2024 NHL Draft: post-lottery top 16 prospects

The lottery has finished and the first pick of the 2024 NHL Draft belongs to the San Jose Sharks. With still over a month to go before these prospects hear their name called, who rounds out the top 16 of the draft?

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

The 2024 Hobey Baker Award winner is the consensus No. 1 overall pick in this upcoming draft. At just 17 years old, Celebrini put together a 64-point season with 32 goals in 38 games.

He’s a talented and reliable two-way player. His strength, skill and speed complete the toolbox of a superstar in the making.

2 - Ivan Demidov, RW, St. Petersburg (MHL)

His playmaking abilities are elite. After initially struggling in the KHL, Demidov was sent down to the MHL and immediately took off. In 30 games this season, Demidov tallied 60 points, including 28 more in the playoffs.

His production in the MHL has him above names like Nikita Kucherov and Artemi Panarin when it comes to points per game. If Chicago takes him second overall, Connor Bedard will have a game-changing playmaker at his side.

3 - Artyom Levshunov, RHD, Michigan State (NCAA)

Levshunov has everything you would want from a high-end player. His puck-moving abilities, size and mobility make him arguably the best defenseman in the draft.

A 35-point season allowed him to win Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

4 - Cayden Lindstrom, C, Medicine Hat (WHL)

At 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds, Lindstrom is already NHL size, but add his offensive upside to the mix and you have an amazing prospect. He battled injuries this season, but the potential is there.

Lindstrom scored 27 times in the 32 games he played during the year. When healthy, he has all the tools a top 5 pick would have to succeed at the next level.

5 - Zeev Buium, LHD, Denver (NCAA)

Let’s take a look at the resume. A 50-point season as a freshman defenseman, a World Junior gold medal and a national title all during the 2023-24 season. His offensive upside makes him a standout star in this draft.

Buium looked so comfortable both with and without the puck. His smooth skating and skillset scream top-pair defenseman.

6 - Anton Silayev, LHD, Torpedo (KHL)

A 6-foot-7 behemoth on the ice. His mobility at that size is what makes him stand out. Silayev has good offensive senses that can create an argument for him to be the first defenseman off the board.

7 - Zayne Parekh, RHD, Saginaw (OHL)

Another dynamo on the backend. Parekh lit up the scoresheet this season with 96 points and 33 goals from the blue line.

His efforts allowed him to have the third most productive season for an OHL U-18 defenseman. Having such a historic season will have his name circled on many draft boards.

8 - Tij Iginla, LW/C, Kelowna (WHL)

The talent runs in the family. As the son of the legendary Jarome Iginla, Tij Iginla has become one of the most electric players in this draft.

47 goals make up the 84 points he tallied during the regular season, while also having a very strong U-18 tournament. He does so much more than just light the lamp. He makes it difficult to play against him not only with his offensive magic but his strong defensive play too.

If he is available for the Calgary Flames, does it happen?

9 - Sam Dickinson, LHD, London (OHL)

The London Knights are a powerhouse and Sam Dickinson is a big reason why the team is on a run. He is a dynamic two-way defenseman who can lay the body and provide great puck movement.

10 - Cole Eiserman, LW, USNTDP (USHL)

Arguably the draft’s best goal scorer, Eiserman has lit the lamp with no problem whatsoever. Now the all-time goal scorer in NTDP history with 127 goals, he has the potential to be in the Rocket Richard conversation at the next level.

He has slipped in many rankings, mainly due to his all-around game and defensive play, but he is only 17 years old and has a ton of offensive potential. He is set to play at Boston University next year.

11 - Berkly Catton, C, Spokane (WHL)

A magician with his creativity and smarts, Catton is a prolific center who is nothing short of entertaining to watch. He finished fourth in the WHL in terms of scoring with 116 points.

He can beat defenses and goaltenders in so many ways. It is hard to look away when he has the puck.

12 - Carter Yakemchuk, RHD, Calgary (WHL)

A 6-foot-3, 30-goal defenseman is a scary good prospect to have on any roster. He can bully you off the puck and punish any player who isn’t careful enough.

He can work a powerplay with his shot and offensive play. His defensive play is still raw, but the upside and potential is there.

13 - Konsta Helenius, C, Jukurit (Liiga)

In Finland’s top league, the 17-year-old has been impressive all season long. Helenius has the ceiling to be a high-end center with his reliable two-way play and smart hockey IQ.

He tallied 36 points in 51 games against opponents much older than himself. Helenius will celebrate his 18th birthday on May 11.

14 - Beckett Sennecke, RW, Oshawa (OHL)

A 6-foot-2 forward with a lot of flash. Beckett Sennecke put on the show for the Oshawa Generals all season long.

He put together a strong season, scoring 68 points, but elevated his play even more scoring 22 points in 16 games during the playoffs.

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

The skilled forward put up some solid numbers for the Tri-City Storm this year, tallying 78 points in 52 games. Connelly has plenty of skill to show for, but a costly penalty he took in the U-18 gold medal match against Canada may loom over his head.

We’ll see how teams evaluate his play and character as the draft looms.

16 - Liam Greentree, RW, Windsor (OHL)

It hasn’t been a kind year for the Windsor Spitfires, but Liam Greentree has made himself into a great prospect. Recording 90 points this season, he consistently showcased his dangerous shot and creativity.

He makes puck-carrying look easy, and his 6-foot-2 frame gives him the advantage in many areas. He lacks that high-end skating ability that can hold him back, but if he uses his body a lot more, he could become an even stronger power forward.

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