Hello again.

A lot has happened since the last NHL Draft rankings. The CHL Top Prospects Game, the U-18 Five Nations tournament and the conclusion of some regular seasons have helped to spice things up in what’s proving to be an interesting draft class.

Is it super deep? No. But if you’re looking for a quality defensive prospect, there hasn’t been a better year in quite some time. There’s a decent drop off, talent-wise, after the top 15 overall. But don’t be surprised if we see at least 10 defenders taken in the top 32 due to how deep that position is, in particular.

Macklin Celebrini has been the top prospect all year long, and that’s not going to change any time soon. But after that is when things get interesting:

1. Macklin Celebrini, C (Boston University, NCAA)

Celebrini is special. He’s the undisputed No. 1 prospect – not in the same conversation as Connor Bedard, but great in his own right. He has challenged for the scoring lead all year long, which is impressive given he’s still only 17 and had shoulder surgery to start the year. He’s so dynamic with the puck and controls the pace of play like nobody else in this class.

2. Ivan Demidov, RW (St. Peterburg, MHL)

I know Demidov can be polarizing at points, but the pure offensive skill is tremendous. Demidov has what scouts call “hero mode,” allowing him to turn on a dime and take a game over. It can come at a detriment at points, especially defensively. But from a pure talent perspective, we’re seeing one of the most creative, speedy and offensively dominant forwards out of Russia we’ve seen in years – up around the Matvei Michkov echelon.

3. Anton Silayev, LHD (Torpedo, KHL)

When it comes to Silayev, think Victor Hedman. Silayev has the highest-scoring output by a U-18 skater in KHL history, edging out Vladimir Tarasenko. But that’s not his game. The 6-foot-7 blueliner is averaging just under 20 minutes a night while blocking shots, landing hits and showing off great skating for his size.

4. Cole Eiserman, LW (USNTDP)

If you’re going to be good at anything, it might as well be goal-scoring, right? Eiserman’s shot is as elite as it gets at this level, allowing him to put pucks in the net from just about anywhere. He also loves to throw hits too as an absolute competitor. He’s not great defensively, but we’re still talking about a future 40-50 goal-scorer.

5. Artyom Levshunov, RHD (Michigan State, NCAA)

Levshunov is a great triple threat as a physical, two-way defenseman and, he’s as competitive as it gets. But then you’ll find his spatial awareness seems to lack in his own zone from time to time. It’s a bit nitpicky because the strengths outweigh the weaknesses, but Levshunov won’t last long on draft day.

6. Sam Dickinson, LHD (London, OHL)

A minute-muncher with the Knights, Dickinson can do a bit of everything. He’s calm with the puck, makes smart, quick decisions, and plays so well in transition. Try and find a team that doesn’t want a 6-foot-3, mobile defenseman who’s on pace to score 20 goals and 75 points as a sophomore. Dickinson’s ability to be so versatile will make him an attractive option this year.

7. Berkly Catton, C (Spokane, WHL)

This year’s Zach Benson? Absolutely. He’s small, but that hasn’t slowed Catton down with a 50-goal, 110-point pace with Spokane. Catton was a standout at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, showing incredible awareness with and without the puck. His two-way game is excellent, too. Few CHLers are as creative as Catton, and it’s something that should translate to the NHL. Will his lack of muscle hurt him? Potentially, but he’s an excellent talent.

8. Cayden Lindstrom, C (Medicine Hat, WHL)

Teams love his size, and it’s hard not to when he moves so well at 6-foot-5. Lindstrom hasn’t played since Dec. 16 with an upper-body injury, but that hasn’t changed how scouts feel about him. He’s an absolute monster out there, and scouts love the potential for him to be a high-scoring wrecking ball. I know some scouts think he could go as high as No. 2, depending on the team.

9. Konsta Helenius, C (Jukurit, Liiga)

Helenius isn’t big, but he’s strong, and he hasn’t looked out of place playing against men this year. The 5-foot-11 winger battles hard for possession, and while he only had a pair of points at the World Juniors, he displayed his tremendous hockey IQ and small-area game. He’s on pace for 40 points as a 17-year-old – something achieved only by Aleksander Barkov and Mikael Granlund in the Liiga.

