Checking in on Every 1st-Round Pick from the 2024 NHL Draft

Some are going into their second NHL season. Some are making the move from the CHL to the NCAA, a decision that wasn't allowed when they were drafted. It's a new landscape just about everywhere, and the NHL's Draft Class of 2024 is poised to take advantage.

Looking in on an NHL draft class a year later is always fascinating because there are so many different paths players can take that almost no one is doing the same thing.

That can make it harder to gauge where these guys are in relation to one another—the context is almost always completely different—but it's certainly fun.

Let's see how your team's first-round pick fared.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

Ending up part of the NHL's new dynamic duo, finishing third in Calder Trophy voting, and recording 63 points in 70 games adds up to a pretty solid first NHL season for 2024 first overall pick Macklin Celebrini.

The Sharks aren't good right now, but Celebrini is. And in addition to entertaining the crowd with his and teammate Will Smith's joined-at-the-hip bestie behavior, he gave fans a glimpse at what they can look forward to in the years to come.

Future Outlook

Celebrini, 19, is a force in all three zones, and one of the best things about his game is how mature it is already.

The composure with which he plays at such a young age—connecting passes under pressure, finding ways to turn defense into offense, and constantly seeking out ways to exploit his opponents' weaknesses is just a few of the highlights you'll notice when you watch Celebrini play.

He's already proved right those who said he was closer to 2023 first overall pick Connor Bedard than it seemed. As he continues to mature and round out any minor rough edges in his game, expect to hear his name bandied around in discussions of top active players sooner than later.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

Defenseman Artyom Levshunov split his season between the AHL's Rockford IceHogs and the Chicago Blackhawks last season. And in his 18 NHL games, he was averaging around 20 minutes a night, even managing six assists. That's a significant workload for a rookie call-up.

He played with composure and polish, and his skating, shooting, and passing skills were clearly already NHL caliber. He had his rough moments, as does any rookie when they're adjusting to the NHL workload, but all signs point to positive development.

Future Outlook

Two of the biggest things we want to see from Levshunov this season are continued development of his decision-making in the moment and to harness the breakout skills that we saw him hone with the IceHogs and use them in the NHL.

He's also got some undercover playmaking abilities that need to shine. Levshunov is practically factory-made to play in the NHL when it comes to all of his tools.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

Beckett Sennecke might have been shocked to be selected third overall at the 2024 draft, but he went out onto the ice last season and did everything he could to live up to that billing.

You could look at his 86 points in 56 regular-season games for the Oshawa Generals of the OHL and think "Hmm, I really would've liked a bigger jump in points from the previous year's 68," or you could look below the surface.

In addition to the modest jump in points, Sennecke refined his playmaking abilities and worked on adding a physical edge to his game.

Future Outlook

Sennecke perhaps added a bit too much of a physical edge to his game, so this season I'd really prefer to see him keep the snarl and ditch the slew-footing.

He's one of those players who barely misses the mark for being allowed to play in the AHL this year, his birthday coming just a hair too late, so it's either sticking with the Ducks or returning to Oshawa.

People used to tout his size as a concern, but he grew into his frame over the last season. Add to that how well-rounded his game is and the growth in his skating abilities and it will be exciting to watch where he takes his play this season, regardless of destination. 

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

Thanks to a microdiscectomy to address a herniated disc, Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom missed the entire regular season last year. You wouldn't really have known it watching him when he joined the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers in the playoffs, recording four points in four games and looking like something close to his old self.

During his recovery, since the Blue Jackets wanted to keep him close, Lindstrom had the opportunity to be around and learn from his pro counterparts during the regular season—a nice silver lining.

Future Outlook

Lindstrom is joining Michigan State University in the NCAA this season, a shift in environment that's going to be great for his continued recovery.

The NCAA schedule is notably more spread out; the "more time in the weight room" gets thrown around a lot when it doesn't always need to be, but in Lindstrom's case, the opportunity to maintain and even add strength during the season is beneficial to both future injury prevention and his style of play.

He's a big, fearless guy who never stops moving—this should help him keep that up without overloading him.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

Ivan Demidov spent most of the 24-25 season with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL, recording 49 points in 65 regular-season games and adding five more in six playoff games.

