The 2023 NHL Draft class saw two Americans go in the top 10 and ten in the top 50. Looking back, it was the strongest draft class for Americans since 2019 where stars Jack Hughes, Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras, Matt Boldy, and others were drafted. However, the 2024 class appears to be on the weaker side of recent history, but it will be interesting to see how it compares in the future.
10) Javon Moore – Left Wing
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 47th (NA Skaters)
Javon Moore is a 6-foot-2, 181-pound left wing who is committed to the University of Minnesota for next season. The Minnesota native is an explosive offensive force who possesses a strong shot and hockey IQ. Throughout his high school career, he has dominated offensively, scoring over a point per game at nearly every level he has played in.
Related: THW 2024 NHL Draft Guide
Since he was in high school, he has played just eight total games in the United States Hockey League (USHL), registering three assists. Now, he is going to join one of the top college programs in the United States, a challenge for a prospect who has yet to face off against top opponents consistently. Because of his small track record, he will not be an early draft selection, likely falling somewhere in the fourth to fifth round.
9) Teddy Stiga – Left Wing
NHL Central Scouting Final Ranking: 44th (NA Skaters)
No prospect has seen such a big jump in his draft stock since September as Teddy Stiga. Originally thought to be a borderline top-150 pick, the first round has emerged as a possibility, with the second round appearing most likely. He might not be a top producer at higher levels, but he’s a hard worker who never gives up on the play. He uses his high IQ and work ethic to dominate both the power play and penalty kill.
Stiga has recently stated that he models his game after NHL agitator Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins, and he deserves every aspect of that comparison. He does not have the negative reputation Marchand does by some fans, but he plays a game that every coach hates to play against but loves to have, just like Marchand. Even with all of the talent on the USNTDP squad, it would be difficult to find anyone on that team or possibly another 2024 prospect who works as hard as Stiga.
From receiving a “W” ranking on NHL Central Scouting’s initial watch list, handed out to players viewed as sixth- or seventh-rounders, Stiga has emerged as a potential…
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