Celebrini is the Consensus #1 Pick for the 2024 Draft

Hey all and it is time to start talking about the 2024 draft prospects.
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[@user3820]

David Quinn is the tank god. During his 3 seasons with the rangers, we got #1 and #2 pick.

[@-Lee-0312]

Maybe the sharks should’ve kept him one more year to tank again

[@nickh3698]

That's pretty impressive.

[@Zaghzackio]

Just a note on the 2024 draft. While the High end Forward Talent might not be up to Par with 2023, the Talent and Depth on the Blue Line Clears almost every Draft in Recent Memory

[@Lebowski55]

Celebrini and Demidov would've been drafted #2 and #3 behind Bedard last year. They are better prospects than Fantilli and Carlsson.

[@michaeltuvell5591]

personally i think the Sharks should bring the young guys up ....Smith , Celebrini , Musty , Mukhamadullin and any one else , and they HAVE some others , that's NHL ready at let them learn and grow together as a unit ....the tuff times makes you stronger and if you can't handle the tuff times you don't belong . i could see Celebrini end up being the leader of the " Young Guns " group . there will be a learning curve the first half of the year but i think buy the second half the guys will start coming together and by the following year , with a year under their belts , they will be a more cohesive unit and a better team ....a Sharks fan living in Utah for the past 19+ years...and now will be able to see my team again , thank you NHL !

[@amkirby10]

Big college hockey fan in New England, Celebrini looks like the real deal, watched him play a couple times and he jumps out at you despite being only 17, he should have a lot of success

[@misterfingerguns]

What a treat to see him play there!

[@theburritoninj4]

As a sharks fan, really excited to get Mack. I love Will Smith but I was a little nervous having him be our 1C, for some reason I just don't see that role being the best fit for him even though he's incredibly talented. Having Mack and Smith as 1C/2C is such a killer combo that has the potential to be really lethal. Honestly no preference as to whether he goes pro or does another year at BU; would love to see him on the sharks this year, which means more than likely that will smith would join the roster, but also not opposed to taking their development a little slower and not rushing them like we did with Ferraro (obviously different talent level there). I think neither option is bad for their development and trust that Grier & Co will do the best thing needed. As a hockey fan in general, this draft is going to be so exciting. This is my first year really diving into prospects and watching/reading lots of scouting reports and profiles on players so I'm excited to see who goes where. Love that there isn't a clear consensus after Mack and with so many talented D-men, we might see some really talented forwards fall to the 10's.

[@shawnlewin9057]

Will Smith projects as a great first line player. He also can play on the wing right? Having Smith and Celebrini on the same line is how I’d go

[@theburritoninj4]

@@shawnlewin9057 Yea idk what it is exactly but something about him being 1C makes me a little weary. But honestly he may not end up being a true center and like you said, slot really well onto Celebrini's wing. That could be a killer combo!

[@FutureConsiderations]

If getting into learning about prospects. May I suggest for sharks fans. You tube: along with THG, Scoutching, elite prospects, San Jose hockey now, locked on sharks is a good start. There’s many others. But there are few to get some really good information on prospects.

[@RIPJimmyA7X]

Celebrini had the same impact on the game in college that Cale Makar had, every time he was on the ice they controlled the game, when he wasnt they got dominated. Hes going to be great for San Jose

[@winkletown8828]

If he decides to play for the sharks, I feel sorry for his career. Living dead last for years isn't what he deserves.

[@Nathanielhiggerson66]

@@winkletown8828isnt that what 1st overall picks do?

[@nickmelin248]

@@Nathanielhiggerson66 ryan nugent hopkins suffered and seemed happy the whole time now look at the oilers

[@TylrVncnt]

@@winkletown8828Sharks will be good soon

[@andrew6815]

Pumped for the Sharks

[@winkletown8828]

They don't deserve this kid. They're going to ruin his career

[@TylrVncnt]

@@winkletown8828lol ok bud

[@TylrVncnt]

@@winkletown8828someone’s jellly

[@Brigitte-ne2ht]

@@winkletown8828 yes the org who made the playoffs like 20 years straight before this drought is gonna ruin his career…. Try again

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

The tide is turning for the Sharks!

