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The NHL Draft! A fun night where we make ourselves expect big trades, crazy picks, and end up spending all night being disappointed. It's a great tradition. If you didn't want to spend hours and hours pretending to know everything about prospects don't worry, I did.

Pre-Draft

Ahead of the draft, many NHL teams got busy with trades as soon, or before, touching down in Vegas. Pick trades will be listed in the draft section, but here are the player trades made ahead of the draft.

Chicago Trades: 2027 2nd round pick
Vancouver Trades: Ilya Mikheyev, Sam Lafferty (UFA rights), 2027 4th round pick

Chicago picks up Mikheyev who still has 2 years and $4.75M left per year, and the rights to Sam Lafferty who is a UFA as of Monday, as well as a pick from Vancouver who cuts salary on a player who wasn't performing to the contract they gave him.

It’s now official: the Blackhawks acquired a pair of veteran forwards and a draft pick from the Canucks
A little more detail on the acquired pieces now that the trade is official.
Second City HockeyDave Melton

San Jose Trades: Kyle Burroughs
Los Angeles Trades: Carl Grundstrom

The Sharks brought in former Maple Leafs prospect Carl Grundstrom who is an RFA, and sent out defender Burroughs who could help fill a Matt Roy shaped hole and is signed for $1.1M for the next two seasons.

San Jose Sharks trade Kyle Burroughs to Kings
The San Jose Sharks have cleared out a spot on the blueline, albeit, not one that fans had expected. On Thursday, the team traded defenseman Kyle Burroughs to the Los Angeles Kings for Carl Grundstrom.
Fear the FinErika Towne

Washington trades: 2025 2nd round pick
Calgary trades: Andrew Mangiapane

The Capitals are building up a new supporting cast around Ovechkin, and Magiapane is gone as the Flames cut contracts so he'll be with Washington at least one more season, and he costs $5.8M.

Capitals Acquire Andrew Mangiapane
Brian MacLellan continues reshaping his Washington Capitals, this time sending a second-round pick in 2025 to Calgary for forward Andrew Mangiapane. The 28-year-old winger has spent the last seven…
Japers' RinkBecca

Columbus Trades: Alex Texier
St. Louis Trades: 2025 4th round pick

St. Louis has a new forward for two more years at $2.1M and another 2025 pick goes on the move.

Columbus Blue Jackets trade Alex Texier to St. Louis Blues for 2025 4th
The Blues also signed Texier to a two-year, $2.1 million AAV contract extension.
Daily FaceoffMike Gould

It was announced that the Philadelphia Flyers would be buying out the remaining year of Cam Atkinson's contract. The final year was worth $5.875M and now they will have a hit of $2.383 million toward the cap in 2024-25, followed by a $1.758 million cap charge in 2025-26.

Flyers buying our remainder of Cam Atkinson’s contract
The Flyers are going to be buying out the remaining one year of winger Cam Atkinson’s contract.
Broad Street HockeyThomas Williams

The Dallas Stars will buyout the final year of Ryan Suter's deal, changing the one year cap hit of $4.3M next season and making it $2.87M next year and $1.43M the year after.

Dallas Stars Buy Out Ryan Suter – What Does This Mean For The Roster?
The 39-year-old defender is the second big veteran departure of the Stars’ 2024 postseason.
Defending Big DKathleen Tibbetts

Draft

Lots and lots of first round picks were traded ahead of this draft, seeming like half the league wasn't picking with their original pick - or at all. So, here are your picks and you'll be able to tell where my energy died while following the picks.

#1 - San Jose Sharks - Macklin Celebrini
Position: C - Team: - Boston College (NCAA) 38GP - 32G - 32A - 34Pts

The Sharks picked the consensus first overall pick, who had played for the Sharks U14 program as a kid. Now the question is will he return to Boston College to try for an NCAA title, or go straight to San Jose.

#2 - Chicago - Artyom Levshunov
Position: D - Team: Michigan State (NCAA) - 38GP - 9G - 26A - 35Pts

There was silly talk about him dropping low in the draft, but the right handed defender stood tall and was picked second overall. Back to back NCAA players to start off the draft.

