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NHL draft tracker: Macklin Celebrini goes No. 1; scouting reports on first-round picks

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NHL draft tracker: Macklin Celebrini goes No. 1; scouting reports on first-round picks

Kyle Woodlief
 |  special for USA TODAY

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The San Jose Sharks selected Boston University’s Macklin Celebrini with the No. 1 pick of the 2024 NHL draft on Friday.

The clear-cut top talent in this draft class will be a first-line center who drives play for his team.

“Just a surreal feeling,” Celebrini told ESPN. “I’ve dreamed about this moment ever since I was a kid and for it to come true, it’s just an amazing feeling.”

The 6-foot, 190-pound freshman had 32 goals and 32 assists in 38 games to lead the Terriers to the Frozen Four. He won the Hobey Baker Award as college hockey’s top men’s player, plus was voted Hockey East’s top player and rookie.

Kyle Woodlief, the publisher and chief scout of the independent scouting service Red Line Report, provides scouting reports on the prospects drafted in the first round.

C Macklin Celebrini, Boston University

He has superb hands and timing and is a highly imaginative playmaker who gets pucks to his linemates with one-touch passes. He’s a terrific goal scorer with a lightning fast catch and release – the puck explodes off his stick. His ability to anticipate developing plays puts him a step ahead of everyone else on the ice. Plays just as hard at the defensive end as he does in the offensive zone. When he doesn’t have the puck, he works to get it.

Projection: Top line two-way center who impacts game at both ends.

Style compares to: Jonathan Toews

Defenseman Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State

Will be a franchise altering defenseman. Tremendous combination of size, mobility, puck skills, vision and advanced defensive habits. Has already shown he’s able to dangle and skate his way through much older opponents in college while making dynamic plays with the puck. His quick feet make him dangerous on the rush. Biggest strength is transitioning quickly from defense to offense. Strong defender gaps up well and gets stick on puck. Rugged, blocks shots, hits, wins puck battles and plays with a nasty disposition.

Projection: Strong, powerful first pairing defenseman.

Style compares to: Mikhail Sergachev

Right wing Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa

Had a real roller-coaster season. Lack of consistency in his game caused his stock to drop. Then he caught fire late in the season right on through the playoffs, where his play helped get Oshawa to the Ontario Hockey League finals. His individual skills are on par with the elite forwards in this group, especially his ability to stickhandle in small spaces. Has excellent hands in tight around the net and shows the ability to undress defenders down low. Takes the puck to scoring areas and has excellent vision and playmakingskills, which he uses to find the open man after drawing defenders. Has a very good release and a hard, accurate shot. But his willingness to compete shift-to-shift is questionable at times. His board battle andloose puck retrieval numbers were very low, despite big frame and good strength.

Projection: Second line goal scoring winger with size.

Style compares to: Jamie Benn

Center Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat

Prototypical NHL power forward gets north/south quickly, has a big-time shot with a great release and has the size and skating ability to beat defenders either with speed or strength. Loves to play in the greasy areas in front of the net and is willing to pay the price in tight areas – plays with some edginess when challenged. You don’t see many 6-foot-4, 216-pound centers who move with his agility or possess as much puck skill as Lindstrom does. This season he has found the balance between using his strength to force his way to the net or middle of the ice, and his patience and creativity to create separation and use his teammates more effectively.

Projection: Dominant middle of the ice, first line force.

Style compares to: Quinton Byfield/Anze Kopitar

Winger Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg

This scoring machine is an intelligent winger with an elite skill set. His main strengths are his IQ, stickhandling and excellent skating. Has made progress in all areas of his game and now shows more variety in the way he attacks. His hands are exceptional. He moves the puck wide, beats players easily and always finds space, even when it looks impossible. His wrister explodes off his blade around the slot, and he doesn’t need much time or space to get shots away. Has great speed and acceleration, along with elusiveness in tight spaces. Only minus for him is his size and lack of physical bite. Still, he has true star potential.

Projection: Dynamic offensive catalyst.

Style compares to: Artemi Panarin

Forward Tij Iginla, Kelowna

Just when you think he can’t possibly take his game to another level – he does. Like his father, Jarome, he always takes the puck directly to net and can’t be deterred from getting to the crease and scoring greasy goals. Makes great little plays with the puck in tight areas. Shows lightning fast reactions to kick passes from his skate up to his stick and release all in one blurry fast motion. So instinctive offensively and gets himself to great spots. Makes neat toe drags to change the angle of his shots. This year he’s been able to showcase a much-improved shot and outstanding finishing ability. Driven, determined and continually getting better.

