The 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship saw the United States win its sixth gold medal with Sweden taking silver and Czechia the bronze.

It was the perfect opportunity to see the world's most promising prospects competing on the international stage. Many, such as tournament MVP Jonathan Lekkerimäki of Sweden, top forward Cutter Gauthier of the United States and tournament scoring leader Jiří Kulich of Czechia, have already been drafted by NHL clubs.

Others, such as Canada's Macklin Celebrini, Norway's Michael Brandsegg-Nygård and Finland's Konsta Helenius, are among several promising youngsters eligible to be selected in the 2024 NHL draft.

With this year's WJC now complete and the 2023-24 NHL schedule nearing its midpoint, it's time for a new edition of our ongoing 2024 mock draft. We've based the order on the NHL standings as of Jan. 10.

Our mock draft is based on the latest prospect rankings by The Hockey News' Tony Ferrari, Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino, and the staff at Smaht Scouting. Player info and stats (as of Jan. 10) are provided by Elite Prospects, with team needs based on our previous mock draft.

You can express your views on this topic in the app comments section below.

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini

The San Jose Sharks remain at the bottom of the NHL's overall standings, making them the favorites to win the 2024 NHL draft lottery this spring.

Should those lottery balls bounce their way, they'll likely select Boston University center Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick.

The 17-year-old remains the favorite among NHL scouts and forecasters as this year's top prospect. Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News considered him a clever dual-threat scorer who has improved his defensive game this season. Josh Tessler of Smaht Scouting believes he can become a top-line asset at the NHL level.

With four goals and eight points in five games, Celebrini was Canada's leading scorer at this year's World Juniors. The six-feet, 190-pounder is also enjoying a fine rookie season with Boston University, leading his team with 11 goals and 27 points. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler ranked him among his WJC standouts.

Barring injury, Celebrini's skills and performance over the remainder of this season should ensure his place as the top prospect for this year's NHL draft class. He would make a solid addition to the Sharks' prospect pool as a potential franchise player for this rebuilding club.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Cole Eiserman

A gifted scoring left wing, Cole Eiserman of the U.S. National Under-18 Team leads his club with 29 goals and 21 assists for 50 points in 28 games.

The 17-year-old is also third in scoring among the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Juniors squad (11 goals and 16 points in 15 games) in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Despite not being chosen for the U.S. team for the World Juniors, he remains among the top prospects in this year's draft class. Sportsnet's Sam Cosentino believed being passed over for the WJC could spur him to break the USNTDP scoring record. Tessler noted that he makes an impact every time he's on the ice.

Ferrari would like to see Eiserman do more than just score, pointing out that he doesn't always use his passing ability and tends to chase down hits that take him out of the play. Nevertheless, he praised the 6'0", 196-pound winger's unreal scoring ability.

Chicago has a foundation player in 2023 first-overall pick Connor Bedard. A pure goal scorer such as Eiserman on his wing could give the Blackhawks a lethal one-two scoring punch that could accelerate their rebuilding process.

3. Ottawa Senators: Artyom Levshunov

In our previous mock draft, we had the Ottawa Senators selecting Adam Jiříček of HC Škoda Plzeň in the Czechia Extraliga. However, the season-ending knee injury he suffered at the World Juniors could have them considering another option to address their need for a skilled right-shot defenseman in their prospect pool.

The Senators could set their sights on Michigan State University's Artyom Levshunov. At 6'2" and 198 pounds, the 17-year-old Belarussian is a big-bodied blueliner with promising offensive skills. He's the Spartans' highest-scoring defenseman this season and among their top-10 scorers with 19 points in 20 games.

Consentino singled out his high-end offensive skills which enable him to play an effective transition game. Tessler was also impressed by his offensive abilities but noted his defensive positioning can be spotty at times given his tendency to pinch up in the offensive zone.

Ottawa already has two high-quality left-side defensemen with Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson but could use more blueliners of that caliber on the right side to bring more balance to its defense corps. Levshunov could address that need in a few years.