10. Zeev Buium, LHD (University of Denver, NCAA)

Buium has been putting up tremendous numbers with Denver, likely putting him on pace for around 50 points. As a freshman defenseman, that’s huge. It’s especially impressive when you compare his season to Lane Hutson, who registered the most points in a single season as a U-19 defenseman since Brian Leetch. Right now, Buium’s on pace to smash that.

11. Zayne Parekh, RHD (Saginaw, OHL)

A future 50-point producer? Absolutely. Parekh is downright lethal with the disk, especially as a power-play quarterback. The upside is tremendous – you don’t find defenders as elusive as him often. But defensively, it’s still a work of progress. The only reason he isn’t a sure-bet top-10 prospect is that he’ll often sacrifice his own zone coverage to make a flashy play. That won’t be as easy to do in the NHL.

12. Carter Yakemchuk, RHD (Calgary, WHL)

I had my doubts heading into the season, but they’re mostly erased now. The 6-foot-3 defenseman is so smart, he’s an excellent skater and he has tremendous offensive instincts. He had a rough U-18 World Championship last year, but he looks like a future top-pairing defenseman with the way he controls the pace of play.

13. Tij Iginla, C, Kelowna (WHL)

Score, score and score some more. That’s what he does best. Iginla is a solid distributor, don’t get me wrong. But with the puck on his stick, he’s a dangerous generator. He plays with good pace, and while he isn’t big, he’s physically strong. There’s top-six potential here.

14. Liam Greentree, LW (Windsor, OHL)

Greentree has done a lot of heavy lifting for the Spitfires and scouts have noticed. He makes himself difficult to play against, thanks to his frame, giving him a chance to make the NHL as a power forward. He mixes power and skill as well anyone in the top half of the draft, and I feel like he won’t have an issue adjusting to the pro game.

15. Trevor Connelly, LW (Tri-City, USHL)

Look, from an on-ice perspective, Connelly has so much going for him. He’s been the best player on the ice in both tournaments he represented the United States in and has been lighting up the USHL all season long. Off the ice, that’s where teams are concerned.

16. Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, RW (Mora, Allsvenskan)

Brandsegg-Nygard looked great at the World Junior Championship for the lowly Norwegians, showing a nice blend of strength and skill. MBN plays at a high pace and has a great shot release to boot while playing significant time in the second-tier Swedish league. He’s someone I expect to really be a valuable two-way player in the NHL.

17. Igor Chernyshov, LW (Dynamo, MHL)

Against his own age group, Chernyshov’s near the top of his class thanks to his slick stickhandling and big 6-foot-2 frame. In the KHL, it’s been a struggle. For the most part, I like how he has matured this year. He was prone to taking some dumb penalties, but it feels like he has figured out how to wrangle his game to be more effective, no matter the role.

18. Nikita Artamonov, RW (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod, KHL)

A lot of the underlying numbers make Artamonov look really good, and he ultimately finished at around half a point per game as an 18-year-old in the KHL. He has quickly become one of my favorite wingers due to his high-end hockey IQ and how he gets into scoring position. He only has a handful of goals in the KHL, but the more he plays, the better he plays.

19. Sacha Boisvert, C (Muskegon, USHL)

Boisvert has scored in every game I’ve watched him play, so maybe I’m a good luck charm, Muskegon Lumberjacks fans? Boisvert has put up some great numbers all season long, but his backchecking efforts, speed and hockey IQ help define him well beyond his offensive capabilities.

20. Michael Hage, C (Chicago, USHL)

If Hage was just a little better defensively, he’d be going higher, in my opinion. He generates scoring chances with great stick work and makes plays at a high speed. I just think he needs to improve at giving a full effort in his own zone to round his game out a bit, but I think he has a good base that will make him a solid college player for a few years.

