U18 Worlds as an underager, and while his stats may not leap off the page right now he stood out at both events with his well-rounded two-way game and raw set of tools. Like basically every other player on this list his rank is based heavily upon my personal projections of his upside, yet most of his potential still remains unproven. The smooth skating stride, high-end hockey sense, efficient breakouts and poise under pressure are already there, however, which is why the Finnish management is so keen to employ him. Vaisanen did notch 22 points (3g19a) in 37 games at the U20 level as a mostly 16-year old, though, so there is some evidence of his puckmoving abilities. It’ll be interesting to see just how high that ceiling is with him.
22. Cayden Lindstrom ,C, Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Born: February 3, 2006 Size: 6’4”, 204 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 6gp-2g2a-4pts WHL: 61gp-19g23a-42pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-2g1a-3pts
Some reports have Lindstrom at 6’5” already, and as a natural center who just put up a solid 42 points (19g23a) in his WHL debut and helped Team Canada win gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup with an eye-catching performance, he is quickly turning into a hot commodity in scouting circles. Rightfully so, too, as his strength on the puck, underrated individual skillset, and punishing physical edge suggest there could be a legitimate star lurking underneath. If Lindstrom attacks the play with the same ferocity he did at the Hlinka Gretzky in his sophomore season with Medicine Hat then he could be a dominant force as a 17-year old. The icetime and opportunities are there for him to take advantage of on a young, developing Tigers team, and he is guaranteed to have plenty of eyes on him all year long. The stage is set, and now it’s up to Lindstrom to write his own story.
23. Carter Yakemchuk ,D, Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
Born: September 29, 2005 Size: 6’2”, 195 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U18-WJC: 7gp-0g0a-0pts WHL: 67gp-19g28a-47pts
If he had been born just two weeks earlier then Yakemchuk would have been eligible for the 2023 NHL draft instead, and things would have been much different if that was the case and he was entering his draft year in 2022-23. Why? Well, the season before he posted an unremarkable 13 points (4g9a) in 56 games and failed to stand out amongst a crowded WHL crop. That might have made him a mid-to-late round pick at best, but after the 6’2”, 195-lb. defender followed it with a spectacular 19 goals and 47 points in 67 games last season it would be fair to say the narrative has changed. He was mediocre at the U18 Worlds but also buried on a deep blueline where he wasn’t given the icetime to truly excel, so it’s not entirely fair to hold that one against him. Here’s what we know: he packs a monster of a shot and is a lethal weapon on the powerplay. He’s big, strong, and makes opponents pay a price for entering the defensive zone. And the best part: he’s still got a full 68-game regular season ahead of him to build on those skills.
24. Adam Jiricek ,D, HC Plzen (Tipsport Extraliga)
Born: June 28, 2006 Size: 6’2”, 152 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 6gp-1g1a-2pts U18-WJC: 5gp-0g1a-1pt CzechU20: 41gp-12g17a-29pts Tipsport: 12gp-0g2a-2pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-0g3a-3pts
The younger brother of 2022 sixth overall pick David Jiricek, Adam is a similarly styled defenseman who has also been handed the top job for the Czechs during international tournaments despite being underaged. He isn’t as big or mean as David, and he hasn’t put up points at the same rate either. Many scouts have him ranked within the same range as David, however, and personally I do not agree with that assessment. Adam is an excellent skater who stands 6’2” and can handle a heavy workload minutes wise, but I haven’t seen anything to suggest his ceiling will reach any higher than a second-pairing blueliner at the NHL level. Though he performed well at the Czech U20 level last season, he failed to make much of an impact against men in the Tipsport Extraliga with just 2 assists in 12 games. Aside from the 3 points (0g3a) in 5 games at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, his numbers internationally haven’t been great either. Maybe I’m wrong about him. Only time will tell.
25. Anthony Cristoforo ,D, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Born: February 23, 2006 Size: 5’11”, 180 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-0g4a-4pts OHL: 63gp-6g35a-41pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-0g2a-2pts
Cristoforo had a fantastic 2022-23 campaign that saw him post 41 points (6g35a) in 63 games to land on the OHL’s Second All-Star Team and win a silver medal as an alternate captain of the Canada Red squad at the U17 Challenge. He began this year with a gold medal from the Hlinka Gretzky Cup too, although he had a somewhat disappointing tournament all-around. I’m not holding one underwhelming performance against him too much, especially because he was so consistent last season, but I can’t say it didn’t drop him slightly from where I was I originally planning to put him. He is usually a solid, dependable two-way presence on the blueline who is equally efficient at both moving the puck and defending inside his own zone, and there have been hints of some intriguing upside that will be well worth monitoring going forward.
26. Simon Zether ,C, Rogle BK (J20 Nationell)
Born: October 18, 2005 Size: 6’3”, 187 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U18-WJC: 7gp-1g1a-2pts J18-Region: 2gp-3g1a-4pts J20-Nationell: 37gp-8g30a-38pts
Shockingly, this is the first Swedish prospect to make the cut on my Part 1 list. 2024 appears to be a major down year for the Swedish talent pool, but Simon Zether is one who seems to have a lot going for him at this stage. At 6’3” he has enviable size, he’s a natural centerman, and he put up strong stats in the J20 Nationell as a 17-year old last season with 38 points (8g30a) in 37 games. Zether doesn’t have top-line upside, likely maxing out as a second-line NHL pivot, but he is a talented playmaker with excellent on-ice vision and the skill to execute high difficulty passing plays. As you can probably see by his goal/assist totals he could certainly stand to use his shot more often, thereby increasing his unpredictability inside the offensive zone and making him a bigger threat to opposing defenders. If he starts to develop a more well-rounded attack in 2023-24 then he could very well hang onto this spot for the foreseeable future.