It won't surprise anyone who knows anything about Demidov to hear he went out each night and looked like one of the most dynamic prospects in the world—some would argue the most.

We also got to see Demidov in two regular-season NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens and five playoff games after he came over from Russia. And while it was a short stint, there were clear flashes of the game-breaking ability we know he has. 

Future Outlook

Demidov's stint with the Habs last season was a good glimpse at how he might slot into the team this season, since he's basically a lock to be part of the NHL roster.

Many are talking about Demidov as this year's Calder Trophy favorite, which would be two years in a row for Habs' rookies (teammate Lane Hutson, last season's winner, has been training and spending time with Demidov this summer). He'll break 100 points sooner rather than later.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

Tij Iginla only got 21 games in with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL last season before injury took him out of the entire season. In those 21 games, however, he managed to record 32 points—not too shabby for someone who had been dealing with a hip injury that required surgery.

Iginla was playing at about a point and a half per game pace, up from his pace last regular season of about 1.31 points per game. That bodes well for his future.

Future Outlook

Tij Iginla, you are a Utah Mammoth.

We recently had great news for Iginla; he's been cleared for contact following surgery he had in December and January.

Though he participated in the Mammoth's development camp earlier in the summer, it was in a no-contact jersey, so it has to be a relief for both him and the team that he is officially cleared for return to play before their rookie tournament.

This season will likely see Iginla head back to the WHL and the Rockets, where we'll probably see him pick right back up where he left off.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

An immediate look at Carter Yakemchuk's point totals after he was returned to the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL might have one thinking that the defenseman's play took a step back last season. That's not the case.

Yakemchuk took the season to focus on improving several things about his game, including his defensive play and his consistency, and those efforts paid off. And 49 points in 57 regular-season games for a defenseman is still not too shabby, especially when the other parts of his game look solid.

Future Outlook

Yakemchuk is in a much better place to slide into an NHL lineup than he was this time last year. He's said publicly that his goal for this season is to make the Senators out of training camp, and the team has acknowledged this could happen.

Giving him a stint to begin the season, at the very least, is a good idea to use as a measuring stick against his preseason play last year and to see how his more complete game translates to the NHL.

He's also able to play in the AHL this season, rather than going back to the WHL.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

If it felt like Berkly Catton just kept piling on the points last season, that's because it's exactly what he was doing.

Scoring 109 points in 57 regular-season games is impressive enough, but to then go on to add 42 more in 20 playoff games?

That's the mark of someone saying they are ready for the next step.

Future Outlook

Whether Catton is actually done with junior hockey depends on whether he makes the NHL roster. He hasn't met either of the requirements to play in the AHL this season (turning 20 before Jan. 1—his birthday is the 14th, so it's a near-miss—or playing four full CHL seasons), so his options are either to make the NHL roster or return to the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL, the team he captained last season.

Stamina and endurance were two of Catton's big focuses during summer training, traits that will serve him well when it comes to the nightly NHL grind. He's an electric offensive player, so any training that allows him to utilize those qualities more consistently is valuable.

Whether it was enough to get him a full-time roster spot remains to be seen, but we're hoping we see at least a glimpse of him on NHL ice this regular season.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

We can leave this section at one word: phenomenal.

Anyone calling Zayne Parekh's success thus far "unprecedented" hasn't been watching him for very long. It's been a natural progression due to his innate skill and work ethic. His 107 points during the 24-25 regular season were the most by an OHL defenceman in over 30 years, but the best part wasn't the point total—it was that this didn't feel at all out of the norm for Parekh.

As a player, he's terrific.

Future Outlook

He only played one game in the NHL last season, but he stepped onto the ice and immediately looked like himself, which is perhaps the highest compliment anyone can give a prospect making the jump to the pros.

Now we wait and see if he can do it on a consistent basis. If he can't, since he isn't eligible for the AHL, he'll likely get sent back to the OHL, but we don't see that being a problem.

Parekh is an elite playmaker and adept at reading what his teammates are doing before they do it and knowing where he needs to be. His skating is phenomenal. He could step onto the ice as a rookie and make an immediate impact.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season

Silayev took a significant step forward last season in terms of his decision-making, something that there was some concern about previously.

The question wasn't whether he could read the play, but rather whether he could read it at game speeds and make the decision necessary in that moment.

