GDT: 2024 NHL Draft (Time and place TBA)

[usiel]

The making of Dean Letourneau, the 2024 NHL Draft's towering one-of-one forward

At 'a hair under 6-foot-7,' Letourneau has a chance to be one of few players his height to have ever had a career as an NHL forward.

theathletic.com

I don't think you have to go too deep into the mid-range before he becomes at least an intriguing idea. You'd like more USHL games as a basis to compare but if you want to bet on a frame...

Oh yeah I was already imagining having Protas and Letourneau in the same lineup, heh.

 

[Langway]

Protas has a younger brother eligible this year:

Ilya Protas at eliteprospects.com

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Ilya Protas, 2006-07-18 Vitebsk, BLR Belarus. Most recently in the USHL with Des Moines Buccaneers. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

 

[trick9]

Following Suzdalev in their series i'm very impressed with Ryder Ritchie any time i see him. His skating is such a treat to watch. Only turns 18 in August and yet in the Playoffs they keep double-shifting him against a really good Blades team.

 

[MW6]

I’m watching the Swedish league playoffs and really impressed with undrafted RHD Albin Sundin (2004) playing for Frolunda. Really poised, makes great decisions both offensively and defensively. Wouldn’t mind taking a flyer on him in the later rounds.

 

[trick9]

Beckett Sennecke (1+1, OT winner) and Henry Mews (1+1) both had pretty impressive games.

OHL Coaches Polls results: 2023-24 OHL Coaches Poll Results - Ontario Hockey League

Most underrated:
Eastern Conference:
1. Owen Van Steensel, North Bay Battalion (29) - Undrafted (Age: 19)
2. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (23) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
3. Mason Zebeski, Mississauga Steelheads (9) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)

Western Conference:
1. Kirill Kudryavtsev, Soo Greyhounds (22) - VAN 2022 7th rounder (finished t-3rd in 2022-23)
2. Trent Swick, Kitchener Rangers (15) - Undrafted (Age: 19)
3. Cole Davis, Windsor Spitfires (12) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)


Most improved:
Eastern Conference:
1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (30) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
2. Marek Vanacker, Brantford Bulldogs (26) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
3. Jacob Battaglia, Kingston Frontenacs (23) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)

Western Conference:
1. Owen Allard, Soo Greyhounds (34) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
2. Adrian Misaljevic, Kitchener Rangers (17) - Undrafted (Age: 19)
3. Sam Alfano, Erie Otters (13) - Undrafted (Age: 20)


Smartest player:
Eastern Conference:
1. Anthony Romani, North Bay Battalion (22) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)
2. Dalibor Dvorsky, Sudbury Wolves (17) - STL 2023 1st rounder
3. Luca Marrelli, Oshawa Generals (16) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)

Western Conference:
1. Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener Rangers (20) - VAN 2023 3rd rounder (traded to CGY)
2. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (18) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
3. Matyas Sapovaliv, Saginaw Spirit (17) - VGK 2022 2nd rounder


Hardest Worker:
Eastern Conference:
1. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (25) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
2. Luca Pinelli, Ottawa 67’s (19) - CBJ 2023 4th rounder
3. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (12) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)

Western Conference:
1. Owen Allard, Soo Greyhounds (27) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
2. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (19) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
3. Carey Terrance, Erie Otters (16) - ANA 2023 2nd rounder


Best Playmaker:
Eastern Conference:
1. Calum Ritchie, Oshawa Generals (33) - COL 2023 1st rounder
2. David Goyette, Sudbury Wolves (21) - SEA 2022 2nd rounder
3. Braeden Kressler, Ottawa 67’s (10) - Undrafted (Age: 21)

Western Conference:
1. Zayne Parekh, Saginaw Spirit (25) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)
2. Denver Barkey, London Knights (20) - PHI 2023 3rd rounder
3. Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener Rangers (19) - VAN 2023 3rd rounder (traded to CGY)


Most dangerous in goal area:
Eastern Conference:
1. Anthony Romani, North Bay Battalion (26) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)
2. Nick Lardis, Brantford Bulldogs (23) - CHI 2023 3rd rounder
3. Quentin Musty, Sudbury Wolves (19) - SJS 2023 1st rounder

Western Conference:
1. Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (43) – SEA 2023 2nd rounder
2. Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (22) – WPG 2023 1st rounder (finished 1st in 2022-23)
3. Liam Greentree, Windsor Spitfires (12) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)