#3 - Anaheim Ducks - Beckett Sennecke
Position: RW - Team: Oshawa Generals (OHL) - 63GP - 27G - 41A - 68Pts

Sennecke wasn't expected to go this high, maybe 5th? And his face showed it when he was picked. His interview post-draft was filled with shock and awe, and a cracking voice at his excitement.

#4 - Columbus Blue Jackets - Cayden Lindstrom
Position: C - Team: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL) - 32GP - 27G - 19A - 46Pts

An injury plagued season didn't overshadow the talent Lindstrom has. Despite a herniated disc, he was named CHL Top Prospect of the 2023/24 season and will be ready to show the Blue Jackets he's prepared to play.

#5 - Montreal Canadiens - Ivan Demidov
Position: RW/C - Team: SKA-1946 St. Petersburg (MHL) - 30GP - 23G - 37A - 60Pts

The Canadiens pulled out the big guns this year to announce their pick: Bringing in Celine Dion to make the call.

The Canadiens picked up a big Russian winger with this pick, surprising many that he was still available. He was a consensus #2 overall, and it would have been much better to have him out west with Anaheim or Chicago.

#6 - Utah Hockey Club - Tij Iginla
Position: LW - Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL) - 64GP - 47G - 37A - 84Pts

The Calgary Flames were picking just three picks from now and many Flames fans were hoping for Tij to fall into their laps. The Utah Somethings wanted to make a splash with their first ever pick* and went for the son of a Hall of Fame player. and picking him five spots higher than Jarome went.

#7 - Ottawa Senators - Carter Yakemchuk
Position: D - Team: Calgary Hitmen (WHL) - 66GP - 30G - 41A - 71Pts

The Flames were disappointed with back to back picks as their top two choices were both taken away. The Senators grabbed the second defender of the draft and are happy to add a big 6'3" body to the blueline.

#8 - Seattle Kraken - Berkly Catton
Position: C - Team: Spokane Chiefs (WHL) - 68GP - 54G - 62A - 116Pts

A high scoring centre goes to the Kraken after playing down the road in Spokane the past few seasons. Three straight WHL players taken.

#9 - Calgary Flames - Zayne Parekh
Position: D - Team: Saginaw Spirit (OHL) - 66GP - 33G - 63A - 96Pts

Winning the Memorial Cup couldn't have raised Parekh's profile more than it was already at after being named CHL Defender of the Year, and it got him from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains.

#10 - New Jersey Devils - Anton Silayev
Position: D - Team: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) - 63GP - 3G - 8A - 11Pts

The #1 ranked player outside of North America by Central Scouting just made it into the top ten, and was the fourth defender picked.

#11 - San Jose Sharks (via Buffalo Sabres) - Sam Dickinson
Position: D - Team: London Knights (OHL) 68GP - 18G - 52A - 70Pts

The Sharks acquired this pick the day before the draft after sending picks 14 & 42 to the Buffalo Sabres.

After refusing to report to the OHL team that drafted him (Niagara IceDogs) Dickinson ended up going to the opposite style program with the London Knights and had a stable, strong franchise to develop into a top prospect. He started playing as a goalie and didn't swap skate styles until he was nine. Future EBUG?

WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE

The Philadelphia Flyers dropped one spot to #13, acquiring a 2025 third round pick from the Minnesota Wild.

#12 - Minnesota Wild (via Minnesota Wild) - Zeev Buium
Position: D - Team: U Denver (NCAA) - 42GP - 11G - 39A - 50Pts

I'm glad this is text so I don't have to try and pronounce the name. Another defender, another NCAA player. He cost an extra third round pick so he better be good. He won the World Juniors gold and the NCAA title this year, so I guess he is.

#13 - Philadelphia Flyers (via Minnesota Wild) - Jett Luchanko
Position: C - Team: Guelph Storm (OHL) 68GP - 20G - 54A - 74Pts

Another Vegas celebrity was brought out to make a pick, this time with the hometown of Philadelphia, the "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" guy (Michael Buffer) made the call.

The Flyers grabbed a player who fell, knowing the Wild weren't picking him so why not grab another pick?