21. Ryder Ritchie, RW (Prince Albert, WHL)

Ritchie’s stock has fallen a bit after an excellent start to the year with Canada at the Hlinka-Gretzky. He’s not big, but he’s skilled, and he can reach a high top speed that makes him difficult to contain. I wish he were more consistent, though. The raw talent is there, but he just has to put it together on a nightly basis if he’s going to be effective in the NHL.

22. Adam Jiricek, RHD (Plzen, Czechia)

Jiricek was injured at the world juniors and is out for the year after suffering a knee injury in Czechia’s opening game. His draft stock is going to take a huge blow, especially after just a so-so run with HC Plzen. The 6-foot-2 defender has one assist in 19 games but was a key part of the Czech’s national junior program, playing nearly 20 games between the U-18 and U-20 teams. It’s a shame we won’t get to see him have a second-half push.

23. Andrew Basha, LW (Medicine Hat, WHL)

If there’s one thing Basha does well, it’s just adjusting to different roles. He’s not going to blow you away in the NHL with his skill, but he brings good energy and is strong defensively. Between his 5-on-5 play, his experience on the power play and the playmaking he brings to the table, Basha could be a solid top-six contributor for an NHL team one day.

24. Dean Letourneau, C (St. Andrew’s, PHC)

Letourneau is something else. The 6-foot-7 forward moves so well for his size, and he has a net-front presence teams will die for. His numbers have been tremendous, scoring at more than a goal-per-game pace and lifting St. Andrew’s up more often than not. Letourneau can dominate puck possession with his frame, but he’s got quick hands, too. His recent performance at the Prep Hockey Conference playoffs helped improve his stock.

25. Emil Hemming, RW (TPS, Liiga)

Could Hemming become a second-liner NHLer? I absolutely think so – as long as he improves his skating. He has a good 6-foot-2, 194-pound frame with high hockey IQ and he’s got one of the better shots in the draft class. But his skating is average at best, and he gets beat too much in puck races for my liking.

26. Aron Kiviharju, LHD (HIFK)

Kiviharju has been out long-term with an injury, so we haven’t seen much of him this year. He started off slowly, but Kiviharju had points in his final two games as his ice time improved. Kiviharju had some bumps in the road a year ago against men, but he’s a dynamic passer who can skate like the wind. Kiviharju will need to show a lot when he returns if he is to go high in the draft. I still think there’s top-pairing potential here.

27. Charlie Elick, RHD (Brandon, WHL)

Elick is one of the best skaters in this draft class and doesn’t need to put much effort to get up to full speed. The fact he can do that at 6-foot-3? Awesome. His puck-play brings him down a bit, though. Elick isn’t much of a puck-mover and needs to clean up his passing before he turns pro, but he’s got a good base to be a solid value pick in the first round.

28. Cole Hutson, LHD (USNTDP)

Scouts are definitely mixed here. Many are banking on Hutson mirroring his brother, but others are worried about his physical strength. Like Lane, he has tremendous hockey IQ and can elude attackers as well as anyone. But he doesn’t have a good shot and isn’t particularly strong, either. You’d really need to pair him with someone more defensively responsible to make it work.

29. EJ Emery, RHD (USNTDP)

Speaking of defensively responsible, how about Emery? The 6-foot-3 defenseman is a big, big man. Like, just very physically strong. He doesn’t have much offense in his game, but the North Dakota commit skates well and he’s strong defensively. I don’t think he’ll need to adjust his game too much to become a good pro, but some more offensive production wouldn’t hurt.

30. Beckett Sennecke, RW (Oshawa, OHL)

Sennecke is another guy whom scouts seemed mixed about. I think the potential is definitely there. He has good size, is putting up strong numbers and has only gotten better as the season has worn on. He’s doing a better job of doing whatever it takes to generate chances thanks to a solid work ethic.

31. Maxim Masse, RW (Chicoutimi, QMJHL)

Masse moves well with the puck and isn’t afraid to mix it up along the boards to regain possession. Masse is a good two-way player with good energy. His skating is lacking compared to others this high in the draft, but there’s been an improvement over the past 12 months. There’s room to improve, but he has middle-six potential.