Across the season, we saw that improve, and he was able to activate at a moment's notice. His explosive skating and lateral movement, as well as his reach, were just as impressive as last season.

Future Outlook

Silayev is huge and knows how to use his size effectively on the ice. It's an almost irresistible combo for NHL general managers, whether defensemen or forwards.

When you get a defenseman like Silayev who can already smother opponents by shrinking the available space for them to use, it's even harder to ignore. He's sticking with the Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL this season, and we expect to see him get more significant minutes.

Given some flashes we saw toward the end of last season, getting into good positions and keeping plays alive with his mobility and his stick, don't be surprised if his offense takes a slight step forward as well.

That's going to hinge on the continued development of his puck skills—we want to see his puck movement and the connection of his passes improve from here.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Sam Dickinson, for the most part, looked great in the OHL last season. He recorded 91 points in 55 regular-season games as a defenseman, and added a further 31 points in 17 playoff games.

That kind of dominance doesn't always translate directly to the NHL when it comes to point totals, but it does often signify that a player is going to be a dynamic, offensively-focused player in the pros. The issue with Dickinson is that he did all of that on a strong London Knights team.

That team strength can often cover for the moments when he's making completely boneheaded decisions, and those decision-making mistakes are going to be far more exposed on a bad team, or at the pro level. Or, you know, both. Which leads me to…

Future Outlook:

Boy, that's the question, isn't it? Dickinson is one of the biggest reasons I wish that the CHL and NHL had already finalized the agreement from the new CBA about making exceptions for one 19-year-old to play in the AHL.

He may be ready for the NHL; he may not. But I wholeheartedly believe Dickinson does not need to go back to the OHL. Throw him into the deep end with the Sharks and let him struggle and learn before you do that.

All that being said, I do genuinely believe that Dickinson is going to be an effective NHL player sooner rather than later. I think it's going to be a significant learning curve going from the no-struggle London Knights to the all-struggle San Jose Sharks.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Although Zeev Buium's sophomore NCAA season didn't come with the fairytale Frozen Four-winning ending that he would've preferred, the entry-level contract he signed shortly after the University of Denver lost in their semifinal was probably a nice consolation prize.

It capped off an excellent season, too, that saw Buium become a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, be selected as the NCHC's Player of the Year and Best Offensive Defenseman, and win a World Junior Championships gold medal for the second year in a row. He then topped all of that off in May with a run helping Team USA win its first gold medal at the IIHF World Championship in 92 years.

Future Outlook:

If Zeev Buium is not a Minnesota Wild regular this season I will eat my hat.

From a more serious perspective, Buium is one of the more complete defensive prospects I've seen in a while. There's a reason he is consistently trusted by coaches in important minutes; his poise is second to none, and it was on full display during his four appearances with the Wild during the playoffs this year.

He's been labeled by many as a potential Calder Trophy candidate and I'm inclined to agree; don't be surprised if he ends up as one of the final three.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Ignore the point totals; the Guelph Storm have been bad in recent years, but Jett Luchanko has been anything but.

His 56 points in 46 games go along with impressing in four NHL regular-season games, and tacking a further nine AHL regular-season games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (in which he recorded three points) on to the end of a season that also included a jaunt to the World Junior Championships. (He would also go on to add a further six points in seven AHL playoff games.)

In short, Luchanko had a busy season in which he was bouncing around all over the place. And all throughout, he looked great. He's a terrific playmaker, but has the potential to shine as a two-way center as well, provided he continues to develop his all-around game.

Future Outlook:

Luchanko is a problem, and while he's the good kind of problem, he's still a problem that the Flyers are going to have to find a solution for.

He only just turned 19 at the end of August, and the CHL-NHL agreement to allow a limited number of 19-year-olds to play in the AHL doesn't exist yet. Much like Sam Dickinson, Luchanko is at the point where he's too good for the OHL, but unless he can crack the Flyers' roster out of training camp, that's where he's headed.

In cases like this, it's really important that the development staff be clear with the player on what he needs to work on so that his ability to steamroll opponents in major-junior doesn't lead to any bad habits.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Konsta Helenius's rookie season with the Rochester Americans of the AHL was impressive in general, but particularly for an 18-year-old forward making the move to North America.