#14 - Buffalo Sabres (via San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins) - Konsta Helenius
Position: F - Team: Jukurit (Liiga) - 51GP - 14G - 22A - 36Pts

This pick was originally the Pittsburgh Penguins', and was sent to the San Jose Sharks in the Erik Karlsson trade.

Coached by former Maple Leaf Olli Jokinen while in Finland, the Sabres grabbed someone to help their offense after stocking up on defense the past few drafts.

#15 - Detroit Red Wings - Michael Brandsegg-Nygård
Position: F - Team: Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan) - 41GP - 8G - 10A - 18Pts

The first ever Norwegian player taken in the first round goes to the Detroit Red Wings. He helped Norway work their way up to the top level of the World Juniors, winning golds at lower levels to get the Norge to the top. They did not place.

#16 - St. Louis Blues - Adam Jiříček
Position: D - Team: HC Plzeň (Czechia) - 19GP - 0G - 1A - 1Pt

He didn't play the rest of the year after suffering a knee injury at the World Juniors, but the Blues did their due diligence, and see past it. Shades of top pick Erik Johnson wrecking his knee at a Blues golf tournament.

#17 - Washington Capitals - Terik Parascak
Position: RW - Team: Prince George Cougars - 68GP - 43G - 62A - 105Pts

In his rookie year Parascak scored almost 50 goals and put up over 100 points. An amazing first year and it got him drafted in the top 20. Amazing.

#18 - Chicago (via New York Islanders) - Sacha Boisvert
Position: C - Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) - 61GP - 31G - 32A - 63Pts

Chicago received this trade from the Islanders in exchange for picks 20,54, 61

Growing up in a boxing gym his dad owned, he would continue to train as a fighter during the season, and would ride his bike two and from practice rather that drive. A hard worker, a good pick.

#19 - Vegas Golden Knights - Trevor Connelly
Position: LW - Team: Tri-City Storm (USHL) - 52GP - 31G - 47A - 78Pts

Heading to Providence College next year, people were wondering who would take him after some, er, mistakes made in his past. He's been working to make up for them, and the Knights must have done their research on this.

#20 - New York Islanders (via Chicago, Tampa Bay Lightning) - Cole Eiserman
Position: LW - Team: U.S. National U18 Team - 57GP - 58G - 31A - 89Pts

The pick was originally the Lightnings, sent to Chicago in the Brandon Hagel trade.

Called the best goal scorer for the USNTDP, he's headed to Boston University next season so the Islanders will have to wait for him to be there for a decade then leave for greener pastures.

#21 - Montreal Canadiens (via Los Angeles Kings) - Michael Hage
Position: C - Team: Chicago Steel (USHL) 54GP - 33G - 42A - 75Pts

Montreal acquired this pick in exchange for picks 26, 57, 198

Has shoulder issues from the past, and lost his father ahead of this season, but he powered through, knocked out over a point per game, and the GTA native who grew up a Canadiens fan will be off to Montreal.

#22 - Nashville Predators - Yegor Surin
Position: F - Team: Loko Yaroslavl (MHL) - 42GP - 22G - 30A - 52Pts

Coming out of the Russian minor leagues, Surin is fast, strong, and driven to win. Or so scouts say, I don't watch Russian hockey.

WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE

The Toronto Maple Leafs once again trade down in the draft.

The Maple Leafs trade pick #23 to the Anaheim Ducks for picks #31, #58

#23 - Anaheim Ducks (via Toronto Maple Leafs) - Stian Solberg
Position: D - Team: Vålerenga (Norway) - 42GP - 5G - 10A - 15Pts

The second Norwegian picked tonight, and the second highest ever drafted from Norway, the Ducks wanted this defender and paid to get him. He'll be heading to Färjestad BK of the SHL next year.

WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE

The Colorado Avalanche traded pick #24 to Utah for picks #38, #71, and a 2025 2nd

#24 - Utah Hockey club (via Colorado Avalanche) - Cole Beaudoin
Position: C - Team: Barrie Colts (OHL) - 67GP - 28G - 34A - 62Pts

On the broadcast he was called "An absolute horse" and that fits as he played for the Barrie Colts. Utah must have loved him as he was worth three picks, not just one. It's been three hours, I'm running out of words.

