Prospect Info: 2024 NHL Entry Draft Discussion

[rt]

2024 NHL Draft: A very early top 32 ranking

Macklin Celebrini and Cole Eiserman are among the top names to watch for the 2024 selection.

www.dailyfaceoff.com

Ellis was a big fan of our Simashev and But picks last week. He’s released a top 32 for 2024. Two of my personal favorites from catching their games last season are:

9. Henry Mews, D (Ottawa, OHL)​

Keeping the defensive train alive, Mews is a strong all-around defender that’ll give you 100 percent effort every night. He knows when to push on the attack without getting himself out of position, and he’s got enough speed to get him back after a rush. Mews is trending toward the type of prospect that excels in heavy minutes.

And

18. Becket Sennecke, RW (Oshawa, OHL)

Click to read more...

 

[rt]

Here’s Wheeler’s:

Scott Wheeler's early 2024 NHL Draft ranking: Celebrini, Eiserman top the list

It's still early, but the 2024 NHL Draft looks like it could be defined by a strong crop of defensemen who make up half of this list.

theathletic.com

Snippets:

7. Henry Mews — RHD, Ottawa 67’s, six feet​

The No. 7 pick in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Mews played an important role on one of the best teams in the CHL this as a rookie this season and had a stellar showing as the captain of the otherwise-disappointing Canada White at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in the fall, tying for the team scoring lead with eight points in six games.

Mews is an athletic, right-handed shot who is capable of consistently driving and tilting play from the backend. When he’s at his best, he dictates play by regularly looking to activate into the rush or off the line, and by defending hard when spacing allows. I love his attack, take-instead-of-give mentality, and it’s complemented by a good frame, an NHL shot and skating, and a fairly polished game in all three zones for a defenseman his age.

And

22. Carter Yakemchuk — RHD, Calgary Hitmen, 6-foot-2​

Yakemchuk was the only 2024 draft-eligible to make one of the WHL’s All-Star Teams when he was named a Central Division Second All-Star last week. Only a couple of weeks away from being eligible for the 2023 draft, he played a big role for a middle-of-the-pack Hitmen team this season and his 19 goals were third-most by a defenseman behind only 19-year-old Hudson Thornton and Ducks top prospect Olen Zellweger. While his game does come with some give and take, he’s got pro size, a pro shot, and an attack mentality that looks to take charge of shifts. He also protects the puck really well for a defenseman, which allows him to make the most of his decisions to involve himself in the play around the offensive zone. It’s not uncommon to see him take a puck to the inside off the wall or even from below the goal line in the offensive zone much like a forward would. And while I’d say he’s a good but not great defender, he plays hard at both ends.

And Pronman

Pronman: A way-too-early ranking of the top prospects at the 2024 NHL Draft

A preliminary ranking of the NHL Draft class of 2024 — plus, a very early look at some top 2025 draft-eligibles.

theathletic.com

7. Charlie Elick, RHD, Brandon-WHL
Elick’s physical tools jump out at you as a 6-3 defenseman with pro mobility. He’s not a top-end puck-mover, but he has good hockey sense. He competes hard, isn’t afraid to use his big frame and makes a lot of defensive stops. It’s easy to think about Braden Schneiderwhile watching Elick due to his similar junior team and handedness, but I would argue he’s ahead of Schneider at the same age.

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9. Henry Mews, RHD, Ottawa-OHL
Mews is a solid all-around defenseman. He’s a good skater who competes hard, which allows him to be a good defender despite average size. He’s not a flashy offensive type, but he’s very smart with the puck and can make plays from the point.

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[Vinny Boombatz]

How about Adam Jiricek, another RHD to go with Simashev & Lamoureaux, only 6'1'' yet, but maybe he'll get lucky and start growing to his brothers size while keeping the same mobility as a shorter player

 

[rt]

I haven’t seen much of him so I don’t know.

 

[crazyhockeylover96]

You must have high hopes for the season when you’re starting this thread this early.

 

[moosemeister]

Mews is a player of interest for me.

