The NHL trade deadline has passed for another year. With the market now quiet until the offseason, the focus shifts toward the teams jockeying for playoff positions until the end of the regular season on April 18.

While many of the moves made by the trade deadline could affect the playoff race, they could also determine which non-playoff clubs stand the best odds of winning the 2024 NHL draft lottery, which will likely be in late April or early May.

Some of the recent activity in the trade market involved the swap of first-round picks, and that could also be a determining factor in which clubs end up in contention for the lottery. With some of the recent changes in the standings, this is an opportune time to revisit and revise our previous 2024 NHL mock draft.

What hasn't changed is Macklin Celebrini remaining the top prospect in this year's class. The 17-year-old Boston University center continues to receive high marks among the scouts, topping NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings.

We've based our updated mock draft on the NHL overall standings as of March 13, 2024. Player info is from Elite Prospects, and team needs are based on The Athletic's 2024 NHL prospect pool rankings compiled by Scott Wheeler.

Prospect evaluation is by NHL.com's Mike G. Morreale, Sportsnet's Jason Bukala, Daily Faceoff's Steven Ellis and Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News.

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini

Macklin Celebrini is the overwhelming favorite as the top prospect in the 2024 draft class, and he will be a welcome addition to the rebuilding San Jose Sharks.

While center Will Smith is considered their top prospect, the opportunity to add a player with Celebrini's star potential will be too tempting to pass up.

With 29 goals and 54 points in 32 games, the 17-year-old is Boston University's leading scorer. The 6'0", 190-pound center is among this season's leading contenders for the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in NCAA hockey.

NHL Central Scouting placed Celebrini atop its midterm North American prospect rankings for 2024. Director Dan Marr considers him to be an NHL All-Star in the making.

"He is playing at an enviable level all on his own and it's truly impressive how he's able to thrive in every environment he plays," he said.

Sportsnet's Jason Bukala believes Celebrini is "an elite play driver," praising his competitiveness while calling him a complete player. Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News called the young center "skilled, competitive, and incredibly smart."

The Sharks are in the early stages of a major roster rebuilding plan. Adding Celebrini as their foundation player could help them accelerate that process.

2. Chicago Blackhawks: Ivan Demidov

Chicago hit the jackpot last year when they won the draft lottery and chose generational center Connor Bedard. However, they lack a skilled right winger among their top five prospects who could one day skate alongside the 18-year-old.

They could look to Ivan Demidov from SKA-1946 Saint Petersburg of Russia's Junior League (MHL) to address that need.

The 18-year-old began the season sidelined by a knee injury until Nov. 20. The 5'11", 168-pounder has since been tearing up in the MHL with 23 goals and 60 points in just 30 games to lead his club in scoring. He's also second in the MHL scoring race.

NHL Central Scouting ranked him third among international skaters in its midterm rankings.

That phenomenal performance impressed many scouts. Bukala singled out his "top-line upside" pace, release and ability to make plays coming off the boards. Ellis called him "one of the most creative, speedy and offensively dominant forwards out of Russia we've seen in years."

Demidov is also a prospect of the Kontinental Hockey League club SKA St. Petersburg. Under contract with them through next season, it could be three or four seasons before he's allowed to play in the NHL. By then, his experience could turn him into an instant star.

3. Anaheim Ducks: Artyom Levshunov

We had the Anaheim Ducks selecting Ivan Demidov in our previous mock draft, citing their need for a scoring right winger among their top prospects.

If Chicago chooses Demidov, Anaheim could instead look toward adding a right-shot defenseman such as Michigan State's Artyom Levshunov.

The Ducks possess promising left-shot blueliners Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger on their roster, but Tristan Luneau is the only right-shot rearguard among their top-10 prospects.

Adding someone with Levshunov's size and skills would provide a more balanced future blue line.

At 6'2" and 209 pounds, the 18-year-old already possesses good NHL size for a young defenseman. With 32 points in 34 games, he's second among Michigan State's leading scorers.