4. Anaheim Ducks: Ivan Demidov

Sitting at 16th overall during our mid-November mock draft, the Anaheim Ducks have tumbled to 29th, but that would put them in a great position to land a high-quality prospect such as Ivan Demidov of MHL club SKA-1946 St. Petersburg in Russia.

Sidelined by a knee injury until Nov. 20, the 5'11", 168-pounder is quickly making up for lost time. He sits among his club's top-10 scorers with 11 goals and 25 points in 17 games.

A versatile forward who can play right wing or center, Demidov is a skilful and creative offensive player. Ferrari praised his shot, speed, agility, playmaking and vision, though he cited a lack of consistency at times.

The Ducks are already deep in promising young centers such as Trevor Zegras, Mason McTavish and Leo Carlsson. They also acquired promising left wing Cutter Gauthier but could also use a scoring right winger.

Signed with SKA St. Petersburg through 2024-25, Demidov will benefit from another season playing with pros in the KHL.

5. Columbus Blue Jackets: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård

We cited the Columbus Blue Jackets' need for more offensive wingers in their prospect pipeline in our previous mock draft. They could consider addressing that by choosing Michael Brandsegg-Nygård of Mora IK in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan.

The 18-year-old acquitted himself well for his native Norway in the World Juniors. The 6'1", 198-pound right wing finished tied for first among its leading scorers with three goals and five points in five games. The Athletic's Scott Wheeler praised his scrappy two-way style and work ethic during the tournament.

Ferrari singled out Brandsegg-Nygård's speed, booming shot and physicality, saying he "plays hockey the way it is meant to be played." Consentino cited his attention to detail in his game that makes him effective up and down the lineup.

Smaht Scouting's Alex Appleyard pointed out that no Norwegian player has been selected in the first round of the NHL draft. Brandsegg-Nygård may not only become the first, but he also has the potential to go in the top 10.

6. Buffalo Sabres: Zeev Buium

We noted the Buffalo Sabres' need to add more left-shot defensemen to their prospect pool in our previous two mock drafts. We had them choosing Cole Hutson, but they could also opt for the University of Denver's Zeev Buium if they end up this high in the 2024 draft order.

The 18-year-old played well for the U.S. gold-medal squad at the World Juniors, leading all tournament skaters with a plus-minus of plus-11. The 6'0", 183-pounder also finished with three goals and two assists for five points. Wheeler singled out his passing ability, noting he looked dynamic at times in the offensive zone.

With 25 points in 18 games, Buium is also the Pioneers' highest-scoring defenseman and among their leading scorers. Ferrari praised his calm demeanor, strong skating and refined defensive game. Tessler considered him to be the most well-rounded defenseman in this year's draft class.

Buium will probably continue to play in the NCAA next season. Nevertheless, a left-shot blueliner with his skills could be just what the Sabres need to bring more well-rounded abilities to their defense corps down the road.

7. Minnesota Wild: Sam Dickinson

In a draft class featuring promising left-shot defensemen, Sam Dickinson of the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) is among the standouts. He could draw the attention of the Minnesota Wild if they choose to improve their long-term blue-line depth

With 36 points in 38 games, the 6'3", 194-pounder has already exceeded the 23 points in 62 games that he accumulated during his rookie campaign last season. He's the Knights' highest-scoring defenseman and among their top-10 scorers.

Ferrari praised Dickinson's all-around play, singling out his strong defensive game and improved passing. Ben Jordan of Smaht Scouting cited the 18-year-old's strong skating and considers him likely to become one of the first defenders to come off the board.

Dickinson can become the top defenseman in this draft class. He could form a strong blue-line tandem for the Wild with rising star Brock Faber, providing years of stability and high-end skill to their defense corps.

8. Montreal Canadiens: Berkly Catton

We had the Montreal Canadiens selecting Berkly Catton of the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in our previous two mock drafts. Given Kirby Dach's injury history and the Canadiens' ongoing need for scorers, the 18-year-old center remains a solid option for them.