I will also be keeping an eye on Levshunov

 

[Jagged Ice]

You must have high hopes for the season when you’re starting this thread this early.

It's never too soon.

 

[Vinny Boombatz]

Yep, never too soon to talk draft

 

[rt]

You must have high hopes for the season when you’re starting this thread this early.

hFboards.com

Mews is a player of interest for me.

I will also be keeping an eye on Levshunov

Levshunov is projected early to be the 3rd guy off the board. We could win a lottery and take Celebrini or Eiserman. But 3rd-6th seem somewhat unattainable. Of course, these lists will change like crazy. Cam Allen was viewed as a top 10 pick and consensus first blueliner on the board a year ago.

 

[TheLegend]

You must have high hopes for the season when you’re starting this thread this early.

It hasn't started..... it isn't July 8 yet.

 

[rt]

Oh no. Here we go again!

 

[Freddy Sjostrom]

Darryl Plandowski say they feel even now and can take bpa (paraphrasing). Do you think that’s draft speak? RD is still a need imo and you can never have too many centers.

 

[hbk]

Darryl Plandowski say they feel even now and can take bpa (paraphrasing). Do you think that’s draft speak? RD is still a need imo and you can never have too many centers.

C or D. Strong preference. That being said this team lied through their teeth. How can we trust anything they say.

 

[wbwing]

Oh no. Here we go again!

Listed at 5'11. Unless he grows two inches by then forget it!

 

[rt]

Listed at 5'11. Unless he grows two inches by then forget it!

 

[Grimes]

Oh no. Here we go again!

I see the plan now!

Get two giant Russian in 2023. Then improve the team and take Demidov when he falls next draft (or move up to get him).

:Insert "it was always Demidov" meme here:

Keller-Cooley-Guenther
But-Hayton-Demidov
Maccelli-Geekie-Crose

It was right in front of us the whole time

 

[Matias Maccete]

I'm already sold, lock him in for our pick next year.

 

[Grimes]

 

[Jakey53]

C or D. Strong preference. That being said this team lied through their teeth. How can we trust anything they say.

All teams lie through their teeth leading up to the draft.

 

[hbk]

All teams lie through their teeth leading up to the draft.

Sure. This felt like it was more than what Coyote fans are used to. A great deal more.

 

[Jagged Ice]

With the draft, free agency, and some sort of positive arena news, is this the best week in franchise history? I kid (a little) but it sure feels like it. Maybe since 2012.

 

[rt]

Sure. This felt like it was more than what Coyote fans are used to. A great deal more.

Oh yes. This Keyser Söze level fibbing. I’m never believing anything these dudes say ever again. They tag teamed it, they all brought different and conflicting narratives. There were so many straight to our faces fibs and then untold gobbledygook behind the scenes that had half the hockey world calling it for Dvorsky and the other half saying it was Reinbacher for sure. Meanwhile locally we all had sights set on Leonard.

If we go back and watch the post lottery availability, and the PHNX appearance, BA is CLEARLY talking about Leonard. He literally talked about specific plays Leonard made at a specific tournament. One neither Russian was at.

Then re-read the quotes Craig got from the Owski’s. None of it could possibly be even remotely about either of these two players we picked. They’re talking about how the ‘24 crop of D is better and they’re not considering position at all. Then all about how size doesn’t matter and they’re just after skill and compete. Yada yada.

Basically all an effort to disqualify Simashev and But. Right down to BA just prior to the draft, referring to Michkov as a ghost and saying nobody has seen these Russian kids.

 

[Matias Maccete]

With the draft, free agency, and some sort of positive arena news, is this the best week in franchise history? I kid (a little) but it sure feels like it. Maybe since 2012.

Positive arena news? I missed that I guess.

 

[Jagged Ice]

Positive arena news? I missed that I guess.

Sort of. We're still in consideration and six valley sites are being looked at.

 

[Matias Maccete]

Sort of. We're still in consideration and six valley sites are being looked at.

Oh, yeah. I figured there was something else since that was kind of vague but you did say "some sort of" so yeah it qualifies lol.