32. Henry Mews, RHD (Ottawa, OHL)

Mews is the definition of high-risk, high-reward in this draft. And that’s not a slight, by any means. I love his play and have followed it closely since he was playing U-16 hockey in Toronto. He’s as impressive with the puck as you’ll find among OHL defenders, but it’s easy to notice that he only started playing defense a few years ago. That’s because he’s so dominant with the puck and makes his own-zone play a lesser priority. If he can clean that up, he’ll be a steal.

33. Cole Beaudoin, C (Barrie, OHL)

At 6-foot-2 and 209 pounds, Beaudoin loves to power threw guys to make things happen. He’s a good goal-scorer with an excellent shot, but he also plays various roles with the Colts. I’m not sure what his NHL potential looks like, but he’s a good enough skater and strong enough to potentially become a middle-six power forward.

34. Jesse Pulkkinen, LHD, 19 (JYP, Liiga)

Pulkkinen is the best overage prospect on the market – one whom I wouldn’t be surprised if an NHL team took in the first round. This is a 19-year-old who only seems to keep getting better the more I watch him, especially during the World Juniors. At 6-foot-6 and 216 pounds, he has the size teams crave.

35. Terik Parascak, RW (Prince George, WHL)

After playing prep hockey last year, nobody could have expected Parascak to score at a 40-goal, 100-point pace as a rookie. Parascak doesn’t crumble under pressure and has the speed to thrive in major junior. Parascak has played with good linemates, which helped the numbers, but he is creative enough to make things happen himself.

36. Tanner Howe, LW (Regina, WHL)

Howe was once trending toward a near 100-point pace, but he has settled down around the 80-point mark instead. It’ll be a slight decrease from his 85 points on the Connor Bedard-led Pats last year, but Howe still is an excellent playmaker who can score from a variety of areas. I just feel like he’s more of a complementary player at the next level instead.

37. Lucas Pettersson, C (Modo, Sweden U-20)

Pettersson has nothing to show for with MoDo’s men’s team, but he’s been downright tremendous with the U-20 team – and one of the best Swedish national team players, too. As a centerman, Pettersson plays a stout two-way game. His skating could improve, but I like him as a fringe first-rounder.

38. Alfons Freij, LHD (Vaxjo, Sweden U-20)

If there’s one thing I can say, it’s that Freij has some sleeper potential. He’s good in so many elements but not exceptional in anything. With just some refinement, the 6-foot-1 defenseman could really take the next step in his development. His numbers have been great internationally and he’s one of the best offensive defensemen in the Swedish U-20 league.

39. Luke Misa, C (Mississauga, OHL)

Misa has speed that kills and creates his own breakaways as often as anyone. When he uses his speed to create chances, he’s so difficult to beat – but it’s about using that to his advantage on a consistent basis. On Misa’s best nights, he’s the finest player on the ice – we just need to see that more consistently at the next level.

40. Leo Sahlin Wallenius, LHD (Vaxjo, Sweden U-20)

LSW is a skilled defenseman who plays at a high pace – but, sometimes, he outpaces himself. The offensive instincts are there, and he’s been able to rip apart opponents at the U-20 level. But you can catch him making unforced errors with the puck that put him in a bad spot. Somewhat like Theo Lindstein last year, I think Wallenius has the tools to be an impact NHLer – but he’ll need some serious seasoning.

41. Miguel Marques, RW (Lethbridge, WHL)

If there’s one thing that stands out here, it’s Marques’ confidence. He’s just 5-foot-11, but he’s not afraid of bigger players, and it shows in how feisty he gets. Marques’ numbers have been excellent all season long for Lethbridge after a quiet rookie season, although I feel like, despite a 30-goal pace, he needs to shoot the puck more.

42. Harrison Brunicke, RHD (Kamloops, WHL)

Brunicke could become the second South African-born player drafted in the first round. While I have him farther down, I do know there’s been some interest from teams looking for a big, right-handed defenseman who can play a bunch of different roles. He’s quite smart with the puck, and I feel like his offensive abilities are better than his numbers suggest.