[@larslan1975]

Should play college one more year,Sharks can get another really good pick in 2025! Don’t want your future star sitting through all that losing.

[@JustBrowsing777]

My thoughts exactly, avoid giving him a terrible season with the Sharks nagging his confidence, and let him grow one more year in college hockey.

[@HitmanHockeyCards]

10000000% agree. have another shit season and hopefully land another #1 pick or #2, #3

[@sakalaathletics]

I strongly think that is the way to go.

[@Poorlydrawnchicken]

Smith has the same decision to make as well, I would like to see them enter the league together, even if it means waiting one more year for both.

[@XaviRonaldo0]

If Connor Bedard was NHL ready this guy definitely is too. I can't see him returning to college

[@shawnlewin9057]

Idk. Bedard is actually in the NHL. We’ve only seen Mack play against other kids

[@BarDownBoys]

@@shawnlewin9057not really, “kids” 18-23 years old is a much better comparison than CHL

[@connorkenney6938]

It really depends on the development staff the sharks have. As a Habs fan, even though Slavs first year was not great. He had better developmental resources than staying in Europe. The head office made the right call in keeping him with the big club, but a lot of credit goes to Slav and his work ethic for showing that he could/would get better.

[@alekslee3978]

The only thing that lessons the sting of not having hockey games every day is THG starting his prospect videos! Thank you for your service sir!

[@kurtwpg]

Best path: If you win the Hobey Baker as a 17 year old, the NCAA can't do much more for you.

[@broughmar]

Sharks: great looking jersey. LGR

[@wild_insomnia]

WTF with Vancouver ? How is this city able to produce one Next One after another ? Bedard and Celebrini back to back ,nuts !

[@Charles_Groebs]

One place I want to study in paticular is Halifax, Nova Scotia. I’m convinced their is something in the water their as it gave us Crosby, Mackinnon, Marchand, etc.

[@nINJAP3RUNA]

​@@Charles_GroebsOh man. I just remembered my first custom team in EANHL, 15 years ago. It was the Halifax Goats. I picked Halifax because it was a funny place name to me.

[@YOUTY209]

I live in Green Bay and our local team is USHL (Green Bay Gambler’s). I’ve seen Celibrini play against us here when he was on the Chicago Steel, and even then (I think he was 16 at the time?) you could tell he was really impressive.

[@kelanowen]

Personally I think they put the Lund line that worked this past year on #1 line, and put Cellebrini, Smith, and a Vet on #2 line. We'll see how it goes!

[@BeastOfMetal1989]

The Sharks are familiar with drafting players that don't turn 18 until right before the season, Patrick Marleau holds a record for youngest player in NHL history after the Sharks drafted him right after the Bruins drafted a future teammate of his...

[@mattlovespeebee]

I think that there are people in the Sharks organization that get paid a LOT of money to figure this stuff out! He is probably ready but only he and the team know what exactly he needs to be an AWESOME player for San Jose

[@kurtwpg]

San Jose need to find themselves a quality defensemen with an offensive flair in free agency. Someone who can spread the ice out for Celebrini and Smith, which will make their transition a lot smoother.

[@ianhall6614]

I read a report that stated Celebrini takes as much pride in his defensive work, fighting for a puck in the corner and laying a hit as he does scoring goals and setting up teammates. His tapes really prove that too, just has many highlight hard work plays as goals for the kid. Excited to see what he can do in the nhl

[@faultysynapse9195]

I hope the Sharks don't rush this kid. Take another year at BU. Or sign him and have him dominate in the AHL as a development step, play him 9 games for the fan draw, and slide that contract.