NHL Central Scouting lists Levshunov at No. 2 among North American skaters in its midterm rankings. Morreale praised his defensive abilities, poise and ability to get shots through on the power play, while Kennedy believes his size, strength and two-way game could help him quickly crack an NHL roster.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cole Eiserman

In our previous mock drafts, we cited the Columbus Blue Jackets' need to bolster the scoring wingers in their prospect pool. And the opportunity to select Cole Eiserman from the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) could be a tempting option.

Ranked eighth among North American skaters in a draft class heavy with defensemen, the 18-year-old's skills as a goal scorer are evident in his stats. Of his team-leading 70 points, 45 are goals. He's also the top scorer (21) on their United States Hockey League (USHL) squad.

Ellis considers Eiserman's shot as elite as it gets at this level and praised his physical style. Kennedy believes he is the best goal scorer in this draft class.

Eiserman's one-dimensional game puts him at risk of being chosen lower in this round, but the Blue Jackets' ongoing need for scoring punch could make him a good fit alongside promising center Adam Fantilli.

5. Ottawa Senators: Zayne Parekh

The Ottawa Senators must forfeit a first-round pick for the role that its former management played in an invalidated trade in March 2022 involving forward Evgenii Dadonov. They must decide within 24 hours after the draft lottery whether they'll give up this year's selection.

Given the Senators' place in the overall standings, they could retain their 2024 pick and use it to bring in a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. There's a longstanding need to bolster depth at that position on their roster. This pick won't provide immediate help, but it could be beneficial in addressing that issue for the long term.

Zayne Parekh, 18, of the Saginaw Spirit in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) could be the best option if Artyom Levshunov gets chosen earlier in this draft.

A gifted puck-moving defenseman, the 6'0", 181-pounder has 31 goals and leads the Spirit with 56 assists and 87 points. He's also the leading scorer among all OHL blueliners.

Ellis said Parekh could be a 50-point producer at the NHL level though his defensive game remains a work in progress, and Bukala projects him to be a potential top-pairing blueliner.

6. Arizona Coyotes: Anton Silayev

We had the Coyotes choosing Zayne Parekh in our previous mock draft to add another right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. If he's not available, they might opt for a left-shot blueliner given the depth in quality defenders in this year's draft.

Anton Silayev could be too good to ignore for the Coyotes. The 6'7", 207-pounder plays for KHL club Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod and sits No. 2 among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting in their midterm rankings.

Morreale singled out the 17-year-old's strength, long reach and physical play, while Kennedy praised the blueliner's potential, skating and ability to contribute offensively.

Silayev has 11 points in 63 regular-season games for Torpedo this season and two points in five playoff games. He's under contract with them through 2025-26, giving him plenty of time to develop his game against professional talent.

7. Montreal Canadiens: Cayden Lindstrom

The Montreal Canadiens need to boost to bolster their depth at center on their roster and prospect pool.

We had them choosing Berkly Catton of the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in our previous mock draft, but they could also prefer someone like Cayden Lindstrom of the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers.

Lindstrom has been sidelined since Dec. 16 due to an upper-body injury, but NHL Central Scouting has him at No. 3 among North American skaters in its midterm prospect rankings.

Before he got hurt, the 18-year-old had 27 goals and 46 points in 32 games this season for the Tigers. He's a big forward at 6'4" and 216 pounds, but he uses his size well.

The Canadiens could use someone with his big frame and skills centering their second line behind captain Nick Suzuki one day.

Bukala pointed out that Lindstrom has played against top-line talent with a physical offensive style, projecting him as a top-line NHL power center. Morreale noted that every scout he's spoken with thinks highly of the teenager despite how much time he's missed.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins: Zeev Buium

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded their 2024 first-round pick last August to the San Jose Sharks in the Erik Karlsson trade.

However, that pick is top-10 protected, meaning the Penguins will get to keep it given their current place in the standings and instead send their 2025 pick to the Sharks.

They could use this year's selection on Zeev Buium of the Denver Pioneers.

With a depleted prospect pool, Pittsburgh needs all the help it can get. Adding a promising defenseman with the 18-year-old's skills should help it improve its prospect depth as it builds for the future.