Best Skater:
Eastern Conference:
1. Beau Jelsma, Barrie Colts (26) - Undrafted (Age: 19)
2. Paul Ludwinski, Kingston Frontenacs (20) - CHI 2022 2nd rounder
3. Kevin He, Niagara IceDogs (16) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)

Western Conference:
1. Oliver Peer, Flint Firebirds (33) Undrafted (Age: 21)
2. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (19) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
3. Easton Cowan, London Knights (13) - TOR 2023 1st rounder


Best Shot:
Eastern Conference:
1. Dalibor Dvorsky, Sudbury Wolves (29) - STL 2023 1st rounder
T-2. Anthony Romani, North Bay Battalion (15) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)
T-2. Ryan Roobroeck, Niagara IceDogs (15) - Draft-eligible 2026 (Age: 16)
3. Luca Pinelli, Ottawa 67’s (9) - CBJ 2023 4th rounder

Western Conference:
1. Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (33) – SEA 2023 2nd rounder
2. Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (27) – WPG 2023 1st rounder (finished1st in 2022-23 and 3rd in 2021-22)
3. Kasper Halttunen, London Knights (15) - SJS 2023 2nd rounder


Hardest Shot:
Eastern Conference:
1. Connor Punnett, Oshawa Generals (34) – Undrafted (Age: 20) (finished 2nd in 2022-23)
2. Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion (17) – SEA 2022 3rd rounder (finished 1st in 2022-23)
3. Samuel Mayer, Ottawa 67’s (15) - Undrafted (Age: 20)

Western Conference:
1. Kasper Halttunen, London Knights (31) - SJS 2023 2nd rounder
2. Colby Barlow, Owen Sound Attack (24) – WPG 2023 1st rounder (finished tied for first in 2022-23 and 3rd in 2021-22)
T-3. Arttu Karki, Soo Greyhounds (14) - VGK 2023 3rd round pick
T-3. Carson Rehkopf, Kitchener Rangers (14) – SEA 2023 2nd rounder (finished 3rd in 2022-23)


Best Stickhandler:
Eastern Conference:
1. Dalibor Dvorsky, Sudbury Wolves (29) - STL 2023 1st rounder
2. Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa Generals (22) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)
3. Beau Jelsma, Barrie Colts (15) - Undrafted (Age: 19)

Western Conference:
1. Matthew Sop, Kitchener Rangers (20) - Undrafted (Age: 21)
2. Ruslan Gazizov, London Knights (17) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
3. Jack Beck, Soo Greyhounds (14) - CGY 2021 6th rounder


Best On Face-Offs:
Eastern Conference:
1. Jax Dubois, Kingston Frontenacs (36) – Undrafted (Age: 20)
2. Dylan Roobroeck, Oshawa Generals (20) - NYR 2023 6th rounder
3. Jacob Maillet, Ottawa 67’s (8) - Undrafted (Age: 21)

Western Conference:
1. Matyas Sapovaliv, Saginaw Spirit (34) – VGK 2022 2nd rounder (finished 1st in 2022-23)
2. Pano Fimis, Erie Otters (19) - Undrafted (Age: 19)
3. Bryce McConnell-Barker, Soo Greyhounds (13) - NYR 2022 3rd rounder


Best Body Checker:
Eastern Conference:
1. Connor Punnett, Oshawa Generals (36) – Undrafted (Age: 20) (finished tied for 2nd in 2022-23)
2. Owen Protz, Brantford Bulldogs (15) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)
3. Maleek McGowan, Kingston Frontenacs (11) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)

Western Conference:
1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (23) - OTT 2023 5th rounder
2. Owain Johnston, Erie Otters (18) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
3. Ryan McGuire, Guelph Storm (12) - Undrafted (Age: 20)


Best Shot Blocker:
Eastern Conference:
1. Paul Christopoulos, North Bay Battalion (27) - Undrafted (Age: 21)
2. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (21) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 18)
3. Daniil Sobolev, Brantford Bulldogs (14) - MTL 2021 5th rounder