#25 - Boston Bruins (via Ottawa Senators, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins) - Dean Letourneau
Position: C - Team: St. Andrew's College (Ontario Prep School) - 56GP - 61G - 66A - 127Pts

Boston originally sent this pick to Detroit for Tyler Bertuzzi. Detroit flipped it to the Senators for Alex DeBrincat, and then it went back to Boston a few days ago in the Linus Ullmark trade with Ottawa.

At 6'6" and 215lbs, he's going to be a big player for the Bruins once he's left Boston College.

#26 - Los Angeles Kings (via Winnipeg Jets*, Montreal Canadiens) - Liam Greentree
Position: RW - Team: Windsor Spitfires (OHL) - 64GP - 36G - 54A - 90Pts

Los Angeles obtained this pick from the Canadiens as noted above, and Montreal received it from Winnipeg in the Sean Monahan trade.

The Spitfires captain is headed to the Pacific coast, after doubling his output from the 22/23 season. Good for him.

WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE

The Hurricanes trade pick #27 to Chicago for picks #34 and #50

#27 - Chicago (via Carolina Hurricanes) - Marek Vanacker
Position: LW - Team: Brantford Bulldogs (OHL) - 68GP - 36G - 46A - 82Pts

He was injured this season, but despite that he left the OHL and went to play for Canada at the World Championships after his season was over. Everyone on the broadcast was thrilled he grew up on a farm, hockey guys love that shit.

#28 - Calgary Flames (via Vancouver Canucks) - Matvei Gridin
Position: RW - Team: Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) - 60GP - 38G - 45A - 83Pts

Calgary acquired this pick from the Canucks in exchange for Elias Lindholm.

Not expected to be a first rounder, he puts up points and was named to the USHL All-Star Team this season. He's committed to Michigan, so he won't see Calgary for a few years.

#29 - Dallas Stars - Emil Hemming
Position: RW - Team: - TPS (Liiga) - 40GP - 7G - 4A - 11Pts

Seems like he's more of a shooter than passer, that's fine. They showed a clip of him shooting on his mom who was playing goalie. It's 10:40PM.

#30 - New York Rangers - EJ Emry
Position: D - Team: U.S. National U18 Team - 61GP - 0G - 16A - 16Pts

A defensive defender, his father player in the CFL and is a complete athlete. Made big moves at the combine, showed a lot of compete, and he's a shutdown defender. He won't win the Norris because he doesn't put up points but he'll be someone tro watch on the blueline.

#31 - Toronto Maple Leafs (via Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks) - Ben Danford
Position: D - Team: Oshawa Generals (OHL) - 1G - 32A - 33Pts

Anaheim acquired this pick in a multi-player deal with the Oilers at the trade deadline, then sent it to the Maple Leafs earlier tonight.

They wanted him, and had to pull him in earlier than predicted. A shot blocking defender, another non-scoring player but defense is a need. He's wearing an "A" for the Generals, and could be captain in future season. More on him will come from Brian.

WE HAVE A TRADE TO ANNOUNCE

The Philadelphia Flyers trade pick #32 for either the 2025 or 2026 first round pick

#32 - Edmonton Oilers (via Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers) - Sam O'Rielly
Position: C - Team: London Knights (OHL) - 68GP - 20G - 36A - 56Pts

This pick went to Philly at the 2022 trade deadline in the Claude Giroux deal, and just went to Edmonton.

The Oilers traded up to grab a guy who came to everyone's attention at the Memorial Cup. He played forward in the OHL but was a defender before he joined the Knights.

That is the first round of the draft. I watched all four hours so you didn't have to. Round two begins at 11:30AM tomorrow. Eastern time, so those suckers will have to be there at 8:30AM tomorrow. How many guys will have gotten less than 2 hours of sleep? I was awake and walking the strip at 8AM once. It was absolutely deserted.

My two favourite things from tonight, before I go:

1) The Maple Leafs continued their tradition of not drafting anyone from the Barrie Colts. This amuses me.

2) The QMJHL had no first round picks. Once again, proving they are the worst junior league.

See you tomorrow!

Well, not me, I'll still be in bed.

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NHL Draft