NEW YORK/TORONTO, Jan. 12, 2024 – The NHL Central Scouting Bureau today released its eagerly anticipated mid-season rankings for the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Draft, spotlighting the brightest young talents in the hockey world.
Macklin Celebrini: The North American Standout
Leading the pack among North American skaters is Macklin Celebrini from Boston University. Ranking No. 1, Celebrini, hailing from North Vancouver, B.C., has shown exceptional prowess in the NCAA. With a points-per-game average of 1.69 (11 goals, 16 assists in 16 games), he has emerged as a dominant force on the ice. Celebrini’s performance at the World Junior Championship, where he led Team Canada in points, solidifies his position as a top prospect.
Celebrini’s Potential Historical Impact
Should he be selected first overall, Celebrini could become the fourth NCAA player and the second U.S. college forward, after Joe Murphy in 1986, to achieve this feat. His leading role in a Boston University team with 13 already NHL-drafted players highlights his caliber.
Top Five North American Skaters
- Macklin Celebrini (Center, Boston University)
- Artyom Levshunov (Defenseman, Michigan State) – Hailing from Zhlobin, Belarus, Levshunov stands as the No. 2-ranked player.
- Cayden Lindstrom (Center, Medicine Hat, WHL) – From Dawson Creek, B.C., Lindstrom ranks third.
- Zeev Buium (Defenseman, University of Denver) – A San Diego, Calif., native, Buium ranks fourth.
- Trevor Connelly (Left Wing, Tri-City, USHL) – From Tustin, Calif., Connelly completes the top five.
International Prospects: A Diverse and Talented Group
Leading international skaters is Konsta Helenius, a center from Ylojarvi, Finland, playing for Jukurit. Helenius, not turning 18 until May, is already making waves in Finland’s top men’s league. The top five international skaters also include talents from Russia, Czechia, and more.
Goalies to Watch
Carter George from Owen Sound (OHL) and Kim Saarinen from HPK Jr. (Finland-Jr.) lead as the top-ranked North American and international goaltenders, respectively.
Extensive Scouting Efforts
The mid-season rankings feature 224 skaters and 32 goaltenders from North America, along with 135 skaters and 15 goaltenders internationally. This extensive scouting effort, headed by Dan Marr, Vice President of NHL Central Scouting, showcases the NHL’s commitment to identifying and nurturing emerging talents globally.
Looking Ahead
These rankings offer a tantalizing preview of the future stars of the NHL. For more information on NHL Draft history, visit https://records.nhl.com/draft.
