The San Jose Sharks had the first pick in the NHL draft, and that pick didn’t seem to be too heartbreaking.
Everyone knew very well that the decision-makers at the Californian club were going to pronounce Macklin Celebrini’s name first, and that’s exactly what they did on Friday evening, leaving no room for any form of suspense.
It was therefore he, the young 18-year-old prodigy, native of Vancouver, who was the very first player to be called up during this 2024 draft in Las Vegas, in this new room called the Sphere.
In Celebrini, the Sharks get their hands on a top-tier center who could – should? – help this team move up the standings.
The San Jose club finished in 32e and last place in the NHL last season, with a very modest 47 points, while Celebrini collected 64 points in 38 games in the NCAA with Boston University.
In an interview with Sportsnet, Celebrini explained that he has not yet decided whether he will make the jump directly to the NHL this fall or whether he will remain in the world of American college hockey for a while longer.
“I need to talk about it with the Sharks, and with my coaches at university,” the No. 1 overall pick said. But when I was younger, I played with the Sharks teams in minor hockey, so you could say that things have come full circle for me. It’s a bit crazy what’s happening to me at the moment, I would say. »
“A dream come true”
Then, with the second overall pick, the Chicago Blackhawks selected Artyom Levshunov, also a player from American college hockey, this time as a member of Michigan State University. This defenseman had been established as the top player in the North American rankings after Celebrini, according to NHL Central Scouting.
PHOTO STEVE MARCUS, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Artyom Levshunov
He is said to be physically imposing, and capable of shining as much in the offensive zone as in the defensive zone. He was also crowned defensive player of the year in the NCAA Big Ten conference last season.
“It’s like a dream come true for me,” the young man told ESPN after Chicago’s selection. “I’m happy with this outcome.”
At third place, the Anaheim Ducks caused the first real surprise of this draft by betting on right winger Beckett Sennecke, who, clearly, did not expect that at all.
PHOTO STEPHEN R. SYLVANIE, USA TODAY SPORTS
Beckett Sennecke
The 18-year-old forward played junior hockey in Oshawa last season in Ontario. Presumably his 10-goal, 12-assist streak for 22 points in 16 games has boosted his stock in recent weeks.
“It’s very emotional for me, I don’t think I expected that,” he said on Sportsnet once the shock had worn off a little. “I am very happy to be part of this organization. »
Next up, fourth, the Columbus Blue Jackets picked up center Cayden Lindstrom. The Medicine Hat Tigers’ big man missed more than half of last season due to health reasons but is now reportedly at 100 percent fitness.
Obviously, his 27 goals in 32 games in 2023-2024 convinced the leaders of the Blue Jackets to bet on him despite everything.
Macklin Celebrini
First choice
Position: center
Team: Boston University (NCAA)
Date of birth: June 13, 2006
Size: 6 ft
Weight: 197 lbs
Artyom Levshunov
Second choice
Position: Defender
Team: Michigan State (NCAA)
Date of birth: October 28, 2005
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 205 lbs
Beckett Sennecke
Third choice
Position: Right Winger
Team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Date of birth: January 28, 2006
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 182 lbs
Cayden Lindstrom
Fourth choice
Position: attacker
Team: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Date of birth: February 3, 2006
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 213 lbs