The San Jose Sharks hold the first pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, scheduled for June 28 and 29 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. Macklin Celebrini is widely expected to be the top overall pick.
At just 17 years old, Celebrini tallied 32 goals and 32 assists in 37 games and won the Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the best college hockey player.
He is the youngest player ever to receive this prestigious honor. The real intrigue begins with who the Chicago Blackhawks will draft with the No. 2 Pick.
Before we get to our picks, you should check out our NHL Betting Sites, which answer any questions you may have about it.
2024 NHL Draft Odds
 |  |  |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Artyom Levshunov | -220 | -220 | -220 |
| Ivan Demidov | +235 | +235 | +235 |
| Anton Silayev | +1600 | +1600 | +1600 |
| Cayden Lindstrom | +2200 | +2200 | +2200 |
| Berkly Catton | +10000 | +10000 | +10000 |
| Sam Dickinson | +10000 | +10000 | +10000 |
| Zeev Buium | +10000 | +10000 | +10000 |
| Beckett Sennecke | +15000 | +15000 | +15000 |
| Carter Yakemchuk | +15000 | +15000 | +15000 |
| Konsta Helenius | +15000 | +15000 | +15000 |
| Zayne Parekh | +15000 | +15000 | +15000 |
Artyom Levshunov
Artyom Levshunov, a defenseman from Michigan State, is a strong contender for the second pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, a selection that could greatly benefit the Chicago Blackhawks.
Though not a guaranteed choice, Levshunov’s size and skill make him a promising prospect for the team’s blue line. As a college freshman, he amassed 35 points (nine goals, 26 assists) in 38 games.
Born in Belarus, the 18-year-old right-handed shot is regarded as the most NHL-ready defenseman in the draft.
The Blackhawks are reportedly weighing their options between Levshunov and Ivan Demidov.
Given general manager Kyle Davidson’s focus on strengthening the defense since taking over, Levshunov’s selection seems likely.
Despite having several promising defensemen in development, Levshunov’s addition could solidify the group’s potential.
This would allow Davidson to concentrate on enhancing the offense around Connor Bedard.
Ivan Demidov
Ivan Demidov, an 18-year-old forward under contract with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL, is an outstanding player known for his excellent vision and deceptive skating skills, making him a constant threat on the ice.
He possesses a great shot but is also unselfish, often opting to pass when it’s the better play. However, Demidov tends to attempt flashy plays instead of high-percentage ones, a habit that will need to be addressed at the NHL level.
As a highly-rated prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft, Demidov is seen by some as a risky pick within the top five due to this aspect of his play.
Oddsmakers have priced Demidov at +235 odds to be the second pick in this draft, indicating an implied probability of 30%.
It doesn’t seem likely the Blackhawks pass on Levshunov for Demidov at No. 2.
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Anton Silayev
Anton Silayev, a towering left-shooting defenseman, recorded 11 points (three goals and eight assists) with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 207 pounds, Silayev combines his imposing size with hockey intelligence and physicality, effectively shutting down opponents and initiating plays from his own end.
At just 18 years old, Silayev has already proven his defensive prowess. He tallied an impressive 74 blocked shots and 98 hits, demonstrating his ability to effectively shut down opponents.
Anton Silayev is not just a defensive powerhouse, but also an excellent offensive asset. He is a prime choice for any team in need of a defenseman who can make significant contributions on both ends of the ice.
His rookie season in the KHL began with an impressive five-point performance over a three-game stretch in September, catapulting him from a potential late first-rounder to one of the most sought-after prospects in a matter of weeks.
Despite cooling off as the season progressed, finishing with three goals and 11 points while averaging around 15 minutes of ice time, Silayev’s initial burst caught the attention of scouts, who quickly became enamored with his game.
Cayden Lindstrom
Lindstrom is one of the top centers in the draft and could easily be the second pivot taken after Celebrini.
He is projected to go in the top five, and it would be surprising if he fell outside the top 10.
Despite a back issue limiting him to 32 games and causing him to miss the CHL Top Prospects Game and the World Men’s Under-18s, Lindstrom tallied an impressive 27 goals and 46 points in that span.
With his 6-foot-3, 213-pound frame, NHL teams are highly enthusiastic about his potential. This would be the wild card I would wager on for a longshot at +2200 odds.
Make sure to check out our sportsbook reviews so you can ensure which ones are safe. We will ensure we provide trustworthy information to make your betting choices.
About the Author
Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball when he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accounting. He leverages this expertise to provide insightful betting analysis for all sports, identifying value based on overlooked factors.
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