43. Veeti Vaisanen, LHD (KooKoo, Liiga)

A lot of the early season hype has started to slow on Vaisanen. I know some scouts still think there’s first-round potential, but that crowd’s getting smaller. The good news is he has spent most of the year playing against men and has only seemingly gotten better with more experience. If he’d just move the puck quicker, I’d have fewer concerns.

44. Ryerson Leenders, G (Mississauga, OHL)

If I had to pick the top goaltender right now, it’s Leenders. He’s been a beast for the Mississauga Steelheads this year, a team that can have its struggles in its own zone. He’s a little undersized at 6-foot-1, but Leenders makes up for it with athleticism and good puck-tracking.

45. Tomas Galvas, LHD (Olomouc, Czechia)

Galvas is a skilled, two-way defender with good speed and overall skating. He’s a strong puck-rusher who has only improved with more confidence over time. The younger brother of Chicago Blackhawks draft pick Jakub Galvas, Tomas doesn’t make many mistakes under pressure and skates as well as any defenseman his age.

46. Teddy Stiga, LW (USNTDP)

I love Stiga, who was the best player at the U-18 Five Nations in Michigan last month, the energetic bulldog that fights for every opportunity – who excited me the most. He’s been very good recently, so much so that I’ve liked him the most of any 2024 eligible on the USNTDP for a while now. I think a team will find a good use for Stiga in their middle six.

47. Matvei Shuravin, LHD (Krasnaya Armiya, MHL)

Shuravin has bounced around various leagues in Russia this year, but has played his best hockey, understandably, in the junior league. He doesn’t have much offense going for him, but he prioritizes positioning in his own zone and developing strong defensive habits. At 6-foot-3, he has size, mobility and high hockey IQ.

48. Matvei Gridin, LW (Muskegon, USHL)

The University of Michigan commit started the season on a heater and still maintains the top spot in the USHL scoring race. I’m not sure I love his two-way game, but he’s going to be paid to generate scoring chances and he does it so, so well. A team willing to be patient with his long-term development could elect to take him earlier because the ceiling is high here.

49. Leon Muggli, LHD (Zug, NL)

Muggli has had a solid year in the top Swiss league. There were points at the World Juniors where Muggli was outmatched by drafted competition, but I felt like he got better as the tournament wore on and he wasn’t worried about making mistakes – allowing him to play to his strengths. I think he’s got the brains to have a good NHL career.

50. Dominik Badinka, RHD (Malmo, SHL)

Badinka has a great frame and solid hockey sense, and he doesn’t crumble under pressure. A defenseman who moves well and doesn’t get flustered with the puck when getting chased will have a good career. If he can add some extra top speed, he’ll be golden.

51. Ben Danford, RHD (Oshawa, OHL)

I’ve seen Danford play both sides on the blueline this year but I think he’s got something going on the left side – it fits his shot better. His offensive instincts are great, but, for whatever reason, the puck just seems to never go in. Still, I really like Danford, who I feel has improved his own-zone play, too.

52. Raoul Boilard, C (Baie-Comeau, QMJHL)

Boilard was the top player at the CHL Top Prospects Game, something that helped boost his profile. He brings energy and pace to every shift, fighting for every opportunity like his career depends on it. He’s putting up great numbers in his first QMJHL season after being just an average Jr. A forward a year ago, so he’s rising quicker than most expected.

53. Egor Surin, RW (Yaroslavl, MHL)

Surin is frustrating. When he’s on his game, he’s unstoppable. He’s a tremendous offensive threat who can also absolutely punish players physically. But he gets caught being too lazy at points, or getting himself into trouble when he doesn’t need to. I’m excited to see how he adjusts to the KHL over the next few years because I really think he can be something as long as he puts in the full effort every night.