Projection: Competitive, goal scoring top line winger.

Style compares to: Jarome Iginla

Defenseman Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary

Electric. The 6-foot-3 defenseman has a magnet pulling him toward the other team’s net at all times. He’s in the running for the title of player who generates the most offense from the back end in this year’s draft class. Has elite offensive instincts, and combined with his top-notch skating, puck skills and lethal point shot, he’s exceptionally dangerous whenever he has possession. Dominant power play quarterback. Has the physicality and effort to be effective defensively in zone and off the rush, but has a lot to learn about positioning/awareness.

Projection: Powerhouse No. 2 defenseman and power play quarterback.

Style compares to: Evan Bouchard/Brent Burns

Center Berkly Catton, Spokane

Arguably the smartest player in this draft class with hockey sense off the charts. Dissects plays at both ends so he either knows where he’s passing the puck before he gets it, or knows how to position himself in the defensive zone to steal pucks. He both creates and finishes at top speed. Has a great initial burst, quick hands and terrific scoring touch around the net. Excellent vision and creativity in his passing. Might not have the elite speed needed to really shine as a center at his size.

Projection: Top line scorer might have to shift to wing.

Style compares to: Nick Suzuki

Defenseman Zayne Parekh, Saginaw

Dynamic defenseman backs defenders off the blue line with his speed when he carries the puck through neutral zone. Highly deceptive puck carrier is easily able to elude forecheckers with tight spin moves and then makes lateral jump cuts at full speed as he’s dashing up ice. His instincts and vision are phenomenal in the offensive zone and he’s a constant threat to set up an open teammate for a Grade A scoring opportunity. Lethal on the power play with his wicked point blast and terrific distribution skills. Pucks fire off his stick quickly and with uncanny accuracy. Needs lots of coaching on his defensive recognition and awareness around net. Board and net front battles are a struggle as he’s frequently outmuscled.

Projection: Brilliant offensive and power play force who struggles in own end.

Style compares to: Quinn Hughes

Defenseman Anton Silayev, Nizhny Novgorod

Enormous 6-foot-7 defenseman with the wingspan of a condor and uses his size well. Played in the Kontinental Hockey League all year. Uses his power for effective body checks even against older, more mature guys. Excellent at using his long reach and quick stick to steal pucks. Impossible to beat off the rush or with wide speed, defending easily with his long stick and shockingly nimble footwork — amazing skater for his size. Has a huge point blast and gets good torque that generates velocity and power. Although his physical attributes are perfect for playing in the NHL, his hockey sense and effectiveness on offense are questionable. Game lacks creativity and is too basic, so it’s easy to read his next move.

Projection: Enormous shutdown defenseman and matchup defender.

Style compares to: Nikita Zadorov

Defenseman Sam Dickinson, London

Big horse can dominate at both ends. Plays a calm game and his decisions never seem rushed or hurried under forechecking pressure. Explosive skater gets back quickly on retrievals. Shuts down plays quickly below the goal line, breaking up opponents’ cycle game. Has good creativity with the puck and excellent offensive instincts. Shoots bombs from the point, leading to his 18-goal season. We’d like to see him become more physical with that huge frame, but he has a good defensive stick and is smart positionally. Can carry the puck up ice and make things happen off the rush. Has a full toolbox and plays a confident, self-assured style – always in control.

Projection: Top pairing defenseman with size on a strong club.

Style compares to: Moritz Seider

The Flyers will draft 13th. Minnesota send a 2025 third-round pick to Philadelphia to move up to 12th. There were no trades in the first round last season.

Defenseman Zeev Buium, Denver University

Put up one of the most dominant performances by a freshman defenseman in NCAA history, capped off by leading Denver to the national championship. An extremely smooth skater with fantastic edges, great pivots, speed and quickness. Easily closes the gap defensively or beats forechecking pressure when he has the puck. His puck retrievals and ability to transition to offense with quick strike counter-attacks are superb. Finds forwards with pinpoint outlets. Tremendous PP quarterback is a great distributor who walks the line laterally to create passing/shooting lanes. Defensively takes good angles on puck carriers and gets stick on puck.

Projection: Top pairing offensive defenseman and PP quarterback.

Style compares to: Noah Dobson

Center Jett Luchanko, Guelph

Dynamic center who drives play for his line. Has excellent wheels with instant acceleration and his speed intimidates defenders, forcing them to back in off the blue line. Gets in on the forecheck quickly to disrupt. Forceful player who wants the puck on his stick and immediately attacks when he gets it. Always involved in the middle of the action. Not big, but not shy about playing a physical game and using his frame to battle on the boards and in front of the net. Aware and responsible all over the ice, gets his stick in passing lanes often. Takes every key faceoff in the defensive zone. Plays in all situations and is aggressive on the penalty kill.