27. Liam Greentree ,RW, Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Born: January 1, 2006 Size: 6’2”, 198 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) OHL: 61gp-25g20a-45pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 3gp-0g1a-1pt
Big things were expected of Greentree at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup after the 6’2”, 198-lb. forward notched 25 goals and 45 points in 61 games as an OHL rookie, earning him a spot on the league’s First All-Rookie Team, but the big right winger bounced in and out of the lineup due to uninspired play and posted just a single assist in his 3 games. His intimidating combination of man-like size and strength is what sets him apart, and he packs an absolute rocket of a shot to boot. I’m not convinced about his potential as a scorer just yet considering he has shown signs of being a much better fit in an NHL team’s bottom-six (instead of the top-six) one day, but his goal and point totals can’t be completely ignored. This, I suppose then, is the compromise.
28. Michael Hage ,C, Chicago Steel (USHL)
Born: April 14, 2006 Size: 6’1”, 181 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) USHL: 13gp-5g5a-10pts
Only a devastating injury that knocked him out of the Chicago Steel lineup for all but 13 games could keep Michael Hage from a higher spot on this list, at least judging from the games he actually did play. There was a fair amount of hype around the 6’1” center going into the 2022-23 season, particularly because he would be playing alongside Macklin Celebrini in the USHL, so there were a lot of disappointed scouts following the announcement of his injury. When he finally made his debut he looked impressive for a player who had sat around collecting dust all year, and he even managed to produce 5 goals and 10 points despite the understandable rust. Look for the speedy, skilled Hage to make a charge up these rankings once the campaign kicks off and he gets a few games under his belt.
29. Kristian Epperson ,LW, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: May 16, 2006 Size: 5’11”, 166 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 6gp-3g2a-5pts U17-NTDP: 59gp-18g23a-41pts
Kristian Epperson was one of my favourite 2024-eligible prospects to watch last season, and I personally think he could be in line for a gigantic step forward as a U18 in the NTDP this coming campaign. He’s got a fiery set of wheels, a hugely impactful two-way game not often seen among wingers his age, and he is the kind of tireless worker and dogged competitor that every championship roster needs to have in order to win. While that 200-ft. effectiveness is his primary standout feature (in my opinion, at least) there hasn’t been enough said about his slick skill with the puck and dual-threat offensive abilities. He may not light up the scoresheet every single night like some, but he is perfectly capable of chipping in with a big goal when his team needs it. Whether you put him on the penalty kill, powerplay, when chasing a goal or when protecting a lead, you can always expect maximum effort.
30. Christian Humphreys ,C, U18-NTDP (USHL)
Born: February 4, 2006 Size: 5’10”, 151 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-5g3a-8pts U17-NTDP: 58gp-23g20a-43pts
I seriously debated ranking Christian Humphreys one spot ahead of his teammate Kristian Epperson, and he could still easily end up overtaking him depending on their respective performances in 2023-24. For the moment Epperson’s versatility and all-around game have earned him the higher rank on this list, but Humphreys is undoubtedly the greater offensive talent of the two. After James Hagens (2025 eligible) was bumped up to join the U18s the top-line center role became Humphreys’ to fill for the U17s, and he did an incredible job under the circumstances by putting up 23 goals and 43 points in 58 games to help lead the U17 squad into a USHL playoff spot for the first time since 2017-18. He probably won’t be a relied upon scoring threat in the NHL if/when he makes the jump, but he could become a great secondary option in the future.
31. Justin Poirier ,RW, Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL)
Born: September 4, 2006 Size: 5’8”, 180 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-2g3a-5pts QMJHL: 55gp-28g20a-48pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-2g2a-4pts
If we’re talking in terms of pure individual skill, there are very few players in this draft class who would rank ahead of Justin Poirier. The stocky but undersized QMJHL right winger produced a brilliant rookie campaign with Baie-Comeau in 2022-23, finishing just one goal behind Maxim Masse for the freshman lead with 28 and posting 48 total points in his 55 contests for a 0.87 points-per-game average. This was made all the more impressive considering Poirier is a September 2006 birthday and the single youngest prospect eligible for NHL selection in 2024. His 5’8” frame will cause concern among some GMs, without a doubt, but his dynamic skillset might be enticing enough to sway a few of the others.
32. Tuomas Suoniemi ,C, Kiekko-Espoo (U20 SM-Sarja)
Born: April 16, 2006 Size: 5’10”, 161 lbs. Statistics: (2022-23) U17-WHC: 7gp-2g3a-5pts U18 SM-Sarja: 21gp-9g9a-18pts U20 SM-Sarja: 21gp-2g5a-7pts (2023-24) HGretzkyCup: 5gp-4g5a-9pts
In all truthfulness, if it wasn’t for Suoniemi’s breakout showing for Team Finland at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup this summer he would not have made the cut on this list. Given the top-line center spot to start the tournament clearly boosted his confidence, though, as Suoniemi responded with 9 points (4g5a) in 5 games to tie linemate Emil Hemming for the Finnish lead. It was an impressive demonstration of what he can bring to the table when he’s at his best, which is high-end playmaking acumen, responsible three-zone efforts and timely goalscoring. His breakout must carry over to the U20 SM-Sarja this upcoming season in order for him to maintain a top thirty-two position. Right now he has earned it.
The Draft Report 