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Draft Preview 2024
In this year's edition of The Hockey News' Draft Preview, we give you the lowdown on the top 100 prospects available in the 2024 NHL draft. As we count them down from No. 1 to 100, we have in-depth scouting reports, bio info and stats for each youngster. Also, we have NHL Team Reports on all 32 clubs (including Utah!), which look at the short- and long-term needs of each team. And finally, you'll find feature stories on top-prospect Macklin Celebrini, as well as Taj Iginla, Cole Eiserman, Artyom Levshunov, Sam Dickinson, Michael Hage and more.
DOING IT FOR DAD
WHEN THEIR CHILDREN WERE playing youth hockey in Toronto, Rania and Alain Hage had a good-cop, bad-cop scenario that would play out after every game. On the way home in the car, regardless of how well they played, Alain would be a little hard on them, pointing out things they could have done better. When they arrived home, Rania would hug them and accentuate nothing but the positives. Their sons, Michael and Alexander, never knew whether their parents plotted it that way, but Michael thinks it was an extension of their natural personalities. “My mom is just really caring, and she’s probably the nicest person in the world,” he said. “My dad was very, very hard on me, but it was how he showed how much he loved me and how…
DRAFT ACRIMONY TO PERFECT MATRIMONY
WHEN A YOUNG TALENT is heralded as generational – not your garden-variety young star, but the brand of top prospect who will turn around a franchise’s fortunes overnight – there tends to be little suspense heading into draft day. Consider last June, when the Chicago Blackhawks stepped to the podium. There was no consideration they’d be choosing anyone other than Connor Bedard, just as there was no doubt the Toronto Maple Leafs would nab Auston Matthews at No. 1 in 2016, the Edmonton Oilers would take Connor McDavid with the top choice in 2015 or the Pittsburgh Penguins would scoop up Sidney Crosby with the first pick in 2005. As with any rule, however, there are exceptions. The most infamous example is that of Eric Lindros. The Quebec Nordiques selected Lindros at No.…
TOP 100 PROSPECTS: 21-24
>21. MATVEI GRIDIN BORN March 1, 2006, Kurgan, Rus. 2023-24 Muskegon (USHL) HT 6-1 WT 182 SHOOTS L POS RW CENTRAL SCOUTING No. 21 (NA skaters) THERE ARE DEFINITELY some divisive opinions on Gridin, though the fact he can put up points in bunches is undisputed. He exploded for 18 points in his first 10 games this season and ended the campaign with the league scoring crown. The fly in the ointment? His play away from the puck. “He’s the same as Cole Eiserman,” said one scout. “Good skill, talented kid, but he doesn’t know who his defensemen are either. He has to play with good players, because I don’t think he can drive a line. He’s a complementary guy at best.” But those who believe in the NCAA Michigan commit are more optimistic. “He is really…
TOP 100 PROSPECTS: 89-100
>89. NIILOPEKKA MUHONEN D, 6-4, 195, KalPa Jr. (Fin.) 27-4-7-11-43 Big-bodied kid who moves well and plays a steady defensive game. Not a lot of offense, but he could be a bottom-pair guy who makes a good first pass. >90. RILEY PATTERSON C, 6-0, 194, Barrie (OHL) 68-29-33-62-10 Took off after Eduard Sale was traded away, showing more compete and not just soft skills. Very smart offensively with a great release. Nose for the net. >91. SAMUEL ST-HILAIRE G, 6-2, 184, Sherbrooke (QMJHL) 18-16-0, 2.41, .915 Sleeper goalie prospect had five shutouts in 36 appearances on a team that really needed him to shine in order to get wins. Decent enough size. >92. JACK PRIDHAM RW, 6-2, 175, West Kelowna (BCHL) 54-23-25-48-30 Boston U. commit has projectable frame and excellent offensive vision. Good playoff performance by son of NHL Toronto assistant GM Brandon Pridham. >93. CLARKE…
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