Ranked fourth among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Buium is third among Denver's scorers with 43 points in 34 games. The 6'0", 183-pound defenseman also starred for Team USA's gold-medal team at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Morreale praised Buium's skating and hockey smarts, and Bukala believes he'll become a top-pairing, two-way transitional defenseman.

9. New Jersey Devils: Liam Greentree

This year's draft is deep in promising defensemen, but the New Jersey Devils have blueliners Šimon Nemec and Seamus Casey as their top two prospects. They could opt for a skillful young right winger like Liam Greentree of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires.

While the Devils already have two right-wingers among their top prospects in Lenni Hämeenaho and Graeme Clarke, adding someone with Greentree's potential could be too tempting to pass on.

The 18-year-old Spitfires' captain leads his club with 33 goals and 51 assists for 84 points, sitting 12th among OHL scorers.

Ellis pointed out how well the 6'2", 198-pounder uses his big frame effectively as a power forward. Bukala noted his better-than-average defensive play, suggesting he could one day become a top-six NHL winger alongside smaller, equally skilled linemates.

Sitting 12th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings, Greentree could have a bright future with the Devils.

Perhaps he could end up skating alongside centers Nico Hischier or Jack Hughes on their top two lines.

10. Buffalo Sabres: Sam Dickinson

The Athletic's Scott Wheeler ranks the Buffalo Sabres' prospect pipeline as the NHL's best this season. They're well-stocked in forwards but missing a defenseman among their top-five prospects. Fortunately for them, this year's draft is deep in quality blueliners.

We had the Sabres selecting Denver's Zeev Buium in our previous mock draft. If he's unavailable by this point in the first round, they could choose Sam Dickinson from the OHL's London Knights.

Ellis cited the 17-year-old's all-around skills and ability to play big minutes, praising his poise and hockey smarts. Kennedy considers the 6'3", 194-pound blueliner to be on the fast track to the NHL, pointing to his offense and strong physical defensive game.

With 66 points in 63 games, Dickinson is the Knights' highest-scoring defenseman, sitting fifth among their scorers. He's also fourth in scoring among OHL blueliners.

11. Calgary Flames: Tij Iginla

The Calgary Flames' 2024 first-round pick could belong to the Montreal Canadiens if it meets several conditions. We'll assume for now that they'll retain this selection and use it on Tij Iginla of the WHL's Kelowna Rockets.

The forward's name will be familiar to hockey fans. The 17-year-old is the son of Jarome Iginla, who spent most of his Hall of Fame career with the Flames.

With Jarome now the special advisor to Calgary general manager (and former linemate) Craig Conroy, it's not difficult to imagine them choosing Tij with this pick.

The 6'0, 185-pounder is considered among the top prospects in this year's class. He leads the Rockets with 45 goals and sits second in points with 78 in 59 games, sixth overall among WHL goal scorers. He is 11th among NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters.

Like his famous father, Iginla is a natural goal scorer. Morreale lauded his offensive talent, speed and instincts, while Ellis said he has top-six NHL forward potential, noting his strength and pace.

12. Seattle Kraken: Berkly Catton

The Seattle Kraken could opt to add a skilled defenseman to their prospect pipeline, but they could shift their focus toward adding a scoring forward from their backyard by choosing Berkly Catton from the WHL's Spokane Chiefs.

At 5'11 and 163 pounds, the 18-year-old is a small but talented forward. He leads the Chiefs with 50 goals and 107 points in 63 games and is third among the WHL's leading scorers. NHL Central Scouting has him at ninth among North American skaters on its midterm rankings.

Kennedy praised Catton's talent and hockey smarts. Bukala singled out his crafty play, noting that he's difficult to play against and is a potential first-line NHL scoring forward.

Drafting Catton would create considerable buzz among Seattle fans. He could go on to play a key role in the Kraken's long-term plans.

13. Washington Capitals: Konsta Helenius

The Washington Capitals could attempt to add a center to their top prospects now that Hendrix Lapierre is spending more time on their roster.