He combined his 35-point regular-season outing in the AHL with a trip to the World Junior Championships, where he was a significant part of Finland's silver medal-winning team, and added a further six points in eight AHL playoff outings with the Americans. His play was strong enough that even as the AHL's youngest regular player (he turned 19 in May), Helenius was named to the AHL's 2024-25 Top Prospects Team.

Future Outlook:

I already thought this, but going back and watching him again, I have to imagine that Helenius is already being factored into the Sabres' plans for this coming NHL season.

His intelligence, his playmaking abilities, and his awareness and poise are all highlights of his game, and are also all things that would benefit the Sabres' roster significantly. With the Sabres trading JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth, there's a convenient spot open for Helenius to slide right into—and he probably will.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Norwegian forward Michael Brandsegg-Nygard played his first and only SHL season during the 24-25 season, and although he didn't have the kind of offensive production that I was expecting, he still put together a solid season. Recording 11 points in 42 outings wasn't the production we thought we would see, but his physicality, skating, and powerful shot were still on full display. 

He also appeared in two regular-season games and three playoff games with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins after his SHL season ended, going scoreless in the regular season only to be a point-per-game player in his brief playoff appearance. Too small a sample size to draw a significant conclusion from, but fun nonetheless..

Future Outlook:

I'm waiting to conclude Brandsegg-Nygard's potential future until I watch him in a consistent run of games on North American ice. There were times last season in the SHL where I wondered if maybe we overestimated his offensive ceiling or his intelligence and playmaking abilities, but then he would have moments where they were apparent.

I'm hesitant to let last season tank my opinion of him, and I am looking forward to seeing how he does in Grand Rapids this fall.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Defenseman Adam Jiricek (yes, brother of David) only played in 27 regular-season games for the Brantford Bulldogs last year. His nasty knee injury from the 23-24 season kept him out until the beginning of November, and then someone else hit him in the same knee and knocked him out again.

A pretty rough run of it, all things considered. In the 27 games he did play, he recorded 12 points, and he put up five assists in the seven games he played for Czechia at the World Junior Championships. 

Future Outlook:

Adam Jiricek finally appears to be fully healthy and I could not be more excited to see what he brings to the ice. There's so much potential in his game—his high-end hockey sense combined with his puck-moving abilities and puck retrieval skills haven't gone anywhere, and we saw the defensive side of his game shine in his short run with Brantford last season.

Some good news is that while he played in the OHL last season, he didn't play there in his draft season; therefore, he isn't beholden to the CHL-NHL agreement, and if the Blues decide it's what's best for his development, they can assign him to the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL. Whether they choose to do that or decide they want to see a full OHL season from him first will likely be decided during training camp later this month.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

After blowing people away with his 105-point regular season (68 GP) during his draft year, Prince George Cougars right winger Terik Parascak recorded 82 points in 59 regular-season games during the 24-25 season.

The gut reaction of a lot of folks might be to regard that as a step back, but with his assist total topping 50 for the second season in a row and with the knowledge that Prince George was—to put it frankly—a lot worse than they were during his draft year, his taking a step back while keeping up a high scoring pace actually makes me feel better about Parascak's 105-point season not being a fluke.

Those assist totals indicate that the playmaking ability is legit, and what the rest of it says to me is that the team was worse and it caused him to be played too much and probably fatigued.

Future Outlook:

Parascak's NHL future is an interesting one. There's no debating that he thinks the game through an NHL lens, but it's still uncertain exactly where his place is. His mindset and impressive off-puck skills and work ethic point in a very good direction right now, as does the fact that Hershey Bears coach (at the time) Todd Nelson trusted him to debut for the Bears in their final regular-season game last year after his WHL season ended.

I'm looking forward to seeing what he does in the WHL this season with two years, plus that pro experience from his time as a black ace with the Bears, under his belt.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

It was a really solid rookie season for Chicago Blackhawks prospect Sacha Boisvert. The center, who was named the NCHC's Rookie of the Year, finished his first regular season — and last — at the University of North Dakota with 32 points in 37 games, and was named to his conference's All-Rookie Team.

He showed steady growth over the course of the season, adjusting to the NCAA after spending two seasons in the USHL, and had a six-game point streak at one point and scored in eight of his last nine regular-season games. Watching that adjustment happen and that consistency build over the year is so satisfying.