Projection: Blazing fast two-way center.

Style compares to: Carter Verhaeghe/Travis Konecny

Center Konsta Helenius, Jukurit

Creative center has quick feet, quick hands and a quick mind. Crafty and cunning and highly skilled with the puck. Great stickhandler and playmaker, sees plays developing and knows where his linemates are at all times. Excellent hockey sense, soft hands, and great vision. Not very big, but strong on his skates with fine balance and quickness. Can weave through traffic and finds open ice where there seemingly is none. Good without the puck too – pressures guys along the boards, closes off their skating lanes and forces turnovers. His passes are always accurate and catch his wingers in stride. Understands defensive zone assignments.

Projection: Undersized, instinctive second line center on top club.

Style compares to: Brayden Point

Winger Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, Mora

We’re not as high on him as others seem to be. Big Norwegian power winger displays strong work ethic and plays a rugged, physical brand of hockey – highly involved around the traffic areas. Persistent forechecker exerts pressure and is determined in puck pursuit, causing giveaways. Outmuscles opposing defensemen around the crease to cash in on rebounds. He’s not real polished or a finesse guy, but will drive out of the corners and make power moves to the middle, funneling pucks to the net. He has a heavy one-timer from the circle on the power play. But does not have a quick catch-and-release when set up around the slot. His individual skills are just average.

Projection: Rugged north/south third line grinder with size/shot.

Style compares to: Josh Anderson

Defenseman Adam Jiricek, Plzen

Tough season. He played the first half against men in Extraliga where his offensive game wasn’t utilized, then he suffered a season-ending knee injury in first game at the world junior championships . Tall, lean blue-liner is mobile and handles the puck well. Moves around confidently to gain angles while manning the point on the power play. Plays an aggressive game and looks to force the action all over the ice. Shows a nice drag and drive to wait out blockers and get hard shots away. Overextends himself looking for hits in the defensive zone and gets himself out of position, but he can play in his own end and his mistakes are ones of aggression.

Projection: Offensively skilled No. 3-4 defenseman and power play triggerman.

Style compares to: Mike Matheson

Right wing Terik Parascak, Prince George

If you look up “opportunist” in the dictionary you might very well see a picture of Parascak. This Western Hockey League rookie was the biggest surprise of the entire scouting season – came out of nowhere to bag a stunning 43 goals and 105 points. An incredibly smart finisher, he simply has instincts that can’t be taught. His poise to hold onto pucks an extra beat opens up shooting lanes and gets goalies to show their cards, and then he unleashes a scorer’s shot. His two-way game and individual play building is still raw, but those finer details can be excused considering his WHL rookie status. He’s a high reward player without much risk – his development curve is headed straight up, and he’s already shown real top six NHL upside.

Projection: 30 goal scoring, top six winger.

Style compares to: Brock Boeser

Tall, lanky center with size, skating and puck skills who is productive on the scoresheet. Long, smooth strider who can accelerate quickly and pull away from opponents in open ice, but also has elusive quickness in tight spaces. Great shooter: can rip pucks off the rush or locate rebounds in close and put them in the back of the net. Tall, thin frame means he needs time to fill out and get stronger. Not consistently physical as a punishing hitter, but is legitimately tough: will drop the gloves and take care of business when challenged. Body language and overall effort leave something to be desired at times. With his size and talent, he’ll play in the NHL when he fills out and is physically ready. The question is what his ultimate ceiling might be.

Projection: Second line center on middle tier club.

Style compares to: Martin Necas

Winger Trevor Connelly, Tri-City

His speed and pressure cause panic and turnovers that lead to Grade A chances. Plays the game at a dizzyingly high pace 100% of the time. Quick stick and great lateral moves. Terrific hands and dangerous with the puck at all times; he’s a game-breaker with his ability to create separation with ease or drive through defenders to get to net. We’d like to see him utilize his hard, accurate shot more often. Teams will look into a previous social media post that may cause some to pass on him. General manager Kelly McCrimmon told ESPN that the team did its due diligence before drafting him.

Projection: Slick passing and skating scoring line winger.

