The 2024 NHL draft is set to be an exciting event at The Sphere, promising to be a visual spectacle for fans. However, when the clock starts ticking, it will be all business for the teams involved.
The San Jose Sharks have the first overall pick after finishing with the lowest 47 points in the league. This might not sit well with the host fans in the Golden Knights’ home city, but the Sharks are hoping this pick will kickstart their rebuild.
One of the key things to watch at the draft is the selection of the first overall pick. Macklin Celebrini from Boston University is the frontrunner for this spot, with an impressive season under his belt. The 18-year-old center led his team with 64 points in 38 games and even won the prestigious Hobey Baker Award. It seems like Celebrini’s selection won’t be a surprise, much like Connor Bedard’s secure spot as the first pick last year.
After Celebrini, the draft gets more unpredictable. Teams like Chicago and Anaheim will have important decisions to make regarding their picks. Chicago could add a wing like Ivan Demidov or a defenseman like Artyom Levshunov. On the other hand, Anaheim, who picked center Leo Carlsson second overall last year, might have their eyes on center Cayden Lindstrom.
Another aspect to look out for is the draft-day activity. This year will be the last centralized event, with all teams present on the draft floor. Moving forward, teams are expected to send in their picks remotely, similar to the NFL draft. This setup allows for easier communication between agents and general managers before the opening of NHL free agency on July 1.
The Knights, who were active last season with trades and extensions, could be in the mix again with six pending unrestricted free agents. Other teams will also be looking to make moves, as history shows that there is usually a lot of trading during the draft.
Overall, the 2024 NHL draft promises to be an eventful and exciting time for hockey fans and teams alike. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as the draft week unfolds in Las Vegas.