Future Outlook:

New year, new look, new NCAA team (if you get that reference, it's past time to start using skincare). Boisvert is transferring to the Boston University Terriers for the 25-26 season, and leaving the University of North Dakota behind after they fired the coach who recruited him, Brad Barry.

Frankly, I'm excited to see what he does at BU. His playing style suits head coach Jay Pandolfo's desired style quite well, and I have to imagine he'll be leaned on to fill that 200-foot role. His goalscoring is a fantastic quality, as is his high-end passing ability, but he also brings that well-rounded game that causes coaches to rely on him.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

How did Trevor Connelly perform in the 24-25 season? Not as great as he should've been with his skill set. And look: the adjustment to college can be difficult for some players, but that's not Connelly's biggest Achilles heel.

It's maturity and consistency in making good choices. That's a problem that won't be left behind in college unless he leaves it there, and it affected his point totals, leading to him recording only 13 points in 23 games. That's just not up to par with what we know he's capable of.

Future Outlook:

Connelly won't be returning to college, and I don't think he's got the maturity needed to make the Vegas Golden Knights right out of the gate this season. (Although it would be delightful if he proved me wrong!) I think some time in the AHL could be good for him, getting used to the grinding pace of professional hockey and improving his decision-making via consistent minutes night in and night out.

I'm not going to look for gaudy offensive totals because, for the second year in a row, he'll be moving to a brand new league (minus the few games he got in the spring), but I am hoping to see improvement reflected on the ice if it isn't on the scoresheet.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Forward Cole Eiserman's freshman season at Boston University went about exactly as I expected, which is to say: 36 points in 39 games, just under a point-per-game pace, with a more than respectable goal total of 25, good for fifth in the nation in goals.

He was a point-per-game player at the World Junior Championships, with seven points in seven games along the journey to the USA, winning their second gold medal in as many years, and was an important part of the lineup. We saw more effective play from him without the puck, including a nice element of physicality to his game. And he didn't turn pro too soon, which was frankly my biggest fear.

Future Outlook:

Eiserman is headed back to Boston University for a second season under head coach Jay Pandolfo, where I hope we'll see continued growth in his game away from the puck, as well as growth in the playmaking side of his game.

Right now, he just shoots everything; I'd like to see him strengthen his ability to create for others. He'll likely be an even bigger part of Team USA's lineup at the World Juniors this year—a home tournament in Minnesota where the Americans will be going for their first threepeat. I'd love to see him step up and take on a leadership role as one of the more experienced guys on the roster.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Named Big Ten Freshman of the Year for his first season with the University of Michigan, forward Michael Hage ranked fourth among all rookies in the NCAA in points per game with 1.03. He finished the regular season with 34 points in 33 games, including one five-point night against eventual Frozen Four winner Penn State. 

Future Outlook:

Hage is headed back to the University of Michigan this fall and will likely be relied upon even more by the Wolverines this season. He's so thrilling to watch, dynamic on the rush with an excellent first step and edgework.

It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest to see a significant jump forward in his offensive totals this season. He's got all the makings of a top-six NHL center, and I'm glad that the Habs are taking their time to allow him to develop into one rather than fast-tracking him to the NHL.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Yegor Surin won the Gagarin Cup at 1\8 years old—and wasn't just a passenger or a 'black ace' type on his team—so I think we can safely say he performed pretty well during the 24-25 season.

When the Nashville Predators drafted the forward in 2024, they thought they got a steal at 22nd overall, and with the bias of hindsight, it looks more likely now that they might be right. Surin had half his entire regular-season point total in a 19-game playoff run (7, versus 14 in 41 regular-season KHL games) and five of those seven points were goals. The KHL isn't an easy league at all, but definitely not for rookies, so seeing his progression across the year was pretty nice.

Future Outlook:

Surin has one year left on his KHL contract before he can come over and join the Predators or their AHL affiliate, the Milwaukee Admirals, and I think that's for the best. He's only had one season in the KHL; let's see how he grows across his second season before passing any strict judgments on his future as an NHLer. Being trusted in big minutes in a difficult league is an excellent harbinger, though.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

After defenseman Stian Solberg played 47 games for Farjestad BK of the SHL, the Anaheim Ducks noticed that their prospect's minutes were going downhill and brought him over to North America to join the San Diego Gulls, their AHL affiliate.