The 5'11", 163-pounder may be slight of stature, but there's no denying his offensive skills. He leads the Chiefs with 61 points in 36 games and sits among the WHL's top-10 scorers.

Cosentino noted that he brings several different elements to his game besides his ability to score, while Ferrari praised his hockey smarts and ability to make everyone around him better.

Those traits have Catton looking like a certain top-10 pick this year. He could provide the type of second-line center skills that the rebuilding Canadiens need going forward.

9. Calgary Flames: Adam Jiříček

The Calgary Flames' first-round pick in the 2024 draft could belong to the Montreal Canadiens if it's between 20th and 32nd overall.

For now, though, we'll assume the Flames will retain this pick and use it to choose defenseman Adam Jiříček of HC Škoda Plzeň in the Czechia Extraliga. He's the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets rearguard David Jiříček.

Jiříček, 17, is considered among the top prospects in a draft deep with promising young blueliners. However, his stock could tumble following a season-ending knee injury suffered while playing for Czechia at the World Juniors.

Nevertheless, he was highly touted before this tournament. Ferrari was impressed by the youngster's ability to hold his own skating against older players in the Extraliga, and Tessler considered him to be one of the stronger defensive blueliners in this draft class.

The 6'2", 168-pounder might be a tempting option for the Flames. They could attempt to shore up the defensive depth within their prospect pool if veteran blueliners like Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev depart via trade or free agency.

10. St. Louis Blues: Carter Yakemchuk

In his third season with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen, Carter Yakemchuk is continuing to develop as a puck-moving defenseman.

The 6'3", 194-pounder has 40 points in 36 games and will soon exceed the 46 points he netted last season. He's third among Hitmen scorers and fourth among WHL blueliners.

The St. Louis Blues lack depth in right-shot defensemen among their prospects, and the 18-year-old could be among those they target in this year's draft.

Jordan believes he could rise steadily in this season's draft rankings. He considered the big blueliner a good mix of size, skill and aggressiveness, while Ferrari likes his defensive game but feels there is room for improvement.

Cosentino acknowledged the defensive challenges in Yakemchuk's game but noted his ability to produce with his deadly shot. With time and maturity, he could blossom into a good top-four NHL defenseman.

11. Arizona Coyotes: Zayne Parekh

We've previously pointed out that the Coyotes need to bolster their depth among their right-shot defense prospects. Zayne Parekh of the OHL's Saginaw Spirit could be a good fit here.

With 49 points in 35 games, the 17-year-old has already exceeded his 37 points in 50 games as an OHL rookie last season. He leads the Spirit in scoring and is among the OHL's top 15 scorers.

He is a gifted puck-moving defenseman. Cosentino noted that the puck seems to follow the 6'0", 181-pounder around. Tessler praised his passing ability, noting that he also loves to jump up on the rush to give his teammates a passing option up ice.

TFerrari was critical of Perekh's tendency to ignore defensive assignments and lack of physical play. Nevertheless, his offensive skills could make him too tempting to pass up for the Coyotes.

12. Seattle Kraken: Konsta Helenius

Previously, we had the Seattle Kraken selecting Konsta Helenius of Jukurit in Finland's Liiga, citing their need for more right wingers in their prospect pool. We'll stick with that selection in this draft as the versatile 17-year-old forward could be a good fit with them.

Capable of playing center or right wing, he put up good numbers while on loan with Jukurit. He's among its top-10 scorers with 20 points in 29 games. The 5'11", 181-pounder also had two points in seven games for Finland during the World Juniors.

In his Jan. 6 prospect analysis following the tournament, Wheeler noted that Helenius had a couple of good games with Finland and a couple of others where he was less impactful. Overall, he felt the young forward was better than his stat line in the tournament.

Cosentino singled out his quick-strike mentality when hunting pucks and in scoring position, and Ferrari noted his ability to adjust to the Liiga style and play smart two-way hockey.

