Most of the players selected in the first round of the 2024 draft have signed their entry-level contracts, but very few will actually suit up for their NHL clubs or AHL affiliates in the fall. Here’s a look at where all 32 of this year’s first-round talents project to spend their time in their post-draft season.
1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, F
Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Sharks
Celebrini isn’t the only high-end pick to sign his entry-level contract coming out of college, but he is the only one who’s a sure bet to start the season on an NHL roster. The 18-year-old phenom will likely be given a shot to anchor the Sharks’ first line down the middle out of the gate. Seeing him on assignment to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, this season would be a huge surprise.
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, D
Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Rockford IceHogs (AHL)
When the Blackhawks drafted Levshunov earlier this summer, there was some uncertainty about whether he would turn pro following his freshman season at Michigan State University. It didn’t last long, though, as he signed his ELC with Chicago less than two weeks after being drafted. However, their signings of veterans T.J. Brodie and Alec Martinez in free agency muddy his path to a roster spot. Early-season injuries or an exceptional training camp could land Levshunov a nine-game trial with the Blackhawks but expect to see most of his action this season come in the minors.
3. Anaheim Ducks: Beckett Sennecke, F
Status: Signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Oshawa Generals (OHL)
Sennecke is the first player here who’s ineligible for an AHL assignment this season because he was drafted out of the Canadian Hockey League. It’s either Anaheim or Oshawa for the surprise third-overall pick. It’ll end up being the latter, as he likely needs at least another full year of development time in juniors before he’s ready to compete for a roster spot.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, F
Status: Not signed
Expected 2024-25 team: Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
Lindstrom isn’t signed yet, but he’s expected to do so next month. The pivot is still recovering from a herniated disc in his back that limited him to 32 games with the Tigers last season. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell already confirmed that barring an unforeseen development, Lindstrom will be loaned back to Medicine Hat for 2024-25, although a nine-game trial isn’t out of the…
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