The Gulls had a lot of injuries; Solberg needed consistent playing time. It was a pretty good match. In the 10 regular-season games he played, and then at the World Championships for Norway, Solberg proved that he's more than just a mean body on the blue line. He is definitely mean, but he's also a mobile defender who makes a good first pass and smart decisions on the breakout.

Future Outlook:

We saw some offensive flash from Solberg during his time with the Gulls, where he recorded five points in 10 games, and more with Norway, where he netted six points in seven games, including four goals (three of those were on a hat trick). The combination of physicality and smart decision-making when he has the puck on his stick, and the ability to contribute offensively, will serve him well in North American hockey. I'm really looking forward to seeing a full AHL season from him.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

The 24-25 season was a pretty solid step forward for Cole Beaudoin, whose tenacity has, if possible, only increased with the passage of another year. The Utah Mammoth forward prospect only played 52 games this season, down from 67 last year, and recorded 51 points.

That's down from 62 last season, but his point-per-game pace is better, landing at .98 points per game, up from .93 points per game last season. His incredible work ethic was on full display both for the Barrie Colts and with Hockey Canada at the World Junior Championships. 

Future Outlook:

Once again, I must note my frustration that a player is not eligible to go to the AHL, because if there is anyone it would benefit, it's Beaudoin. He doesn't have a lot left to prove at the OHL level, but I struggle to feel like he's ready for the NHL. Given that he's one of the hardest-working players around, though, there's definitely a chance he could prove me wrong. And wherever he ends up, that team will be getting his best, without question.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

I'm not going to sugarcoat things: Dean Letourneau's freshman season with the Boston College Eagles just wasn't very good.

The forward played in 36 games for a highly regarded team and only came out with three points, leaving some—myself included—wondering if making the jump essentially right from prep school to NCAA hockey with only a couple of USHL games along the way was the right call. There are positives to be taken from the struggle, though; everyone who worked with him last season speaks highly of his good attitude and maturity and work ethic. All of those things are necessary to make it in pro hockey and, frankly, are not easy to teach.

Future Outlook:

Moving into his sophomore season at Boston College, Letourneau has a better sense of just how difficult NCAA hockey is and how his own strengths and weaknesses line up. That alone is valuable.

Later in the season last year, there were glimpses of the player that the Bruins saw when they drafted him; it stands to reason that those glimpses will show up more often and more consistently this year. I look forward to watching.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Liam Greentree scored 119 points in 64 regular-season games. I could just leave this section at that and move on. I won't, because I'd like to highlight the fact that he clearly put in the work on his defensive game this season and the fact that his maturity just continues to grow. I'm more impressed with him each time I watch him play.

Future Outlook:

What I personally am hoping for from the Los Angeles Kings with regards to Greentree is a brief tryout stint—whether that's the full nine games or not—wherein he can get a clear picture of what he needs to work on before he heads back to the OHL.

Greentree is another player for whom I desperately wish the AHL were an option, but alas. Still, you never know; he could surprise everyone and push for a spot on the Kings' roster. This is, after all, the guy who captained an admittedly crap team in his draft year and came out smelling like roses and followed it up with a 119-point season—yes, that's nearly a two-point-per-game pace. I think he's headed back to the OHL, though, and I think it will be a good opportunity to further develop both his speed and awareness. 

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Although Marek Vanacker's offense took a step back during this season, it's for an understandable reason—the left winger missed a significant amount of time with a torn labrum that required surgery, which is something that we often hear about as a hindrance for hockey players.

And let's be honest—42 points in 45 games while coming off of labral repair surgery isn't too shabby. He stood out at this summer's World Juniors Summer Showcase too, scoring two points in three games as a late invite by Team Canada. Even while playing further down the lineup, he managed to impress scouts.

Future Outlook:

Vanacker is going to head back to the Brantford Bulldogs of the OHL this fall, and, being more than a year out from surgery, I wouldn't be surprised to see his offense recover—possibly even surpass his past numbers. He's got maturity and health on his side, along with his intelligence and puck skills. He'll definitely be leaned on as one of the top guys for Brantford.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

The QMJHL's Rookie of the Year came to Shawinigan, he scored 79 points in 56 regular-season games (and a further 17 in 16 playoff games), and now he's leaving for Calgary.