13. Edmonton Oilers: Liam Greentree

The Edmonton Oilers have had an ongoing issue finding and developing top-six right wingers. Liam Greentree of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires could be someone on their radar in the first round of this year's draft.

Ferrari admires the 18-year-old's blend of skill and strength while also citing his improved defensive game. Ford singled out his goal-scoring ability and high hockey IQ, pointing out that he's improving his quirky skating style.

At 6'2" and 198 pounds, Greentree has the frame to adjust to the NHL game. His 52 points in 34 games exceeded last year's rookie output of 45 points in 61 games. He leads the Spitfires in points and is among the OHL's top-10 scorers.

He could be just what the Oilers need to improve their prospect depth at right wing. In a few years, he could be a fine addition to their scoring lines.

14. Detroit Red Wings: Nikita Artamonov

The Detroit Red Wings have the option of sending their first-round pick or the Boston Bruins' first-round pick to the Ottawa Senators as part of the conditions from last July's Alex DeBrincat trade.

For now, though, we'll assume the Wings will retain this pick and send the Bruins' selection to Ottawa.

Given the Wings' need for a right winger among their top prospects, they could cast their sights toward Nikita Artamonov of Chaika Nizhny Novgorod in Russia's MHL.

The 18-year-old has spent time this season with Chaika as well as their KHL parent club Torpedo. A versatile forward who can play either wing, the 5'11", 187-pounder has 17 points in 36 games with Torpedo this season.

Ferrari singled out Artamonov's high-paced style and believes he could become an effective player with a bit more strength and skill. Appleyard considered him to be one of the three best Russian forwards among his age group for the two years, citing his energetic style, skating and passing abilities.

15. Pittsburgh Penguins: Cayden Lindstrom

The Pittsburgh Penguins need help throughout their depleted prospect pipeline, and Cayden Lindstrom of the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers could be someone they'd be keen to select if he's available to them in this year's draft.

Ford considered the 17-year-old as one of the most intriguing players in this year's draft class. The 6'4", 216-pounder is a big-bodied versatile forward who can play center or wing. Ford compared his style of play to that of Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk.

Ferrari praised Lindstrom's smooth skating, excellent shot, impressive puck-handling and ability to power through defenders, while Cosentino believes he has the potential to become a complete NHL player.

With 46 points in 32 games, Lindstrom has already exceeded his 42-point rookie campaign of last season. He was the Tigers' leading scorer until being sidelined in December with a lower-body injury that has kept him out for six games. He is expected to return to action later this month.

16. Washington Capitals: Anton Silayev

Tony Ferrari of The Hockey News noted that the hype surrounding Anton Silayev's strong start with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) faded as his production declined.

Nevertheless, the big 17-year-old Russian could help the Washington Capitals add more left-shot blueliners to their pool of prospects.

Silayev started the season with six points in as many games, but he now has just 11 total in 47 games. Despite the decline in production, Ferrari still believes he could be molded into a solid all-around defenseman.

At 6'7" and 207 pounds, Silayev has impressive size even by NHL standards. Tessler was impressed by how well he skated for a big player and how he used his reach and big frame to break up plays. Cosentino indicated he's getting ample opportunity including time on the first power-play unit.

With his size and raw ability, Silayev could develop as he matures mentally and physically into a quality top-four defenseman. Signed through 2025-26, he'll have plenty of time in the KHL to improve his game against professionals.

17. New Jersey Devils: Luke Misa

This pick could go to the San Jose Sharks as part of the conditions of last year's Timo Meier trade if the New Jersey Devils reach the 2024 Eastern Conference Final. For now, though, we'll assume the Devils retain the pick.

With Jack Hughes and Dawson Mercer full-time roster players, the Devils could use more depth among their prospect centers. One option could be Luke Misa of the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads.

Tessler noted the 18-year-old plays a high-tempo offensive game, singling out his passing ability. Ferrari also cited those skills as well as the 5'10", 165-pounder's ability to change speed and dissect plays.