[@TylrVncnt]

I’m not sure if he’s AHL eligible

[@faultysynapse9195]

@@TylrVncnt Good point. I hadn't considered that or checked.

[@primozvilfan2361]

White skates would perfectly match with that jersey ...

[@jasoncox9883]

Future Sharks Legend!

[@seangalvin672]

Celebrini is the future of this team. Grier constructed the roster for this past season for the purpose of getting this kid. Could end up being captain down the line. I just hope he is developed properly

[@operasinger2126]

Great show, Shannon! I say tank for one more year and then go all in. Another top pick can change the course for the franchise.

[@ddudeman1313]

As a fan in Hockey East I hope he goes pro so we don't have to deal with him this year.

[@centralhockey12]

Every game I watched with him present, he was the best player on the ice. Whether it was USHL, NCAA, IIHF, he was the best hockey player on the ice and it wasn’t close

[@sharxboy]

I think the Sharks will sign him even though that means his growth could be severely stunted by joining a team who regularly gets dominated. The risk of injury is the specter I fear most whether in college or the NHL. If I had it my way, Smith and Celebrini would spend one more year in college with no regression. Let them grow and mature from the very young kids they are. I hope that when they do come to the NHL that we have a couple solid veterans to show them the ropes and help teach them what life will be like. After 35 years of being a Sharks fan (from the second we heard rumors of their coming), I would hate to see either derailed by things that can be controlled.

[@ryohayden69]

If they sign with the sharks after this season they can still spend some time developing in the ahl

[@sharxboy]

@@ryohayden69 i don't think that would happen because that would burn a year of a professional contract.

[@Ted-NJ]

Devils fan here. Yeah...I had a feeling about Sheldon Keefe. Now we need a real muscle defense and a real goalie which is what Toronto did not have.

[@tristanselva2418]

I would love to see smith and Celebrini dominate in the AHL and then come to the NHL together.

[@nowl775]

Selfishly I'd love to see Celebrini join the Sharks right away, but it'd be completely understandable if he and the Sharks decide to keep him at BU for another year and let him develop while the Sharks continue their rebuild through the draft.

[@thet3504]

There is a goalie.. Owen Edwards. Saw him play, and he will be in Kitchener next season. Edmonton, Boston and Philly like him a lot.. commercials with McDavid as well..

[@Choongulrich]

Team Canada maybe did the mistake to cut Celebrini instead of cutting Bedard…

[@johnthiel7422]

As a Hawk fan , I should know more about the other picks, and attmittingly, I don't. I'm looking to you for some info....

[@jimmybilly3336]

IncredibLy

[@user-zt1ym7zc7p]

Honestly, I don’t think it would hurt celebrini to play another year of ncaa. It probably won’t help his skill game but it’ll give him a year to grow into body and ready himself for the pro game.

[@tabby842]

I see a lot of people saying he has nothing more to learn at the college level, Grier has said this, and as far as development goes I wouldn't disagree. But I wouldn't mind if he spent a year at college just to soak up the college life or go to the ahl to slow things down a bit, seems like things are moving so fast for him. From what I've seen from his interviews, he doesn't give me the vibe of wanting to make the nhl asap. Unsure if it's just typical interview reservedness, or that he doesn't want to stop being 'young' just yet. We could still benefit from another tanking season. Or 2.

[@justinpalumbo2447]

We should sit him and smith one more year. Take our licks and probably get another top 5 pick. Plan to Debut as many young studs as possible two years from now.

[@nolankuffner3573]

Austin Elliot would be my first goalie, but I think a strong A2 would be William Rousseau (Rouyn-Noranda). The only thing that leads more towards Austin would be Rousseau's less than stellar playoff run. Still, both goalies showed me a ton during this season, and it's almost criminal that neither have been drafted yet.