Style compares to: Mitch Marner

Left wing Cole Eiserman, U.S. National Team Development Program

As pure a goal scorer as you’ll ever find. Elite finisher who scores in a variety of ways. Broke Cole Caufield’s NTDP record with 127 points in two seasons. Strong, powerful skater who bulls his way to the net and can boost the possession game with his ability to shield the puck. A legit threat on every shift because he can rip pucks off the rush, but also consistently gets to the dirty areas. Superior hand-eye coordination for tips/deflections or can locate pucks in a scrum and bury them with little time and space. Excellent on the power play. One-way player needs to bear down more in the defensive end and show more intensity in high leverage situations.

Projection: Devastating, but one-dimensional, first line goal scorer.

Style compares to: Brett Hull

Center Michael Hage, Chicago

Strong two-way center isn’t flashy, but is definitely underappreciated. Special talent who blew up in the second half of the season to lead Chicago to the postseason after the team stumbled out of the gate.Great skater, pops immediately with his ability to accelerate to top speed instantly and back defenders up. Blows up defensive gaps with his top gear and nifty hands to slide laterally and force opponents toturn or get burned. Makes everyone around him better as he’s able to slice through layers in the defensive zone and find open teammates with heads-up passing plays. With his size, speed, up-tempo pace andpure skill, he’s only beginning to scratch the surface in terms of production. He works and inspires those around him by personal example. Future captain with star potential.

Projection: Two-way, second line center who plays in all situations.

Style compares to: Anton Lundell

Winger Yegor Surin, Yaroslavl

Powerful two-way winger with a great package of size, skating ability, hockey smarts and puck skills. His work ethic has improved dramatically since the start of the season. Already a world-class skater with great acceleration, getting to full speed in two strides. Generates offense by bulling his way through traffic or stickhandling in tight spaces. Uses his wide body to keep defenders on his back and protect the puck. Has a strong and accurate shot – gets great wrist snap. Also has terrific hockey sense and is highly regarded as a team leader. Plays with a nasty edge and has physical presence.

Projection: Nasty, aggressive goal scoring power winger.

Style compares to: Brady Tkachuk

The Ducks move up to the 23rd spot for the 31st pick and a second-rounder.

Defenseman Stian Solberg, Vålerenga

Big, strong, solidly built defenseman played huge minutes in all situations for Norway at the world junior championships. Has a powerful frame and can hold off forecheckers with one hand while getting pucks safely up to his forwards. Bounces off hits and is always accurate and sharp with his outlets. Settles down the play in his own end when team starts scrambling. Shows very good stick placement against the rush. Plays a rugged, physical game in his own end, separating opponents from the puck and winning board battles. Rips hard wristers from the point. Distributes the puck well on the power play.

Projection: Rugged, puck moving, second pairing defenseman.

Style compares to: Braden Schneider

Utah grabs another first-round pick by sending a second-rounder, third-rounder and a 2025 second-rounder previously acquired from the Rangers to the Avalanche.

Left wing Cole Beaudoin, Barrie

Hard driving winger has all the physical tools you look for in a power forward: great size, good puckhandling skills and a heavy shot. His skill set, hockey IQ and natural instincts combine to make a good package. But he has major skating issues. Has zero first step acceleration, stride is lunky, and lacks a top end gear. He’s OK once he gets up to speed and stays in a straight line, but can’t change direction quickly and doesn’t have lateral burst. Uses his size to win board battles, finish checks and barge directly to the crease to create problems and pounce on rebounds. Character guy who works hard on the forecheck, on the penalty killing unit, and away from the puck. But the team that drafts him better have a good skating coach.

Projection: Bull in a china shop third line and penalty kill.

Style compares to: Will Cuylle

Center Dean Letourneau, St. Andrew’s College

Absolutely ginormous center has the best set of raw tools in Ontario. Can skate, shoot and score at will. Surprisingly smooth stride and very soft hands. He put up cartoon-like numbers on the prep scene.He hasn’t exactly wowed us with his effort or uneven physicality throughout the season. For such a physical specimen, his lack of compete/battle level stand out in a negative way. Spends more time gliding and puckwatching than he should, but can also take over a game whenever he wants. His physical gifts are off the charts and the enormous ceiling is tantalizing. Could develop into a dominant force, but he’s the rawestof raw long-term projects.

Projection: Huge No. 2 center with all-world tools.

Style compares to: Pierre-Luc Dubois

26. Los Angeles Kings (from Winnipeg Jets via Montreal Canadiens)

27. Carolina Hurricanes

28. Calgary Flames (from Vancouver Canucks)

29. Dallas Stars

30. New York Rangers

31. Toronto Maple Leafs (from Edmonton Oilers via Anaheim Ducks)

32. Philadelphia Flyers (from Florida Panthers)

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