2024 NHL Draft First-Round Picks Update

Most top picks from the 2024 draft have signed their contracts, but few will play for their NHL teams this fall.

Here’s where the first-rounders are expected to be next season.

Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks is set to start in the NHL. The young star will likely lead the Sharks’ first line. It would be shocking to see him play for their AHL team, San Jose Barracuda.

Artyom Levshunov of the Chicago Blackhawks signed his contract soon after being drafted. However, with veterans T.J. Brodie and Alec Martinez on board, he’ll probably spend most of his time with Rockford IceHogs in the AHL unless injuries or a standout camp give him a brief NHL stint.

Beckett Sennecke was picked third by Anaheim Ducks and can’t play in the AHL due to CHL rules. He’ll either stay with Anaheim or return to Oshawa Generals for more development time .

Cayden Lindstrom hasn’t signed yet but is expected to join Medicine Hat Tigers once he recovers from a back injury. Columbus Blue Jackets’ GM confirmed he’ll likely be loaned back there for another year.

Ivan Demidov of Montreal Canadiens isn’t in a rush to sign as they hold his rights indefinitely. He’ll finish his season with SKA St. Petersburg before possibly joining Montreal later in 2025.

More Draft Picks and Their Futures:

Tij Iginla will return to Kelowna Rockets after being drafted by Utah Hockey Club. He aims to build on an impressive previous season before making a serious bid for an NHL spot in 2025-26.

Carter Yakemchuk will head back to Calgary Hitmen for one more year before becoming eligible for AHL play due to his late birthday, which made him one of the oldest players drafted this year.

Berkly Catton was picked by Seattle Kraken and needs more development at Spokane Chiefs despite a stellar 116-point season last year. Fans might find it interesting how quickly these young talents develop!

Zayne Parekh needs more time at Saginaw Spirit before he’s ready for pro hockey, though he’s already shown great potential by winning CHL’s Defenseman of the Year award last season.

Anton Silayev has two years left on his contract with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod and is considered a long-term project for New Jersey Devils, much like Ivan Demidov’s situation but focused on defense.

Sam Dickinson will continue developing with London Knights rather than jumping straight into San Jose Sharks’ weak defense lineup, avoiding any rushed decisions that could harm his growth .

Zeev Buium returns as University of Denver’s sophomore after an outstanding freshman year that saw him nominated for Hobey Baker Award while helping Denver win national championship .

Jett Luchanko is set for another two years at Guelph Storm under Philadelphia Flyers’ watchful eye after signing early this summer; expect big things from him!

Konsta Helenius heads straight into Rochester Americans (AHL) under Buffalo Sabres’ plan without needing overseas stints thanks to special provisions lifting restrictions usually placed on European draftees

Michael Brandsegg-Nygård attends Detroit Red Wings training camp but likely returns home playing Skellefteå AIK (SHL) where he previously excelled despite being highest-drafted Norwegian ever

Adam Jiříček opts junior hockey route post-injury plagued draft year joining Brantford Bulldogs instead Springfield Thunderbirds or Czechia’s HC Plzeň aiming steady comeback

Terik Parascak goes back Prince George Cougars refining defensive skills Washington Capitals’ future plans following rapid rise during drafts showcasing offensive prowess

Sacha Boisvert starts collegiate journey University North Dakota building solid middle-six pivot role Chicago Blackhawks envisioning few years down line

Trevor Connelly enters Providence College bringing high-tempo game Vegas Golden Knights anticipate exciting college career ahead

Cole Eiserman joins Boston University facing older competition proving critics wrong Isles fans closely monitor progress hoping quick transition pro ranks

Michael Hage strengthens Wolverines roster amidst key departures expecting multiple NCAA seasons honing two-way playmaking abilities Michigan

Yegor Surin remains Lokomotiv Yaroslavl continuing power forward development Nashville Predators awaiting eventual arrival consistent KHL minutes

Stian Solberg transitions Färjestad BK gaining professional experience Sweden post-draft Anaheim Ducks nurturing defensive talent

Cole Beaudoin projects steady bottom-six fixture Utah Hockey Club fans eagerly await seeing Barrie Colts product mature over next couple seasons

Dean Letourneau brings towering presence Boston College adapting higher-level competition Boston Bruins keenly observe giant sniper growth trajectory

Liam Greentree captains Windsor Spitfires returning extended Kings camp look physical winger poised significant impact OHL leadership role

Marek Vanacker refines high-IQ game Brantford Bulldogs another season Chicago Blackhawks confident long-term investment pays off

Matvei Gridin shifts Shawinigan Cataractes foregoing collegiate eligibility Flames fans intrigued unconventional path chosen promising forward

Emil Hemming torches easier competition Barrie Colts Finnish winger impresses immediate North American debut Dallas Stars optimistic future contributions

EJ Emery develops stay-at-home defensive skills University North Dakota Rangers patient approach ensures polished prospect emerges ready pro stage

Ben Danford continues juniors Oshawa Generals mobile defender Leafs preparing eventual seamless transition professional ranks

Sam O’Reilly signs Oilers deal remaining London Knights pivotal role league champions Edmonton hopeful bright future ahead