And they could add a versatile forward who can play center or right wing such as Konsta Helenius of Jukurit in Finland's Liiga.

With 36 points in 51 games, the 17-year-old is seventh among Jukurit's scorers. He also played for Finland at the 2024 World Junior Championship. NHL Central Scouting placed him as the top player among international skaters in its midterm rankings.

Ellis noted the 5'11, 181-pounder is deceptively strong, battles hard for possession and has a high hockey IQ. Bukala praised his speed and playmaking ability, calling him a threat off the rush.

The Capitals are transitioning toward younger players, and Helenius would be a good addition to their ranks.

14. Minnesota Wild: Adam Jiříček

With Brock Faber has enjoying an impressive rookie season for the Minnesota Wild, they lack a skilled right-shot defenseman in their prospect pipeline. They could rectify that by selecting Adam Jiříček of HC Škoda Plzeň in the Czechia Extraliga.

The 17-year-old suffered a season-ending knee injury at the 2024 World Junior Championship, but NHL Central Scouting still has him at No. 4 among international skaters on its midterm rankings.

The younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets rearguard David Jiříček, the 6'2", 168-pound Adam is a rangy defenseman. Bukala says he has the ability and hockey sense to become a second-pairing NHL blueliner.

Morreale believes teams will want to meet with Jiříček at this June's draft combine to get an update on his condition. Given his potential, he could be worth the risk for the Wild if he's fully recovered and has a good combine.

15. St. Louis Blues: Carter Yakemchuk

We noted in our previous mock draft that the St. Louis Blues lack a right-shot defenseman among their top prospects. They could address this by choosing Carter Yakemchuk of the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.

Listed at No. 6 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's midterm rankings, the 18-year-old is second among Hitmen scorers with 63 points in 61 games. He's fifth among WHL defensemen in points.

Bukala considers the 6'3", 194-pounder among the most intriguing prospects in this year's draft, singling out his skating and his transitional game. Morreale called him positionally sound, citing his long reach and ability to battle along the boards.

A big, rangy two-way defenseman like Yakemchuk could be a good fit for the Blues. He could become a solid addition to their first or second defense pairing in a few years.

16. Detroit Red Wings: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård

Per the conditions of the Alex DeBrincat trade last July, the Detroit Red Wings have the option of sending their pick or the Boston Bruins' first-rounder to the Ottawa Senators. Based on the standings, we'll assume the Red Wings will retain this selection.

Wheeler ranked the Red Wings at No. 2 in his 2024 NHL Prospect Pipeline rankings. However, they lack a right wing among that group and could select Michael Brandsegg-Nygård of Mora IK in Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan.

Brandsegg-Nygård, 18, sits eighth among Mora IK skaters with 18 points in 41 games. The 6'1", 198-pound Norwegian also has 12 points in seven games with their J20 Nationell roster and had five points in as many games for Norway at the 2024 World Junior Championship.

NHL Central Scouting lists him at No. 6 among international skaters on its midterm ranking.

Ellis believes Brandsegg-Nygård has a good mix of strength and skill in his game, while Morreale likes his hard-working, two-way style, quickness, decision-making and vision.

17. New York Islanders: Sacha Boisvert

Wheeler ranked the New York Islanders' prospect pipeline at No. 32 as years of trading first-round picks and shipping out other assets left it depleted. They need to start restocking, developing and retaining talent.

Sacha Boisvert of the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks could be someone on their radar in the draft. The 17-year-old sits second among their scoring leaders with 30 goals and 55 points in 51 games.

Morreale singled out the 6'2", 179-pounder's size, strength and competitiveness, noting he takes pride in his two-way game and faceoff success. Bukala noted that his skating has improved and he is difficult to defend in small areas.

Boisvert's size and solid two-way game could fit well within the Islanders' system under general manager Lou Lamoriello. He could become a good second-line center at the NHL level.

18. Chicago Blackhawks (via Tampa Bay Lightning): Trevor Connelly

As per terms of the March 2022 Brandon Hagel trade, the Tampa Bay Lightning sent their 2024 first-rounder to the Chicago Blackhawks. It's a top-10 protected pick, but it will still go to Chicago based on the current standings.

