In the 2024 NHL draft, there are several promising players to keep an eye on. Among the top defensive prospects is Aron Kiviharju from Finland. Despite his young age, Kiviharju has already shown great potential, excelling in Finland’s U-20 level and even playing in Liiga, Finland’s top professional league. He has displayed exceptional mobility, on-ice awareness, and offensive capabilities, making him a potential top two-way defender.
On the forward side, two players generating early excitement are Macklin Celebrini from Canada and Cole Eiserman from the United States. Celebrini has been dominant in the USHL, displaying elite scoring ability and playmaking skills. He has been compared to some of the best forwards in the game and is committed to playing for Boston University. Eiserman, on the other hand, is known for his pure goal-scoring talent. He has a quick release, deadly accuracy, and has been performing exceptionally well with the USNTDP, consistently finding the back of the net.
Another notable forward prospect is Ivan Demidov from Russia. Despite being a late 2005 birth year, Demidov has been a force in the MHL, leading the league in scoring with over 1.4 points per game. He has showcased his strong skating ability and offensive skills, positioning himself as a top-10 talent and potentially a top-five pick.
Other forward prospects worth mentioning include Berkly Catton from the Spokane Chiefs, Tanner Howe from the Regina Pats, and Clarke Caswell from the Swift Current Broncos. Catton has impressed in the WHL, demonstrating offensive prowess and playmaking abilities. Howe is a gifted offensive player with strong passing skills and a quick and deceptive shot. Caswell, although not on the same level as the top forwards, is a prospect trending upward with a good skating ability and a competitive mindset.
In addition to the mentioned players, there are several other prospects to watch in different positions. Eemil Vinni from Finland is a goaltending prospect with the potential to be a first-round pick. Jakub Chromiak from Slovakia is a defenseman playing in Sudbury (OHL) who showcases mobility and strong play on both ends of the ice. Michael Hage, Cole Hutson, and Jamiro Reber are other intriguing prospects to keep an eye on.
Overall, the 2024 NHL draft class appears to have promising talent in both the forward and defensive positions, making it a well-rounded group. This isn’t a ranking its just bits on a few prospects.
Cole Eiserman, LW (USNTDP): Cole Eiserman is generating significant buzz as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft. Known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, Eiserman has displayed remarkable skills with the U-17 team, scoring over a goal per game, an achievement only matched by Cole Caufield. His quick release, deadly accuracy, and impressive wrist shot make him a potent offensive threat. Eiserman’s scoring talent and dominance on the ice make him a rare prospect and one to watch closely.
Macklin Celebrini, C (Chicago Steel, USHL): Macklin Celebrini has been making waves in the hockey world as a highly promising forward. Playing for the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Celebrini has been outstanding, maintaining a remarkable points-per-game pace, with the most points among players with at least 30 games played. His well-rounded skill set, including quick hands, high top speed, and excellent shooting and playmaking abilities, make him a top-line player who can attract attention and deliver consistently. Celebrini is set to become a focal point for any team he joins and is poised for a bright future.
Ivan Demidov, RW (SKA St. Petersburg, MHL): Ivan Demidov, a late 2005-born forward, has been garnering attention as a top prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft. Currently playing for SKA St. Petersburg in the Russian junior league (MHL), Demidov has been a standout performer, leading the U-18 scorers by a significant margin despite playing fewer games. With an impressive points-per-game pace, Demidov combines deceptive speed and skill to create scoring opportunities. His numbers and experience in the MHL, along with his KHL exposure, make him a player with great potential and one to keep an eye on.
Berkly Catton, C (Spokane, WHL): Berkly Catton, a dynamic center, has been making an impact as a rookie with the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL. Despite his young age, Catton has showcased his scoring ability, displaying strong offensive numbers and impressing at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge. With his skill around the net and excellent hockey sense, Catton has demonstrated the potential to be one of the smartest prospects in the draft class. His determination and work ethic further contribute to his draft status, solidifying him as a prospect on the rise.
Artyom Levshunov, D (Green Bay, USHL): Artyom Levshunov has emerged as an intriguing defenseman for the 2024 NHL Draft. Playing for the Green Bay Gamblers in the USHL, Levshunov has made an impact in his rookie season, maintaining an impressive points-per-game pace. With experience representing Belarus at the U-18 level and even playing with the men’s national team, Levshunov brings a blend of size, defensive zone awareness, and offensive contributions. As a player viewed as the future of Belarusian hockey, Levshunov’s strong potential makes him a prospect worth monitoring.