[@GhostRaccoon]

just a side note, I love that jersey

[@OfficiousIntermeddler]

The physical growth/maturation is going to happen regardless of where they end up playing, and with or without them the Sharks are still going to be pretty bad in 2024-2025. So to me the only question is whether they can further develop their skills/game playing another season against NCAA players. If playing at the NCAA level isn't going to challenge them meaningfully, and they're just going to spend the season dominating college kids, then bring them up to the NHL now. But if they can still hone their game against NCAA-level talent, then sure, let them stay there another season.

[@flamingbeaver9414]

Zeev Buium getting slept on. Go Pios! National Champs baby!

[@Tdesparza]

I think it’s going to heavily depend on who gets hired as the Sharks next head coach.

[@prosperfireson]

Hey HG, As a long time Sharks fan I think I would prefer to see Celebrini and Smith return to BC and BU respectively because the Sharks are in for another rough season AND these two dynamic young players are not going to be able to turn the fortunes of the franchise around by themselves along with William Eklund. Too many deficiencies for the Sharks even with their considerable help. The other concern I have is given their youth I don't want to see either of these guys getting the veteran "welcome" to the NHL by other players around the league. I am still pissed at Dustin Brown for that knee on knee hit of Thomas Hertl. That hit by Brown caused Tommy permanent life altering damage and will undoubtedly affect his longevity in the league. Yeah, its not all that common for young players to get injured in their rookie year but, let me throw two more names out: McDavid and Bedard. I would prefer these two young men get another year stronger and a little more willy about protecting themselves particularly since the Sharks are still likely to be mostly a bad team next season. Thanks HG. P.s. As of today Will Smith has made the choice to sign with the Sharks and start his pro career so that choice has been made at least in so far as Will Smith is concerned. Peter St. John Clovis, CA

[@Slidezy]

I like how you said that 190 might not be quite as big as he'd want to be as far as weight. When we got Petty still at 175. I really hope PD bulk's up this year. That seemed to be his biggest struggle was he was afraid of some of the bigger guys and would wait on aggressing with the puck. I think a little bit of weight would really help him out. He doesn't need to be 200 but getting up to like even 185 would be big

[@TylrVncnt]

What player are you talking about?

[@previnsnaidu1]

Need the Sharks to trade up from 14 to the 6-8 spot to get either Buium or Parekh. I think trading 14, 33 and a B defensive prospect should get the job done and we’d still have the 42nd pick to get another player

[@matthewgranger8356]

Can he play in the AHL if he's not working out in the NHL?

[@SevnZeroFive]

MTL need to take a forward!!!! The best available

[@kevinbadger8030]

Keefe is now the coach of the Devils lmao

[@madmanelsd123]

Jerome iginla's son looks awesome, sorry I don't remember his name. Tij iginla?

[@robnevitt7593]

Interesting to see yet another top flight Canadian player opt for US college hockey and avoid the CHL

[@gitarzann]

Should Flames draft Tij even if there might be a better player on the table at the time?

[@previnsnaidu1]

Macklin has nothing left to prove or develop in the NCAA, I think he needs to start in SJ right away

[@petesjk]

If the scouting reports say he needs to get stronger, I would keep him in a development environment. An injury free year seems worth more than anything else.

[@user-xn5me8iz7c]

I would say NCAA. He's gonna be playing on a bad sharks team, might as well give him another year even If he might not need it necessarily.

[@Lebowski55]

Celebrini has a higher ceiling than Barkov and Bergeron. Hes more Toews / Crosby / MacKinnon

[@theeroman]

i don’t think there’s really a bad decision? i think if they sign celebrini then the sharks will also sign will smith. however if they don’t sign celebrini and let all the prospects marinate for another year then that’s also fine. i do think that it might make more sense for them to be brought in because smith and celebrini both dominated the collegiate level already.

[@P-M-B]

As a totally biased BU fan, I think Mack should come back, play with some of the high end incoming talent, have a winning season/culture, and work on getting bigger and stronger. I’d hate to see him struggle on a sharks team that can’t surround him with talent. Probably the second most talented player I’ve seen in 20 years of watching BU, Eichel was on a different level of dominance.