With 54 points in 38 games in his third season with the Steelheads, Misa has blown past his 43 points in 64 games last season. He's their leading scorer and sits among the OHL's top 10 in points.

18. Chicago Blackhawks (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Emil Hemming

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired the Tampa Bay Lightning's 2024 first-round pick in the Brandon Hagel trade in March 2022. It's a top-10 protected pick, but Chicago would still receive it based on the Lightning's current position in the standings.

Chicago could attempt to add a skilled right winger among its top-10 prospects. It might set its sights on Emil Hemming of TPS in Finland's Liiga.

The 17-year-old has six goals and eight points in 26 games with TPS as well as 15 points in eight games with their under-20 squad. He collected two assists for Finland at the World Juniors.

Wheeler considered him a first-rounder but felt that he required more work, citing his need to be more responsible with the puck.

Ferrari called the 6'2", 194-pounder intelligent and hard-working, considering him to be a steady and complementary player who can finish. Cosentino pointed out that opposing goaltenders have difficulty handling his shot.

19. Nashville Predators: Henry Mews

The Nashville Predators require a skilled puck-moving right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. Henry Mews of the OHL's Ottawa 67s could help them address that issue.

The 17-year-old is already on pace to exceed his 31 points in 55 games as a rookie with the 67s last season. With 30 points in 33 games, he's second among their leading scorers.

Cosentino was impressed with the 6'0", 185-pound Mews' skating and playmaking ability. Tessler raised concern about his defensive work but also appreciated his puck-handling and distribution.

Mews can spend another season in the OHL refining his defensive game, and he could develop into a solid two-way NHL blueliner who can control the power play.

20. New York Islanders: Andrew Basha

The New York Islanders are set in goal with Ilya Sorokin and possess a deep defense corps. A lack of scoring depth, however, could force them to seek a scoring forward such as Andrew Basha of the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers.

The 18-year-old is on the verge of eclipsing his 20-goal, 56-point sophomore effort of last season. With 18 goals and 55 points in 33 games, he's the Tigers' scoring leader and among the WHL's top-15 scorers.

Cosentino praised Basha's speed, puck-handling, quick shot and vision. Ferrari considered the 6'0", 185-pounder to be a creative and entertaining player.

Ferrari also noted Basha plays with an element of chaos in his game. With maturity, however, he could temper that aspect of his game and become much more effective as an offensive star.

21: Los Angeles Kings: Tij Iginla

Hall of Fame winger Jarome Iginla finished his 20-season NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings. Perhaps they'll consider adding to their depth in prospect forwards by selecting Tij Iginla of the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.

Able to play center or left wing, the 17-year-old is having a strong sophomore campaign with the Rockets. He leads his teammates with 27 goals and sits third in points with 49 in 37 games. The 6'0", 185-pounder is also fourth in goals among WHL scorers.

Ferrari noted that Tij and his father share similarities like an excellent shot and a physical edge. He also praised the younger Iginla's playmaking abilities. Tessler was impressed with his ability to disrupt an opponent's puck possession with his stick-checking.

Iginla will face considerable pressure to measure up to his Hall-of-Famer dad. But if he's developed properly within a solid farm system, he could blossom into an NHL star in his own right.

22. Philadelphia Flyers: Cole Hutson

Montreal Canadiens' defense prospect Lane Hutson continues to shine in his second season with Boston University. He also played a solid role in helping the U.S. win gold at the World Juniors. His performance could boost the draft stock of younger brother Cole Hutson of the USNTDP Under-18 team.

The Philadelphia Flyers could use a defenseman with Hutson's skills and potential among their top prospects. Slender at 5'10" and 159 pounds, his puck-moving abilities could make him a future asset on their blue line.

With 26 points in 32 games, he is his club's highest-scoring defenseman this season. He also has eight points in 13 games with their junior squad in the USHL.