We have Chicago selecting Ivan Demidov with its own first-round pick. With this one, it could bolster its left-wing depth among their prospects. One option could be Trevor Connelly of the USHL's Tri-City Storm.

Connelly has some off-ice issues that could raise a red flag, and he's since been involved in diversity training and volunteer work. Speaking with Kennedy, he said he's taken responsibility for his actions, insisting that he's moved on and done a lot to become a better person.

Ranked at No. 5 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, Connelly leads the Storm with 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points and sits fifth among USHL scorers.

Ellis noted that he's been lighting up the USHL this season, while Morreale singled out his speed, skills and vision.

19. Philadelphia Flyers: Aron Kiviharju

The Philadelphia Flyers have just three defensemen among their top-15 prospects. Aron Khiviharju of HIFK in Finland's Liiga could be an option available to them at this stage of the draft to address that issue.

Sitting seventh on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of international skaters, he isn't very big for a defenseman at 5'10" and 165 pounds. He tallied two points in seven games before becoming sidelined by a lower-body injury in October, but he's considered to be among the best defense prospects in this year's draft.

Morreale indicated that Khiviharju has a good feel for the game with a lot of strength in the tough areas of the ice, and Ellis cited his passing and speed.

Khiviharju might have ranked much higher had he been healthier this season, and he could be a steal for the Flyers if he develops as projected.

20. Vegas Golden Knights: Michael Hage

The Vegas Golden Knights didn't trade away their 2024 first-rounder in a flurry of deals leading up to the March 8 trade deadline, but they did ship out prospect center David Edstrom to the San Jose Sharks in the Tomáš Hertl move on deadline day.

Edstrom was the Golden Knights' top prospect up to that point, but they could attempt to replace him by selecting Michael Hage of the USHL's Chicago Steel.

The 17-year-old is ranked No. 19 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. The Steel's leading scorer with 57 points in 45 games, the 6'1", 190-pound center sits fifth among USHL scorers.

Ellis praised Hage's offensive skills but believes he'd be ranked higher if his defensive game was a little better. Bukala noted how well he creates and his terrific shot on the power play.

21. Los Angeles Kings: Igor Chernyshov

Lacking skilled left wingers among their top prospects, the Los Angeles Kings could look to fix that problem with their first-round pick in this year's draft. One option is 18-year-old Igor Chernyshov of MHK Dynamo Moscow in Russia's MHL junior league.

Ranked ninth among international skaters by NHL Central Scouting, the 6'2", 192-pounder is sixth among Dynamo scorers with 13 goals and 28 points in 22 games. He also has three goals and four points seeing limited minutes in 34 games with its KHL parent club.

Bukala noted that Chernyshov doesn't have elite numbers in either league but is showing signs of moving to a higher level with his offensive play. Morreale says he has power-forward potential.

Chernyshov is under contract with Dynamo Moscow through 2024-25. Having that extra time playing against KHL professionals should help to bring out the best in his game.

22. Nashville Predators: Henry Mews

In our previous mock draft, we had the Nashville Predators selecting Henry Mews of the OHL's Ottawa 67s because they lack a skilled right-shot defenseman among their top-10 prospects. It remains an issue that the 18-year-old could help them address.

With 57 points in 60 games, Mews is the leading scorer among the 67s defensemen and is third among their scoring leaders. The 6'0", 185-pounder is also seventh in points among OHL blueliners.

Mews is ranked 27th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. As this is his sophomore season in the OHL, he'll likely spend at least another year with the 67s as he hones his defensive abilities.

Bukala noted that Mews' defensive game remains a work in progress but doesn't deny his offensive skills. Morreale considers him a well-conditioned offensive blueliner with good hockey sense and a highly competitive nature.

23. Toronto Maple Leafs: EJ Emery

The right side of the blue line has been an ongoing concern for the Toronto Maple Leafs. With one right-hand shot defenseman among their top-10 prospects, they could look for size and a future shutdown presence in the 6'3", 185-pound EJ Emery.