[@hydrastan4344]

He should come back to school to develop! (I’m a BU student desperate for a natty)

[@gbalph4]

More Terriers (father and brother’s alma mater) making it to number one very good (darn he’s going to San Jose)

[@revon0521]

Sharks should sign him. Were it any other team, I'd say put him on the farm for a season, bulk him up, etc., but Sharks desperately need talent and this young man has it, so he'll probably be on a top line off the hop. I hope he develops in an organic manner and plays the pants off the competition.

[@Slidezy]

Question. I literally don't know this. If he gets called up to the NHL right off the bat can they send him down to the AHL? I feel like celebrating his best path would probably be to play NHL preseason then spend half a season AHL. After that coming back up to the NHL for the end of the season

[@SharksOregon]

Pig in mud over here, because there’s no bad option… if he comes to SJ I get to watch him grow. If he stays in the NCAA he has time to put on some strength. 😊

[@kmccart85]

question if he stays in the NCAA one more year, is there a risk jumping away from SJS to avoid a rebuild? I heard you mention a family connection doesn't that make it more likely who wants to play for family? As a ranger fan I'm recalling hayes, fox, Veasey in recent memory. Guess I'm just dreaming

[@TylrVncnt]

Lmao you have this great team, best Rangers team ever, and this is what you’re dreaming about? 🤦🏻‍♂️ why don’t you just focus on the eastern conference finals and enjoy your team lol, cuz what happened with Fox ain’t happening with this kid. His Dad is an essential member of the Golden State Warriors and they’re not getting rid of him any time soon. No chance he bolts anywhere else. Plus he’d have to play in the NCAA 3 more years, already won the Hobey as a 17 year old, no chance he stays in that league long, the kid wants to be the best NHL player he can be, that’s the whole point

[@floridaman6281]

Did just notice you spelled Celebrini as “Celibrini” on the board… whoops, I don’t think he’ll mind when he inevitably watches this video

[@troyb6940]

I have a feeling from everyone I see tij iginla is going at top 10 but shark get him at 14 would make me happy too

[@habinations]

habs should draft parekh

[@justinwillness3162]

habs will go off the board again

[@habinations]

@@justinwillness3162 they better not.

[@christhornycroft3686]

Elias Pettersson is lucky if he's 180 and he's 6'2. Injury (tendonitis I'm hearing and as an ex competitive swimmer, that sounds awful), he's a 90-100 point player. This kid is shorter, but he's more filled out already than Pettersson and the knock against Petey has been his skating, so if this guy has improved that significantly, he should be just fine if he has the hands and IQ.

[@crashthenethockey6115]

I'd leave him and Smith down in the NCAA for another season. Bring them up together for a few games at the end of the season

[@nolankuffner3573]

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest one top 5 draft pick will likely be Austin Elliot (G) from the Saskatoon Blades. The ONLY team to remotely challenge a MJ Warriors team this playoffs. The Warriors first and only league title. And Elliot was 100% the biggest reason Saskatoon was as competitive in that series as they were. Tons of teams could use a goalie with pressure experience, and his slimmer build is offset by his height and buffeted by the fact he's a goalie.

[@nolankuffner3573]

He's 20, and he knows his body. This was a better season than last year (which was still pretty damn good) and at 20, he's not going to be distracted between college and going pro.

[@limemlohdnul4795]

Sorry what??? Top 5 pick😂 guy would be lucky to even get drafted in the 7th round

[@chrisc5290]

He'd be better off playing with the Sharks. I don't think more college hockey would do Celebrini any good for his development. He's only 17 and he had almost as many points as Fantili did in college at 18.

