The San Jose Sharks have secured the No. 1 pick in Macklin Celebrini. He scored 64 points with 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games, making him an outstanding player. It's uncertain whether he will return to college for another year or try his luck at the NHL level.
Grade: A+
Artyom Levshunov had a smooth transition to NCAA with Michigan State University from the USHL. He nearly averaged a point per game in his freshman year and has been on the Blackhawks' radar for some time.
Grade: B+
A slightly surprising pick, Beckett Sennecke, was rumored to be on the Anaheim Ducks' list, and they indeed selected him. He is a promising dual-threat player with excellent puck-handling and playmaking abilities, shaping the pace of play with confidence in his puck handling.
Grade: B
The Blue Jackets made a fantastic pick in Cayden Lindstrom. He possesses incredible speed, strength, and awareness in all three zones, along with a powerful offensive style of play.
Grade: A+
Ivan Demidov has had little exposure in the KHL and has spent time in the MHL over the last three years. He scored 23 goals and totalled 60 points in 30 games for SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in the MHL, ranking second overall in league scoring. Montreal has finally acquired their Russian player.
Grade: B+
A surprising pick for Utah, but a great one at that. Tij Iginla is a great addition and will fit right in with the type of game Arizona, now Utah, plays. Iginla has superior puck skills, a quick release, smooth hands, and determination reminiscent of Jarome.
Grade: A
One of the most undervalued and underappreciated defensemen in this draft is Carter Yakemchuck. I truly believe this is a steal for Ottawa, and he carries a lot of promise in his game. He is a strong offensive presence with a heavy and accurate shot, and he is also effective at disrupting plays on the defensive end.
Grade: A+
Berkly Catton can play a huge part in Seattle’s future down the line. He excels in all facets of the game, with confidence on his edges, strong agility, and a knack for making difficult plays look routine. He's a crucial piece on special teams and creates space with ease. All around a very smart, talented young man.
Grade: B
The Flames got a great defenseman at 9th overall. Zayne Parekh is a dynamic threat who creates offense in countless ways. The 18-year-old has a wicked shot with an NHL-ready release. In addition, Parekh is a fearless playmaker with elite edge work, agility, and movement. He can score off the rush or from the top of the circles and find teammates in unprecedented areas.
Grade: A
Anton Silayev is a standout defenseman with great speed and agility. At 6-foot-7 and 207 pounds, he's projected to be a top defender in the NHL. Silayev plays a disciplined, hard-nosed game and focuses on defense, possibly because of the league he's in.
Grade: C+
San Jose opted for defenseman Sam Dickinson with their second pick, securing a strong addition. Dickinson's game leans more towards offense than defense, but he possesses the size and strong skating ability despite having certain weaknesses. At 18 years old, he is a promising prospect.
Grade: B-
The Wild significantly improved their defense by selecting Zeev Buium, who is one of the top defensemen in his class. Buium is a reliable and well-rounded defender with a high hockey IQ. Though not flashy, he has the ability to create and prevent high-danger scoring opportunities.
Grade: A+
In a surprising move, the Flyers traded back to allow the Wild to pick Buium but received a 2025 third-round pick and selected Jett Luchanko. Many Flyers' fans were initially unimpressed and considered it a reach. However, Luchanko is an extremely explosive skater and a smart player with size. He is expected to be a strong support player to Matvei Michkov, providing him with passes for years to come.
Grade: B-
The Sabres made another solid pick outside of the top 10 by selecting Konsta Helenius. He is one of the few players in this class who is likely ready for the NHL. Helenius is highly skilled with impressive offensive abilities. He has excellent skating skills and a keen ability to read developing plays. He can outperform older players as well.
Grade: B
Brandsegg-Nygard should satisfy Detroit Red Wings fans, as he is a strong impact player who can compete at the national level. His ability to shoot the puck in motion and beat opponents to the puck is impressive. He is considered smart, skilled, and competitive.