Skating this season with the U.S. National under-18 team, the 17-year-old had 10 points in 47 games. He also had five points in 21 games with the USNTDP's squad in the USHL. While those offensive stats are low, his defensive game is his strength.

Ellis praised Emery's strength, skating, and solid defensive game, and Bukala believes he could become an efficient two-way/shutdown blueliner at the NHL level.

Playing in the NCAA next season allows Emery to build on his defensive game while working on his offensive play. He could become a big defensive right-side presence that the Leafs are missing.

24. Anaheim Ducks (via Edmonton Oilers): Ryder Ritchie

The Anaheim Ducks acquired the Edmonton Oilers' 2024 first-rounder as part of the return in the Adam Henrique trade on March 6, and we have them choosing defenseman Artyom Levshunov with their own first-round selection earlier in this round.

With this additional pick, they could consider adding a scoring right winger among their top-five prospects. Ryder Ritchie, 17, of the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders could be a good choice.

Despite being sidelined for two months by a lower-body injury, the 6'0!, 174-pounder is ranked 16th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. With 18 goals and 38 points in 42 games, he's sixth among the Raiders' leading scorers.

Morreale noted Ritchie's competitiveness, quick acceleration, big shot and keen vision with the puck, while Bukala liked his mix of will and skill.

25. Carolina Hurricanes: Dean Letourneau

The Carolina Hurricanes traded prospect Vasili Ponomarev to the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline as part of the return for Jake Guentzel. That leaves them with just one center (Ryan Suzuki) among their top-10 prospects.

Dean Letourneau of St. Andrew's College in Ontario's U18 AAA league could be an interesting choice. The 18-year-old is ranked 20th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

At 6'7" and 209 pounds, he dominates the U18 AAA high school league with 127 points in 56 games. He also played two games with the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede.

Ellis observed that Letourneau moves well for someone his size. He uses his big frame as a net-front presence and dominates with puck possession.

He is committed to Boston College in 2025-26 where he'll have a great opportunity to mature and hone his skills. He won't have an immediate impact on the Hurricanes but could become a promising scoring center in a few years.

26. Montreal Canadiens (via Winnipeg Jets): Emil Hemming

The Winnipeg Jets sent their 2024 first-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens as part of the return in the Sean Monahan trade on Feb. 2.

We have the Canadiens using their earlier pick on center Cayden Lindstrom. With this selection, they could consider adding a scoring right winger such as Emil Hemming of Finland's Liiga team TPS.

A rookie with TPS this season, the 17-year-old has seven goals and 11 points in 40 games seeing limited ice time. NHL Central Scouting has him at No. 5 on its ranking of international skaters.

Ellis believes Hemming has the tools to become a second-line NHL forward if he improves his skating, while Morreale points out that the 6'2", 194-pounder plays a power-forward game.

Hemming is under contract with TPS for another season, which will allow him to improve his speed while honing his other skills. Over time, he could become a worthwhile second-line power forward.

27. Dallas Stars: Terik Parascak

Having promoted Logan Stankoven into their roster, the Dallas Stars lack a right winger among their top-10 prospects. Terik Parascak of the WHL's Prince George Cougars could be on their radar in this year's draft.

The 17-year-old is enjoying a fine rookie season with the Cougars. He's third among their leading scorers with 94 points in 63 games, including 36 goals. The 5'11", 179-pound winger is among the WHL's top-10 scorers.

Bukala cited Parascak's offensive stats and also praised his hockey sense and commitment. Morreale pointed out that his speed, vision and hockey smarts enable him to play the power play and the penalty kill.

Parascak will spend at least another season in the WHL, and his two-way skills could make him a solid addition to the Stars' prospect pipeline.

28. Colorado Avalanche: Charlie Elick

Despite a flurry of trades to bolster their roster before the March 8 deadline, the Colorado Avalanche didn't part with their 2024 first-round pick or top prospects.

Considering how shallow they are with their prospect depth, they'll need to start replenishing it this year.