[@ponyboy9765]

To me, I think it would make more sense to hold off on bringing him to the NHL and wait until Smith is ready as well to bring them up together. Obviously, he’s a skilled player, but the sharks roster is still very far away from competitive if he can go in there with some support From another young talented player think he’ll feel a little less like he’s on an island similar to how I imagine Bedard felt on a terrible Chicago team this year

[@intermil5]

They need to add a shooter for this team to play along side with eklund and celebrini. Draisaitl Marner, or even Necas could be a good addition. They have cap to go out and get a top line player. To help with young talent. Maybe wait 1 more year then bring celebrini and smith in. 😊

[@TylrVncnt]

Wouldn’t call Marner a shooter lol

[@intermil5]

@@TylrVncnt True lol just spitballing some names. I doubt marner goes to sharks. Maybe Laine from columbus looking to revitalize his career.

[@LateCloser]

I don't think in general, 18 year olds should be playing in the NHL. This kid won the hobey at 17, which is crazy so he probably doesn't need much more. I think one more year in college sounds OK. He definitely sounds ahead of the curve. I don't know how it would benefit him to be on the worst team in hockey, or for San Jose long term. I won't be shocked when he's playing for the Sharks next year, however. :)

[@JAY-zd7vu]

I would let Macklin Celebrini stay in school to have a shot at James Hagens, who is a franchise changer

[@HitmanHockeyCards]

Id prefer him and will smith stay another year in college. Their is no need to rush for them and I honestly dont like how SJ developes players, Never really have. Plus another year of them in college means another year of SJ in the celler and im ALL for that. Keep adding those top 3 draft picks.

[@TylerMorganShow]

Play him

[@Lebowski55]

The bona fide #2 is Ivan Demidov by a mile.

[@TheHockeyGuy]

He is as low as #6 on some draft lists.

[@xeroxx777]

Celebrini is the new Connor Bedard.

[@markhodge7]

He's going to be a 1st/2nd starter as his epitaph. All generation types need to be dropped in the deep end to see their total story. Only an NHL record to be seen.

[@nickmelin248]

i think him and smith should go back to college and win tank another year no point throwing them to the wolves like hall and nuge

[@StonerMatt]

Sharks will celebrate Celebrini

[@mthees08]

I watched probably 30 of those games or more but only one in person. He's good. I think he would benefit from one more year in the NCAA. He was fast and dominant at times, yes. However, I think if you give him first line minutes in the NHL he will have a hard adjustment. He has a lot to learn about winning in close situations, they didn't win a tournament this year at all. Beanpot Lost, Hockey east Lost to BC, lost in the Frozen Four first round! Why not let him go back one more year and learn a thing or two about winning championships?

[@Poiszn]

he might as well jump into the nhl. hes not gonna carry our team to the playoffs so he might as well start getting used to the competition as fast as possible

[@brandonboudreau235]

Give him another year in the NCAA. This sharks team is not in a place where they should be rushing this.

[@ravimani3834]

Tij Iginla will go first. Pedigree and understanding what the life in the NHL is like from watching his Dad will make him a ni brainer for #1

[@TheHockeyGuy]

LMAO, that would be a PR disaster for the Sharks. Celebrini is easily the #1 pick this year.

[@ravimani3834]

​@@TheHockeyGuy wow, wasn't expecting a reply from THG. Agreed a PR nightmare, but I still think if Conor takes a crunching hit, his hand speed goes out the window. I have no clue, I am a total arm chair GM. Keep up the good work THG

[@TylrVncnt]

Celebrini got to watch a dynasty NBA team up close, so there’s that too ;)

[@coachrobwille4176]

No he should go back to NCAA he is still young.

[@mftoms59]

Why couldn't he play one more year in Boston and after the NCAA season ends, sign and play the last month of the NHL season? It doesn't matter how much Hype compared to Bedard as much as his production and games played at his current age.

[@GizmoBeach]

A lot can happen between now and June 28th. The Sharks might say nah we want Jakub Fibigr. They may take a closer look at Giovanni Digiulian, too. 😜

[@TylrVncnt]

Haha keep dreaming

[@TheBitterSpinach]

I doubt he goes back to the NCAA.