Consentino cited Hutson's great understanding of time and space and how to utilize them at both ends of the ice. Committed to Boston University for next season, he'll benefit (as his brother has) from developing his skills at the NCAA level.

23. Carolina Hurricanes: Sacha Boisvert

In his second season with the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks, Sacha Boisvert is on pace to exceed last season's solid 45-point rookie performance in 57 games. With 31 points in as many games, he sits second among his teammates in points.

The 17-year-old might draw the attention of the Carolina Hurricanes. They could attempt to bolster their depth in centers among their top prospects at this year's draft.

Consentino praised Boisvert's puck-handling ability and his dazzling creativity. Tessler cited those skills as well as his great shot off the rush.

Ferrari wondered if his impressive creativity would translate to the next level. There's only one way to find out and that's by selecting the 6'2", 179-pounder and allowing him to prove himself.

24. Toronto Maple Leafs: Alfons Freij

Replenishing their depth among their prospect defensemen should be a priority for the Toronto Maple Leafs. One option could be Alfons Freij of the Växjö Lakers HC of Sweden's J20 Nationell.

Ferrari believes the 17-year-old could be the defenseman with the most value in this year's draft. He praised the 6'1", 192-pound Swede's skating and ability to strip opponents of the puck.

Ferrari noted that his offensive game is still developing. Nevertheless, he has nine goals and 23 points in 29 games thus far.

Given time and development, Freij could blossom into a skilful two-way NHL defenseman. He would be a good starting point for the Leafs as they restock their prospect pipeline.

25. Vegas Golden Knights: Trevor Connelly

Assuming the defending Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights don't trade their 2024 first-round pick at the March 8 trade deadline for a playoff rental player, they'll use it to replenish their depleted prospect pool.

One option could be forward Trevor Connelly of the USHL's Tri-City Storm.

Capable of skating at center or right wing, the 17-year-old leads the Storm with 35 points in 25 games. He's on pace for an 82-point sophomore performance, which will be a significant improvement over last season's 47 points in 57 games.

Consentino believes Connelly needs to build on his 6'1", 156-pound frame, but he praised the youngster's dynamic ability to drive play and produce points. Ferrari singled out his vision and puck-handling skills.

The Golden Knights have traded draft picks and prospects for established talent in the past. At some point, however, they must restock their prospect pipeline. Connelly could end up becoming one of their most promising young players.

26. Dallas Stars: Ryder Ritchie

We had the Dallas Stars choosing Ryder Ritchie of the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders in our previous mock draft. Given their need to stock up on prospect wingers, they could select him if available to them at this stage of the first round.

Currently sidelined since before Christmas with a lower-body injury, Ritchie sits second among the Raiders in scoring with 31 points in 34 games. The 6'0", 174-pound winger is slightly ahead of the pace that saw him net 55 points in 61 games as a rookie last season.

Cosentino noted his production had slowed but believes that dip won't last for long. Jordan doesn't see him falling out of the first round, citing his quick hands and foot speed.

Ritchie may be having a bit of a sophomore slump with the Raiders, but he has the skills that could make him a potential top-six NHL forward. He could prove to be a worthwhile addition to the Stars one day.

27. Philadelphia Flyers (via Florida Panthers): Michael Hage

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired this pick when they traded Claude Giroux to the Florida Panthers in March 2022. It is top-10 protected, but it will end up with the Flyers based on the Panthers' current position in the standings.

We noted in our previous mock draft that the Flyers could use some depth at center among their top prospects. Michael Hage, 17, of the USHL's Chicago Steel could be a candidate to address that need.

Ferrari praised his passing ability and shot location, while Tessler cited the 6'1", 190-pound center's speed and two-way abilities.

With 14 goals and 17 assists for 31 points in 28 games, Hage leads the Steel in all three offensive categories. He's on pace for 30 goals and 66 points.

