2024 NHL Draft: Midseason top 10 prospects

Halfway through the season NHL teams are finding out their identity and where they will most likely fall in the standings. Some teams are looking forward to the draft, while others are preparing for a Stanley Cup run. For the teams that are checked out, what players should they be looking out for in this upcoming draft?

Macklin Celebrini, Forward, Boston University (NCAA)

After a successful World Junior Tournament, Celebrini has nearly solidified himself as the consensus No. 1 pick in this draft. The youngest player in college hockey is in the driver’s seat of a top-three team in the nation.

With 29 points in 17 games, Celebrini could be the centerpiece of a team’s future. With pro tools, reliable two-way play and agility, this player can dominate at any level.

Cayden Lindstrom, Forward, Medicine Hat (WHL)

Lindstrom has shot up these rankings in recent months due to his pure scoring talent. A forward standing at a towering 6’4” is good enough for many teams, but you add his talent and it takes his value to a whole new level.

In 32 games, Lindstrom has found the back of the net 27 times. With his size, speed and physicality, his skill can translate well at the pro level. His ceiling has him looking like one of the best goal-scorers in the draft.

Cole Eiserman, Forward, USDP (NTDP)

Eiserman’s stock has taken a bit of a slide, but his ceiling is still super high. With flashes of Auston Matthews, Eiserman possesses the skills to be the best twine finder in the draft.

With 46 goals in 42 total games, he is only going to get better. Still younger in age, Eiserman has plenty of time to solidify himself as the top-two pick many considered him to be.

Sam Dickinson, Defenseman, London (OHL)

If you want a defenseman who can change an entire unit, it’s Sam Dickinson. With the London Knights this year, Dickinson is a point-per-game player with 41 points in 41 games, 13 being goals.

Dickinson is one of the many notable prospects on the Knights, standing alongside Denver Barkey, Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowen, making him a key piece to the team’s very successful season. He stands out on a nightly basis with his toolbox of skill, making him arguably the best defenseman in this draft.

Artyom Levshunov, Defenseman, Michigan State (NCAA)

The Belarusian is having no problem in his freshman year with the Spartans. Levshunov has tallied 24 points in 22 games this season, making him a top blue liner in the college hockey world.

His two-way play is what makes him stand out among other prospects and has the ceiling to be a team’s No. 1 defenseman for the next decade.

Ivan Demidov, Forward, St. Petersburg (MHL)

Another elite prospect from Russia finds his way into the top 10 yet again. Demidov brings electric play with his escapability and puck skills.

Over the course of 20 games, Demidov has racked up 32 points with 14 goals. Teams may still be hesitant to draft from Russian leagues, but after seeing what Philadelphia did with Matvei Michkov, teams might not be as worried.

Berkley Catton, Forward, Spokane (WHL)

If you want dynamism, skill and creativity, then Catton is your guy. Tallying 27 goals and 64 points in 39 games, he brings an entertaining style of game that no one should want to miss.

That playstyle has put him in some comparisons with Jack Hughes. Some may think that comparison is farfetched, but a young player with that ceiling is one to follow for a long time.

Konsta Helenius, Forward, Jukurit (Liiga)

The Finnish product is loaded with hockey IQ. He might not have the hardest shot, but he can pick corners like the best of the game. In 31 games, he’s accumulated 22 points, but this isn’t against players his age but players much older.

His stats at the World Juniors didn’t jump off the page, just two points in seven games, but he plays a very mature game that NHL clubs should admire.

Zeev Buium, Defenseman, Denver (NCAA)

A cog in the machine that is Pioneers hockey, Buium is a defenseman who can be relied on to create scoring. 27 points in 20 games as a blue liner is a nice achievement, and teams in his range will most likely need a power play quarterback for the foreseeable future.

Defensemen who can skate are a premium, and this kid can skate like the wind.

Anton Silayev, Defenseman, Torpedo (KHL)

Silayev is tall, very tall. This 6-foot-7 tank can really skate, making it arguably his biggest strength. He can cover a lot of ice with his frame and reach, which makes him sound very similar to Zdeno Chara.

Silayev has 11 points in 51 games on the season.

Anthony Desher is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email acd5698@psu.edu.