Matvei Gridin, a winger brimming with confidence on and off the ice, has his sights set on turning pro after a successful QMJHL campaign. He had the most goals (36, to be clear), assists, and points by a rookie during the 24-25 season, and was named to both the QMJHL and CHL All-Rookie Teams.

Future Outlook:

This fall, Gridin will be on his third league in three years, having moved from the USHL to the QMJHL and now to the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers. And hey, more power to him—he seems to be leveling up each season. Gridin being right in the Flames' backyard, where they can monitor and keep their hands in his development, is a good thing, and none of us should be surprised if he ends up being named to the AHL's All-Rookie Team as well.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

During his draft season, Emil Hemming played 40 games in the top Finnish league for TPS as a 17-year-old and held his own. During the 24-25 season, Emil Hemming moved to North America and played for the Barrie Colts of the OHL.

Though he struggled at first, a solid outing at the World Junior Championships boosted his confidence and he seemed to really come into his own in the second half of the OHL season and the playoffs. He finished the regular season with 48 points in 60 games and added a further 15 points in 16 playoff games, including 8 goals.

Future Outlook:

Hemming wants to be—and his Finnish teammates want to be—the next Stars prospect to join the group of Stars players that is affectionately referred to as the "Finnish mafia".

Regardless of when he joins, it has to be a relief knowing that you're coming into a team with so many of your countrymen and thus so much built-in support. I don't know that he's quite ready for the NHL this season, but the Stars may take advantage of the fact that Hemming wasn't drafted out of the CHL and send him to the Texas Stars of the AHL if they feel he's ready.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Defenseman EJ Emery didn't have the best freshman season at the University of North Dakota if you're looking at strictly offense, only netting one point in 31 regular-season games.

Fortunately, the success of Emery's game has never hinged on offensive production. It would be a nice bonus, but his strengths have always been in his shutdown defense and his poise. He's hard to rattle and he's great at smothering opportunities by other teams' top players.

Future Outlook:

All that being said, I would like to see some increased production from Emery when he returns for his sophomore season, if only because puck-moving abilities are a must when it comes to defensemen these days.

During his draft season, he was noted as a skilled passer; we still need to see the handling itself improve. He stayed at the University of North Dakota over the summer to use the weight room and train in the offseason, so, between being more used to the league and that added strength, I'm interested to see what sort of player Emery is this season.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

When it comes to defensive abilities, puck-moving, and skating, I have nothing but praise for Ben Danford.

The Oshawa Generals defenseman may have ended up with slightly fewer points this regular season (25, down from 33) than the year before, but given how unshakeable he is defensively, it's really hard for me to complain about a teeny tiny step back in points. It's been really fun to watch him shut down everyone's high-octane offense faves in the OHL.

Future Outlook:

Danford is currently representing the Maple Leafs at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, which is always a fun opportunity for fans to see the lighter side of their favorite prospects. (Highlights from this year so far include Ryan Leonard getting into a scrum using a Slim Jim as a mic.)

He'll head to rookie camp and then training camp with the Leafs, and then it's back to Oshawa, where he'll don the captain's C again. I'm hoping to see his offensive production rise a little, but I say that only because it feels like a natural progression of his intelligence and puck-moving skills. Look to see his leadership qualities—and his skating, and his hockey sense—continue to shine on the OHL stage.

How He Performed During 2024-25 Season:

Sam O'Reilly was playing behind some huge names on the London Knights roster during the 24-25 season and still managed to net 71 points in 62 regular-season games, up from 56 points in 68 the year before. He also had 22 points in 17 playoff games and was a point-per-game player at the Memorial Cup. After the season was over, O'Reilly was acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade for Issac Howard. 

Future Outlook:

O'Reilly is probably going to have an easier time cracking the Tampa Bay Lightning's roster than he would have the Edmonton Oilers, in no small part because the Lightning's farm system just has…so much less than Edmonton. He's not there yet, though, and he'll undoubtedly be headed back to the OHL and the London Knights. It's not my ideal place for him, mostly because I think the Knights' entire setup covers its players' flaws, more in recent years than before, and insulates them from struggling. But O'Reilly will get the opportunity to shoulder more responsibility this year, and that's never a bad thing.