2024 NHL Mock Draft - Predicting the Top 5 Picks

Host Matthew Zator gets together with William Espy (San Jose Sharks), Brooke LoFurno (Chicago Blackhawks), Charlie Hiller (Anaheim Ducks), Mark Scheig (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Ryan Szporer (Montreal Canadiens) to do a mock draft of the top-5 picks in the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft.
THW's 2024 NHL Draft Guide (prospect profiles, rankings, features, top-10 lists & more) - thehockeywriters.com/2024-nhl...
Check out our panel's writing:
William Espy - thehockeywriters.com/author/w...
Brooke LoFurno - thehockeywriters.com/author/b...
Charlie Hiller - thehockeywriters.com/author/c...
Mark Scheig - thehockeywriters.com/author/m...
Ryan Szporer - thehockeywriters.com/author/r...
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#2024nhldraft #nhldraft #mockdraft #prospects

[@SketchyAR]

IMO the Hawks wont pass on Demidov. Demidov+Bedard has the potential to be one of the most dangerous duos in the league in a few years. Chicago will have plenty of high picks in the coming years to round out their defense, I see them taking that star winger to pair with Bedard this year.

[@ryanwasiak7050]

If I’m the hawks I’m taking Demidov

[@BedardsBurner]

Picking levshunov over Demidov is absolutely MADDENING.

[@rayvolk9662]

Levshuno is not even the best D in the draft. He's just right handed. He needs lots of work on the D side. Demdidov has elite hands and passing game. If the Hawks pass it will be like trading the Bread man again.

[@robertholbrook5873]

Hawks aren't taking Levshunov over Demidov come on Brooke especially after we learned he is bigger than expected and doesn't want to sign another contract in Russia

[@Dcheen]

These picks really don’t make a lot of sense.

[@ducksgo]

Especially Anaheim…. There’s no way in Hell Anaheim is passing on Demidov with Levshunov already gone for Lindstrom 🤦‍♂️

[@Dcheen]

@@ducksgo I don’t see it either. Though I think Zerg Buium will end up a better NHLer than Demidov. Montreal will probably take Tij or Sennecke.

[@jeremeyridings9382]

Seriously...Anaheim needs a RHD or a RW but I guess we're taking another center that plays wing 🤷‍♂️

[@ducksgo]

@@jeremeyridings9382 what Anaheim lacks is a bonafide wing period. I don’t trust any of Anaheims wings outside of its only 30 goal scorer old azz Vatrano

[@WishinIwasFishin1]

I believe fans and "experts" undersell Levshunov. He's an elite talent and not just a "safe pick" or "high floor guy," which translates to good but not special. With that said, barring inside information regarding contract red flags, the Hawks must select Demidov. You can build a cup worthy defense, but it's almost impossible to aquire a true star forward. It's like passing on a star quarterback.

[@MrNewstyle23]

Don’t get me wrong, I like Leshunov. He’s talented. But for me, I can’t definitively say he’s the best defencemen in this draft. As for Demidov, I argue with my friends that the only reason he is going second in this draft is because he played in Russia. I believe Demidov has four elite traits -his passing, skill handling, creativity and scoring. Plus, I think Demidov is a lot better skater than most scouts believe he is. Don’t be surprised when Demidov is the best player from this year’s draft.

[@WishinIwasFishin1]

@MrNewstyle23 I agree. He's also very engaged on the defensive end of things. I like what Davidson has done so far and trust he'll do the right thing. Like I was saying, barring any unforseen circumstances, I can't imagine Kyle passing on that dude. Kyle has made it clear that he wants to significantly improve the roster this season so we won't get another chance at a player like Demidov.

[@ducksgo]

Anaheim isn’t taking another center on Lindstrom….. 🤦‍♂️ if Demidov is there Anaheim is taking him. Our GM was down in Florida talking to him at the combine.

[@jeremeyridings9382]

I hate that so many "ducks insiders" have picked either Lindstrom or Silayev at 3....it's obvious they don't watch Ducks hockey.

[@darrenpinard1658]

If thats the board Habs will go Buuim.

[@rich.jerkov]

I like Buuim but he's not good enough that he's worth the problem he'd be creating. Then you would find yourself with so many LHD to trade, ideally for forwards they've admitted they're desperate for. Trades like these are not easy to accomplish. Considering they're are so many other good options, I don't see this happening. In fact, I don't think Buuim is even their favourite LHD. I think Dickinson is. I'm incline to believe Hughes when he says they'll probably go with a forward, or maybe a RHD.

[@jeremeyridings9382]

I respect everyones opinion but I absolutely hate Lindstrom at 3! We have enough centers that play wing! If Demidov is available I hope he's taken. We need a true RW and that kid is going to be a beast.

[@blaiseduguay9723]

Go for the best player Forget the position

[@blaiseduguay9723]

There will be surprise from Montreal They will make a trade to get their player

[@jeremeyridings9382]

I don't think the Habs have what Anaheim wants....I don't think verbeek is sold on reinbacher

[@MrNewstyle23]

Brooke LoFurno doesn't not speak for all Blackhawks fans! You don't go position over talent. That leads to losing. Kyle Davidson will get this right.

[@ston3s]

Everything points at levshunov at the moment though.

[@MrNewstyle23]

@@ston3s Not true. Demidov measuring 6'1'' and wanting to play in America next year makes a huge difference.

[@mattatr0n677]

If the pick isnt demidov then either KD isnt the gm i thought he was, or he doesnt have full control of who they pick

[@MrNewstyle23]

@@mattatr0n677 Exactly. Getting the second pick and selecting Demidov might be what propels the Blackhawks to its next Stanley Cup. For me, Levshunov is really good, but he might not even be the best defencemen in this draft. I know Demidov has three elite traits. I can't identify any from Levshunov. You don't pass up on talent like Demidov!

[@mattatr0n677]

@MrNewstyle23 the only reason to take levshunov at 2 is position (dumb), or more legitimately, you are worried about demidovs injuries.

[@guysmith1365]

Chicago needs Defense.

[@MrNewstyle23]

The Blackhawks were the lowest scoring team in the NHL last year. We need offense more.

[@rayvolk9662]

do you know they have 4 or 5 D men in the system already.

[@MrNewstyle23]

He’s not a Blackhawks fan like us!

[@TD.3.]

Don’t draft for need with the 2nd pick lol take the best player

[@TheSchwarzengger]

Garbage show. There is no real analysis. Basically it’s people’s opinions.

[@user-ku8qw8bg8c]

Montreal needs to make a trade with Chicago!!! Demidov needs to come to us screw columbus !

[@TheGreekPoet]

Why? Demidov isn't even skating right now. 2 knee injuries. Said this week that he won't be skating for another 2 weeks. Pretty convenient, eh? Right after the draft. I don't trust using the 5th pick for all this uncertainty, let alone moving up to take this big of a risk.

[@wond3rlove]

screw you, hes going to Columbus budddy

[@tomslick2058]

Hawks should trade with Montreal and take Iginla. The second best player in draft. Levshunov had no flash. Is a project. Stupid pick.

[@wond3rlove]

@@tomslick2058 did you just say he is the second best in the draft🤣🤣

[@MrNewstyle23]

Demidov is coming to Chicago. Sorry!