54. John Mustard, C (Waterloo, USHL)

John Mustard is a lot more than just a great name. I think he has played himself into the first-round conversation after originally being projected as a seventh-rounder. He’s really smart, plays with pace and has a great shot. He’s been playing at a point-per-game pace with Waterloo in the USHL, and his performance at the USA Hockey top prospect showcase in January was solid, too.

55. Will Skahan, D (USNTDP)

There’s so much to like about Skahan, a 6-foot-4, 212-pound defenseman. He can get nasty out there, playing an aggressive, in-your-face style that few have figured out how to contain. The Boston College commit lacks in the offensive department, though, so you’re drafting him for physicality.

56. Luca Marrelli, LHD (Oshawa, OHL)

Marrelli has fascinated me as Oshawa’s top puck-moving defenseman. He’s a good skater who has elevated his offensive production in a big way as a third-year OHLer, and he has a solid 6-foot-2 frame to boot. Even in his quiet games, his hockey IQ shines through, even if his overall work ethic lacks at times.

57. Julius Miettinen, C (Everett, WHL)

I really, really like Miettinen. The Silvertips star has been plugging away at nearly a point per game in his first season in North America and should surpass the 30-goal mark. He’s big at 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, and he’s not afraid to use his frame any time he can. His season started slowly, but the comfort has started to sink in.

58. Adam Jecho, RW (Edmonton, WHL)

He’s big. He moves. He grooves. Jecho is a hulking 6-foot-5 and does a great job of maintaining the puck. He’s having a solid season with the Oil Kings in his first season in North America. His skating isn’t great, but I’d bet on him becoming a solid bottom-six power forward.

59. Marek Vanacker, LW (Brantford, OHL)

There’s a lot to like about Vanacker’s game. He’s not great defensively, for sure, but he moves so well with the puck and creates quality scoring chances on a consistent basis. He was just a depth forward a year ago, but now he’s the one doing so much of the heavy lifting for Brantford. While I’m projecting him as a second rounder, some teams like him as a top-32 pick.

60. Simon Zether, C (Rogle, SHL)

Zether’s skating has improved throughout the season, and I thought he especially looked good in late-August Five Nations action. He’s a fluid skater with great hockey IQ and an above-average wrist shot. Zether has pro-level attributes with a nice 6-foot-3 frame, although I definitely want to see more engagement from him in SHL action.

61. Sam O’Reilly, C (London, OHL)

From playing Jr. B a year ago to being a significant piece of London’s OHL squad, O’Reilly has been a revelation this year. He’s got great puck control with a stellar release, and he drives a lot of the offense for the Knights in a top-six role. He’s just a smart forward who can do a little bit of everything, but he needs to work on improving his speed. Still, high ceiling here.

62. Colin Ralph, LHD (Shattuck’s St. Mary’s, Prep)

When heading to watch Shattuck’s this year, my eyes were on Will Zellers, Ryker Lee and Aidan Park. But Ralph was the one who stood out the most to me. At 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds, he’s huge, takes up a lot of space and moves well, too. He’s got all the tools to become a physically strong offensive defenseman with good hockey IQ.

63. Eemil Vinni, G (JoKP, Liiga)

Vinni drew attention from scouts at when he served as Finland’s starter as an underager at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup – and he was excellent with a 3-1-0 record and a .927 save percentage. But he struggled during the regular season and was downright brutal at the U-18 World Championship come springtime. But this year has been better – the stats might not be special, but it’s difficult being a starter in a pro league at 18. Vinni didn’t get a start at the world juniors, but he’s arguably been Finland’s best goaltender in U-20 national team competition this year. At 6-foot-2, he has decent size and, fortunately, he isn’t overcommitting on shots as much as he was a year ago.

64. Daniil Ustinkov, LHD (ZSC Lions, NL)

I really think Ustinkov has the pure talent to be a solid prospect. But it feels like he has almost taken a step back this year, often struggling against pro competition. His weak World Juniors didn’t help, either, although I felt he looked good in my viewings in Michigan last month. I think his mobility and puck play will get him somewhere, but he has to clean up the play in his own zone.

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