28. New York Rangers: Anthony Cristoforo

The New York Rangers' need for right-shot defensemen among their prospects was the reason why we had them choosing Anthony Cristoforo of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires in our previous mock draft. We still believe he could be a suitable option for them at this stage of the round.

Cristoforo got off to a strong start to this season with the Spitfires, but his production has slowed a bit since then. Nevertheless, the 5'11", 181-pound defenseman is among their leading scorers with 24 points in 37 games.

Consentino believes it's tough to project what he might be at the next level, but he praised the 17-year-old blueliner's work ethic and hockey smarts.

He also noted Cristoforo was underrated entering the OHL and could be the same at the NHL level. That could make him a diamond in the rough for the Rangers.

29. Detroit Red Wings (via Boston Bruins): Maxim Massé

Maxim Massé was the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year in the Canadian Hockey League. While the 17-year-old right wing has struggled a bit in his sophomore season with the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League's Chicoutimi Saguenéens, he could still help the Detroit Red Wings address their need to restock on prospect right wings.

The Red Wings received this pick last March from the Boston Bruins as part of the return for Tyler Bertuzzi. While it's top-10 protected, they would still get this selection based on the Bruins' current position in the standings.

Consentino noted Massé has the benefit of size and shooting from the right side. While noting the 6'2', 192-pounder has been steady, he felt he hasn't "spiked the needle" at any point this season. Nevertheless, he leads the Saguenéens with 36 points in 40 games.

Massé could turn things around with a strong second half. It could be a mistake for clubs to pass him over in the first round given his potential as a scoring winger.

30. Colorado Avalanche: Matvei Shuravin

In our previous mock draft, we had the Colorado Avalanche selecting Matvei Shuravin of Krasnaya Armiya Moskva in Russia's MHL to boost their left-side depth among their prospect defensemen. We're sticking with that selection in this draft.

Tessler called the 17-year-old a solid defensive-minded blueliner who uses his power stride to take away space from opponents. He can also move the pucks quickly in transition with his puck control and quick distribution but needs improvement in the defensive zone.

Shuravin has seven points in 20 games with Krasnaya Armiya Moskva. The 6'2", 172-pound defenseman also picked up two points in eight games in the KHL with CSKA Moskva.

Consentino noted Shuravin dominates in the MHL but had mixed results in the KHL. Still, he could improve with time and maturity.

A defensive-minded blueliner with good size who skates well could fit in with a team that moves the puck with skill like the Avalanche.

31. Vancouver Canucks: Igor Chernyshov

The Vancouver Canucks could look at adding a skilled left winger to their prospect pool. Igor Chernyshov, 18, of MHK Dynamo Moskva would make an enticing option if available at this stage of the draft.

Tessler projected the 6'2", 192-pounder as a power forward. Ferrari praised his work ethic and forechecking skills, while Consentino singled out his ability to create space.

Chernyshov has two points in 21 games while seeing limited minutes with KHL Mosvka Dynamo, but he's shown promise with their junior club, scoring 10 goals and 19 points in 17 games.

Signed through 2024-25, Chernyshov will have at least another season to develop his skills playing against pros at the KHL level. That could help him on his path to the NHL.

32. Winnipeg Jets: Daniil Ustinkov

Defenseman Daniil Ustinkov of ZSC Lions in Switzerland's National League was considered to be one of the more impressive prospects in this draft class by Ferrari, who praised the 17-year-old's maturity, calm demeanor and passing skill skating against professional players.

Those attributes could make the 6'0", 198-pounder enticing to the Winnipeg Jets. As we noted in our previous mock draft, they could use more depth among their blue-line prospects.

Ustinkov has one point in 18 games with ZSC Lions as well as 11 games with second-tier club GC Küsnacht Lions. He collected two assists in five games with Switzerland in the World Juniors. Wheeler cited his ability to read the play and his active stick.

Given his youth and raw talent, Ustinkov will spend at least another season or two in Switzerland where he will continue to hone his skills at the professional level, but he could flourish into a reliable top-four NHL defenseman.