The 2023-24 NHL regular season is winding down, and while some teams are preparing to contend for the Stanley Cup, others will be shifting their focus to the 2024 draft.

While the 2024 NHL Draft lottery hasn't yet been announced, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff reported last month that it could be held on May 6 or 7.

The San Jose Sharks, which sit last in the league with a 17-49-8 record and 42 points, currently have the best odds to land the No. 1 overall pick.

The Chicago Blackhawks, which landed Connor Bedard at No. 1 last season, and the Anaheim Ducks also hold the second and third-best odds, respectively, at the first overall selection this year.

Here's a look at an updated first-round mock for this year's NHL draft. The draft order is provided by Tankathon.

1st-Round Mock Draft

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini, C, Boston University (NCAA)
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov, D, Michigan State University (NCAA)
3. Anaheim Ducks: Cole Eiserman, F, USNTDP
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom, F, Medicine Hat (WHL)
5. Arizona Coyotes: Ivan Demidov, F, SKA-1946 (MHL)
6. Montreal Canadiens: Sam Dickinson, LD, London (OHL)
   
7. Ottawa Senators: Zayne Parekh, RD, Saginaw (OHL)
8. Calgary Flames: Carter Yakemchuk, RD, Calgary (WHL)
   
9. Buffalo Sabres: Berkly Catton, F, Spokane (WHL)
10. New Jersey Devils: Zeev Buium, D, University of Denver (NCAA)
11. Seattle Kraken: Anton Silayev, D, Torpedo (KHL)
12. San Jose Sharks (From Pittsburgh Penguins): Tij Iginla, F, Kelowna (WHL)
13. New York Islanders: Konsta Helenius, F, Tappara (Liiga)
14. Philadelphia Flyers: Adam Jiricek, D, HC Plzen (Czechia)
15. Minnesota Wild: Liam Greentree, F, Windsor (OHL)
16. St. Louis Blues: Igor Chernyshov, F, MHK Dynamo Moskova (MHL)
17. Detroit Red Wings: Ryder Ritchie, F, Prince Albert (WHL)
18. Washington Capitals: Michael Brandsegg-Nygård, F, Mora IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
19. Los Angeles Kings: Sacha Boisvert, F, Muskegon (USHL)
20. Nashville Predators: Michael Hage, F, Chicago (USHL)
21. Chicago Blackhawks (From Tampa Bay Lightning): Andrew Basha, F, Medicine Hat (WHL)
22. Vegas Golden Knights: Aron Kiviharju, D, HIFK (Liiga)
23. Montreal Canadiens (From Winnipeg Jets): Beckett Sennecke, F, Oshawa (OHL)
24. Toronto Maple Leafs: Charlie Elick, D, Brandon (WHL)
25. Anaheim Ducks (From Edmonton Oilers): Cole Hutson, D, Boston University (NCAA)
26. Philadelphia Flyers (From Florida Panthers): Nikita Artamonov, F, Torpedo (KHL)
27. Colorado Avalanche: Maxim Masse, F, Chicoutimi (QMJHL)
28. Carolina Hurricanes: Emil Hemming, F, TPS (Liiga)
29. Calgary Flames (From Vancouver Canucks): Dean Letourneau, F, St. Andrew's College (U18 AAA)
30. Ottawa Senators (From Boston Bruins): Henry Mews, D, Ottawa (OHL)
31. Dallas Stars: Cole Beaudoin, F, Barrie (OHL)
32. New York Rangers: Jett Luchanko, F, Guelph (OHL)

Macklin Celebrini a Lock to go No. 1 Overall

Macklin Celebrini is as close to a lock as possible for the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and for good reason.

The 17-year-old is the youngest player in college hockey, but that hasn't stopped him from leading Boston University to the Frozen Four in this year's NCAA Division I Ice Hockey Championship.

Celebrini has notched 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points in 37 games with the Terriers this season. He also represented Canada at the World Junior Championship this winter, where he notched four goals and four assists for eight points in five games.

"What he's showing at BU, he's showing how complete of a player he is," one scout said, per Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff. "Dare I say, maybe more complete than Bedard."

Another scout added: "His poise, maturity, his skillset – there are few prospects like him in hockey. He's been an elite talent for so long, and he doesn't let it get to his head. He knows what he's capable of, but he also knows how to get the most out of his linemates, too."

With Celebrini NHL-ready, the Sharks—provided they get the No. 1 overall pick—will be getting the best player in this year's draft, and he should help jumpstart the team's rebuild following the departures of players like Tomáš Hertl and Erik Karlsson over the years.

Who Comes Next?

This year's draft class isn't considered to have the same level of depth as in year's past, but there's still plenty of talent available, and the Blackhawks and Ducks will have some big decisions to make this summer.

The Blackhawks and Ducks, like the Sharks, are looking for prospects to continue their rebuilding process.

Chicago got a major boost with Bedard in last year's draft, but the franchise is going to need someone to support him moving forward.

The Blackhawks could use some help on both offense and defense, but with two first-round picks, they could easily plug both holes.

Michigan State's Artyom Levshunov is believed to be the top defensive prospect in this year's draft, and it's hard to imagine the Blackhawks pass on him if they land a top-three pick.

Anaheim could also use some help on both ends of the ice, though landing another forward to support the likes of Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish should be a priority if the Ducks want a well-rounded offense in the future.

If the Ducks land a forward early, perhaps they could address their defense with their second first-round pick, which should come within the 20s.