Western Conference:
T-1. Andrew Gibson, Soo Greyhounds (16) - DET 2023 2nd rounder
T-1. Taos Jordan, Owen Sound Attack (16) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
T-1. Thomas Budnick, Guelph Storm (16) – Undrafted (Age: 20) (finished 3rd in Eastern Conference in 2022-23)
2. Owain Johnston, Erie Otters (11) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
3. Braden Haché, Saginaw Spirit (10) - FLA 2021 7th rounder


Best Defensive Forward:
Eastern Conference:
1. Liam Arnsby, North Bay Battalion (31) – FLA 2022 7th rounder (finished 1st in 2022-23 and 2nd in 2021-22)
2. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (17) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
3. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (12) - Undrafted (Age: 20)

Western Conference:
1. Matyas Sapovaliv, Saginaw Spirit (27) - VGK 2022 2nd rounder
2. Owen Allard, Soo Greyhounds (23) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
3. Easton Cowan, London Knights (14) - TOR 2023 1st rounder


Best Penalty Killer:
Eastern Conference:
1. Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts (19) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
2. Luke Torrance, Oshawa Generals (16) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
3. Owen Van Steensel, North Bay Battalion (15) - Undrafted (Age: 19)

Western Conference:
1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (26) - OTT 2023 5th rounder
2. Isaiah George, London Knights (18) - NYI 2022 4th rounder
3. Ethan Hay, Saginaw Spirit (15) - TBL 2023 7th rounder


Best Offensive Defenceman:
1. Ty Nelson, North Bay Battalion (35) – SEA 2022 3rd rounder
2. Henry Mews, Ottawa 67’s (23) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)
3. Luca Marrelli, Oshawa Generals (11) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)

Western Conference:
1. Zayne Parekh, Saginaw Spirit (39) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)
2. Hunter Brzustewicz, Kitchener Rangers (29) - VAN 2023 3rd rounder (traded to CGY)
3. Oliver Bonk, London Knights (11) - PHI 2023 1st rounder


Best Defensive Defenceman:
Eastern Conference:
1. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (26) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)
2. Andre Anania, Sudbury Wolves (18) - Undrafted (Age: 21)
3. Matthew Mayich, Ottawa 67’s (12) - STL 2023 6th rounder

Western Conference:
1. Matthew Andonovski, Kitchener Rangers (24) - OTT 2023 5th rounder
2. Sam Dickinson, London Knights (23) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
3. Andrew Gibson, Soo Greyhounds (20) - DET 2023 2nd rounder


Best Puck-handling Goalie:
Eastern Conference:
1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (22) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
2. Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion (21) – WPG 2022 7th rounder
3. Matteo Drobac, Brantford Bulldogs (14) - Undrafted (Age: 20)

Western Conference:
1. Carter George, Owen Sound Attack (26)- (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
2. Michael Simpson, London Knights (20) - Undrafted (Age: 21)
3. Ben Gaudreau, Erie Otters (13) - Undrafted (Age: 21)


Best Shootout Shooter:
Eastern Conference:
1. Beau Jelsma, Barrie Colts (25) - Undrafted (Age: 19)
2. Connor Lockhart, Oshawa Generals (23) - VAN 2021 6th rounder
T-3. Braeden Kressler, Ottawa 67’s (12) - Undrafted (Age: 21)
T-3. Porter Martone, Mississauga Steelheads (12) - (2025 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)

Western Conference:
1. Denver Barkey, London Knights (27) - PHI 2023 3rd rounder
T-2. Liam Greentree, Windsor Spitfires (15) - 2024 Draft-eligible, age: 18)
T-2. Matthew Sop, Kitchener Rangers (15) - Undrafted, Age: 21)
3. Jett Luchanko, Guelph Storm (14) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)


Best Shootout Goalie:
1. Jacob Oster, Oshawa Generals (28) - Undrafted (Age: 20)
2. Dom DiVincentiis, North Bay Battalion (16) – WPG 2022 7th rounder
3. Jack Ivankovic, Mississauga Steelheads (14) - (2025 Draft-eligible, Age: 16)

Western Conference:
1. Carter George, Owen Sound Attack (26) - (2024 Draft-eligible, Age: 17)
2. Jackson Parsons, Kitchener Rangers (18) - Undrafted (Age: 19)
3. Nathan Day, Flint Firebirds (14) - EDM 2023 6th rounder

 

[pman25]

Seen more of this kid and I like him at mid-1st spot once the top forwards and defensemen are gone.