[@jakoverslept3096]

Lol ​@@mannyoliveira776

[@fv3837]

​@@mannyoliveira776 And all the teams lived happily ever after....the end🙃

[@beauryker]

Back to BC

[@russiancrowe13]

I don't think you want an 18 year old in a situation where the team knows it's not going to be good so losing is kind of acceptable. I'd rather have him play for BC because they have a history of winning and being one of the top teams in the NCAA, that way he learns a culture of winning, not one of losing like he would learn in San Jose next season.

[@bendankles]

tij better

[@jereron648]

let him play in ncaa no point to rush him in horrible team

[@wild_insomnia]

Look at Wyatt Johnston ,not a minute played in AHL ,straight to NHL,and scored in his first game and never looked back.Of course he should be in Sharks' roster next season.ONly if 25 draft will be strong and Sharks wanna tank one more season,then he should stay in NCAA

[@angushiltz4880]

Johnston didn't come into the league until he was 19. Are you saying Celebrini should go back to the NCAA for another year?

[@wild_insomnia]

@@angushiltz4880 as I said,if 25 draft gonna be strong,then yes,tank .And without Celebrini Sharks will win less,which is understandable.

[@angushiltz4880]

@@wild_insomnia yes you did. But the first part of your comment said "Of course he should be in Sharks' roster next season". You said that after saying to look at Johnston not playing a minute in the AHL. But Johnston didn't play in the NHL until the year after he was drafted. And he couldn't play in the AHL because he wasn't old enough. So your comment is confusing. You gave an example of a player that that implies Celebrini should go back to school. Then say he should play in the NHL next year. And then flip again and say he should go back if the 25 draft is good so the Sharks get a high pick. Do see why what wrote is confusing on if you think he should go back to school or not?

[@fv3837]

I understood what he's trying to say, he's saying that Johnson seemed to play well in the NHL despite being a teen and not having time in the AHL so that should make a case for Maklin to play but he also stated that there is no reason to have him play on the sharks if Grier and company decide that the 25th Draft is worth another tank.

[@angushiltz4880]

@@fv3837 but using Johnston as an example doesn't fit. Johnston didn't play in the NHL at 18 like Celebrini would be doing. Johnston developed for another year and came to Dallas at 19. So it makes no sense to use him as an example for Celebrini to play in the NHL this season. Johnston is an example of why Celebrini should go back to the NCAA for another year.

[@andrewptob]

I think San Jose should trade the pick to the Flyers for Morgan Frost

[@exeter1985]

Just like when Slavkovski went first and everyone was shocked. ".... we all know who's going first overall... Oops."

[@shawnlewin9057]

Slaf caught up to Wright leading up to the draft though. I don’t think anyone has separated themselves from that next tier this year.

[@exeter1985]

@@shawnlewin9057 Valid point. I guess we'll find out soon? That's what makes the draft fun to watch each year. I will say that Montreal had some guts to pass on the 'presumptive' #1 in front of their own fans.

[@nolanmcrae4178]

@@exeter1985also it’s not even really true that everyone was convinced it was gonna be Wright going first overall that year… yes he was rated #1 in his class for a couple years leading up to the draft, but in the couple months right before the draft there were TONS of reports coming out that Wright wasn’t rated as highly anymore on most teams’ lists and it was seen as likely he would drop a few spots. So not as much a surprise anymore once draft day actually arrived.

[@honestmovietalk]

Can someone exlpain to me why somebody would chose to continue their NCAA career instead of going pro in the NHL? Like I cant comprehend the math. You are willingly forfeiting +/- USD 3M. Like yeah you get a degree out of you college years, but even if that degree earns you 100k / year right off the bat, that's 30 years of salary that you say no to.

[@brianbedient2108]

He's not ready and should stay in school. I predict that if he comes to the NHL with his teen body, he is gonna get laid out like early Crosby and maybe take some permanent damage. Grow up first He might be fast in college, he won't look so fast in the big leagues.