The Avalanche lack a right-shot defenseman in their prospect pipeline. Charlie Elick, 18, of the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings could be someone on their radar.

Ranked 28th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, the 6'3", 198-pounder has 26 points in 62 games this season with the Wheat Kings.

Ellis calls him one of the best skaters in this draft class. He also noted that Elick needs to improve his play with the puck but believes he has the skills to become a solid first-rounder. Given more time at the junior and minor-pro levels, he could be a strong addition to the Avalanche defense corps.

29. New York Rangers: Spencer Gill

The Rangers lack a right-shot defenseman in their prospect pool, and Spencer Gill of the Rimouski Oceanic in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) could be one option available to them at this stage of the first round.

The 17-year-old is ranked 38th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, but Morreale has him cracking the top 32 of his prospect rankings. He cited his puck-moving abilities and improved defensive playing, noting that some scouts compare his game to that of Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews.

That kind of comparison could push Gill higher into the first round. The 6'3", 179-pound blueliner's 40 points in 61 games put him eighth among the Oceanic's leading scorers this season.

The Rangers' deep defense corps means they're in no rush to promote a prospect right-hand defenseman. That would allow Gill time to continue developing his game in the QMJHL and polish his skills in New York's farm system.

30. Ottawa Senators (via Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings): Beckett Sennecke

As part of the conditions of last season's Tyler Bertuzzi trade, the Detroit Red Wings received the Boston Bruins' 2024 first-round pick.

The Bruins could retain the selection if it's in the top 10, but it will go to the Red Wings based on the current standings.

Under the conditions of the Alex DeBrincat trade, the Red Wings can send their 2024 first-rounder or this pick to the Ottawa Senators. Based on the standings, the Wings will likely send the Bruins' pick to the Senators as that one is lower in the draft order.

We have the Senators choosing defenseman Zayne Parekh with their first-rounder. They could add to their forward lines by selecting Beckett Sennecke of the OHL's Oshawa Generals.

Sennecke, 18, sits third among the Generals' scoring leaders with 60 points in 59 games. The 6'2", 181-pound winger is 15th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting's rankings.

Morreale is impressed by Sennecke's solid two-way game and work ethic, and Bukala appreciates his overall talent and believes he could have even more impact if he adds more weight and strength to his lanky frame.

31. Calgary Flames (via Vancouver Canucks): Maxim Massé

The Calgary Flames obtained this pick from the Vancouver Canucks as part of the return in the Elias Lindholm trade on Jan. 31. With this selection, they could opt for a scoring forward such as Maxim Massé of the QMJHL's Chicoutimi Saguenéens.

We had the Calgary Flames selecting Tij Iginla with their first-rounder earlier in this draft. Choosing the 17-year-old Massé will add another right-winger among their top-10 prospects. That could be crucial with top prospect Matt Coronato seeing more playing time with the Flames this season.

Morreale praised Massé's goal-scoring abilities, while Bukala likes the 6'1', 181-pound winger's combination of size and skill, pointing out that he's difficult to defend against.

NHL Central Scouting has Massé sitting 23rd among North American skaters in its midterm prospect rankings. He leads the Saguenéens with 31 goals and 67 points in 63 games.

32. Philadelphia Flyers (via Florida Panthers): Andrew Basha

The Philadelphia Flyers received this pick as part of the return from the Florida Panthers in the Claude Giroux trade in March 2022.

It is top-10 protected, but with the Panthers sitting atop the overall standings, this pick will belong to the Flyers.

We had the Flyers choosing defenseman Aron Khiviharju with their own pick earlier in this round. They could use this selection to add a left winger like Andrew Basha of the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers to their prospect pipeline.

The 18-year-old sits third on the Tigers with 79 points in 59 games this season. NHL Central Scouting has the 6'0", 185-pounder listed at No. 18 among North American skaters in its midterm prospect rankings.

Ellis was impressed by how well Basha adjusted to different roles, singling out his power-play experience and playmaking skills. Bukala likes his mix of skill and tenacity.