 

[ClevelandCapsfan]

 

[trick9]

If we keep sliding then that game @ Buffalo next week is going to be loser gets Eiserman -game.

 

[usiel]

My boss is a San Jose guy so cheering for the Sharks on #1 tank position (and he's a great boss).

 

[usiel]

View attachment 846826

Washington at 15 now. If the tank rolls on getting #11 for the tiny chance of winning the lottery would be nice.

 

[bacchist]

This isn't really about the draft, but there is a RHD who plays for Merrimack named Zach Bookman, that EP Rinkside says has the most upside of NCAA free agents.

Anybody with an opinion on him? Seems like a decent value proposition if the Caps could bring him into the system for cheap and see how he develops.

 

[Holtbyisms]

I really like Henry Mews and I think he'll be a riser once they really start breaking everyone down pre draft. If we're 15th and take him I wouldn't be upset. He might leave a little to be desired in his own zone but he can really make it happen and push the play. He's got elite offensive talent from the back end.

 

[Langway]

Interesting development if true. The NTDP doesn't always bring in outsiders so they could have passed. They can use the skill and he ought to have a significant role.

 

[AlexBrovechkin8]

Interesting development if true. The NTDP doesn't always bring in outsiders so they could have passed. They can use the skill and he ought to have a significant role.

Most interesting player in the draft for me. Has the skill to go top ten, maybe top five, but he has a history of being a shithead off the ice and with all of the blowback the teams got after Mitchell Miller and Logan Mailloux were selected, it’s hard to know where/when he’ll go. Miller is playing in the KHL now and seems to be a persona non grata with the NHL but Mailloux is playing in the AHL and will be in the NHL soon. I think Mailloux’s transgressions were more representative of a dumb kid making a shitty and selfish choice as opposed to being a questionable human being but Connelly feels more like Miller to me in terms of the allegations against him.

Which leads me to my next lesson, kids: just be a decent human being and then life is a lot easier to navigate.

 

[Langway]

Very interesting for Catton in particular as a potential slide candidate due to size/strength. He killed at the Hlinka and I would've thought the U18s perfect for him to at least showcase his skill.

 

[usiel]

Very interesting for Catton in particular as a potential slide candidate due to size/strength. He killed at the Hlinka and I would've thought the U18s perfect for him to at least showcase his skill.

Barring injuries or other health concerns this smells of annoying agent interference. Edit: Article did mention injuries so agents get a reprieve.

 

[usiel]

Looks like the probably lowest would be 12th. Seattle lost tonight and still has four games to go. Caps would need to lose the next three games and seattle win 3 of 4.

Oops Buffalo/NJ have two games left each if they win out they would be at 85 points also. RW looks to be the first tie breaker and both these teams have 32 and 33 RW versus the 29 the Caps currently have.

Looks like #9 is possible at best.

Damnit if Calgary wins the last five games of their season they'd have 85 points also so maybe #8.

 

[Langway]

Likely 12/13 the best realistic spot, which could still be Eiserman/Catton territory. At least theoretically.

I don't suspect Lindstrom is in danger of sliding much unless his medicals flag something as potentially chronic.

 

[pman25]

MBN and Chernyshov have very strong NHL-style games. They seem pretty good options as well at 11-15 range

 

[Langway]

Looks like NHLN will carry all USA and Canada games at the U18s as well as full coverage of knockout stage action.

 

[usiel]

Looks like NHLN will carry all USA and Canada games at the U18s as well as full coverage of knockout stage action.

You have the schedule for that? Guess I'll hold off on canceling my fubo sub. until after.

 

[Langway]

IIHF - Schedule and Results 2024 IIHF ICE HOCKEY U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

IIHF - Schedule and Results 2024 IIHF ICE HOCKEY U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

www.iihf.com

The US has a pre-tourney game against Sweden on the 20th that the US has listed as airing on NHLN but NHLN doesn't have listed yet. This may be a key event for Eiserman and Connelly but overall likely more of a showcase for the top '25s and '26s.

 

[Rayquaza64]

i wouldn’t touch connelly with a 39 and a half foot pole

 

[Langway]

Up to six goals in 8 playoff games. 6'3'' with a lot of room to fill out.

 

[bacchist]

i wouldn’t touch connelly with a 39 and a half foot pole

It would actually have me questioning my loyalty to the Caps if they drafted him.