Grade: B
Adam Jiricek seems to be a good fit for the typical St. Louis Blues mold. He is a well-rounded two-way player who can be utilized in all situations and is not hesitant to make physical plays. Once he gains more strength, he will be a formidable presence for opponents trying to enter the offensive zone against him.
Grade: C
Parascak possesses the hockey smarts and skills to become a high-end NHL talent. His positional awareness and anticipation are the cornerstones of his game, making him elusive once he gains momentum. A great pick for the Capitals.
Grade: B-
Sasha Boisvert is a standout pick for the Blackhawks. He excels in making plays in tight spaces and evading checks. He's more of a goal scorer than a playmaker and demonstrates impressive abilities when leading an offensive rush.
Grade: C
Putting aside any off-ice concerns, the Knights might have acquired a top-notch player. Trevor Connelly is a remarkable talent, known for his creative playmaking skills and exceptional vision from any position on the ice. He has an uncanny ability to find teammates through tight spaces or unbelievable seams.
Grade: A
A fantastic pick for the Islanders at 20th overall. Cole Eiserman is a natural goal scorer, with smooth puck-handling skills, a pro-level shot, and the capability to navigate through defenders. At 18, he set a new USNTDP all-time goal record with 127 goals, showcasing his intelligence as a forward.
Grade: A
Michael Hage possesses the size and skating ability to be a dual threat at the NHL level, excelling as both a passer and a shooter. He not only elevates his own game but also enhances the performance of his teammates through exceptional game reading and intelligence.
Grade: B+
Yegor Surin can be self-centered as a player, but at his best, he utilizes his teammates effectively and generates significant offense. Although he exhibits inconsistent decision-making and often tries risky plays in heavy traffic, his strong competitive spirit contributes to his effectiveness as a player.
Grade: D
Stain Solberg stands out from the crowd. He plays the game at a high-intensity level and brings tremendous energy to the ice. While he possesses the skills to contribute offensively, he also brings a physical presence to the defensive side of the game.
Grade: C
Utah made an assertive move on the draft floor, and it paid off. Cole Beaudoin is an excellent forechecker, responsible defensively, and utilizes his size to protect the puck. With a large frame, he can launch attacks on the net at high speeds. His elite shot and long reach create turnovers and scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Grade: A
Although an unexpected pick, Dean Letourneau has an impressive skillset. Despite his large size at 6-foot-7, he showcases good hands and an elite shot, making him a promising prospect for the Bruins to develop.
Grade: B-
Liam Greentree's fall to the 26th pick was surprising. He has been a versatile player, contributing to special teams, playmaking, and goal-scoring. His strong work ethic and leadership on the team make him a valuable addition.
Grade: A-
Marek Vanacker exhibits strong offensive skills, particularly in navigating traffic and delivering accurate and powerful shots. His consistent performance throughout the season makes him a promising prospect for the Blackhawks.
Grade: A
Matvei Gridin is a talented sniper with exceptional shooting and offensive abilities. Although the pick may be controversial, his strong offensive play makes him a formidable threat on the ice.
Grade: C+
Emil Hemming excels in shooting the puck, particularly with his quick trigger and powerful one-timer. He also showcases exceptional speed, powerful strides, and top-notch agility, especially for a power forward.
Grade: B-
EJ Emery impressed with his athleticism and work ethic at the NHL Scouting Combine, complementing his strong skating and defensive abilities. While not known for offensive prowess, he can contribute to and complement an offensively driven defense.
Grade: B+
Ben Danford is known for his advanced knowledge and skill in the game of hockey. He is able to defend in all three zones and move the puck up the ice effectively. His technical ability and offensive touch have improved, leading to an increase in his draft stock.
Grade: B
The Edmonton Oilers selected Sam O'Reilly as the 32nd overall pick. Although some may consider this a bit of a reach, it makes sense for the organization. Sam is known for his physical play and ability to deliver powerful hits on open ice. He is skilled at working along the boards and tiring out defenders during the game. He has impressive puck-handling skills and exceptional vision.
Grade: B
