LAS VEGAS | With the draft just hours away, it was becoming increasingly clear that Macklin Celebrini and Artyom Levshunov were going to be the top two picks, and that’s what they were. The first domino that would fall would be the Anaheim Ducks’, a pick that would give an idea of the players available at fifth place, the Canadiens’.
Over the past 24 hours, several names have been circulating, including that of defender Zeev Buium – who was finally claimed at number 12e ranked by the Minnesota Wild – but also that of Beckett Sennecke.
And it was ultimately this Oshawa Generals forward who was the choice of the Ducks who, true to their habits of recent years, do not care about public consensus, as they also demonstrated last year by preferring Leo Carlsson to Adam Fantilli in second place.
A surprise for Sennecke himself
Nevertheless, the selection took everyone by surprise in the Sphere, even if the rumor had been circulating for some time. Many expected Ivan Demidov and Cayden Lindstrom to be the two forwards selected after Macklin Celebrini.
And when we say everyone, we mean everyone… starting with the main person concerned himself! After his selection, Sennecke stood up in shock before shouting “Oh my god” to his father, while his mother and sister shed tears of joy.
“I had interviews with a few teams over the last few days, but Anaheim wasn’t one of them. So I didn’t think I was part of their plans. To hear my name being called by them, I was in shock,” said the slender 6’3″, 182 lb. winger, all smiles, proudly wearing the Ducks’ new orange jersey.
Sennecke had a meteoric rise last season, capping his season with a sparkling playoff run, helping the Generals reach the OHL final.
“That was probably the deciding factor for them. They want players who are going to produce in the playoffs and show up when it counts. The playoffs are where I had my best moments and I think I’m a playoff player.”
And it was that pick that allowed the Canadiens to get Demidov – although the Ducks are certainly very happy with their selection, that’s not the point. However, by seeing the Ducks claim Sennecke, the Canadiens were securing either Lindstrom or Demidov at fifth overall, two players they were said to be very interested in. The Blue Jackets then claimed Lindstrom with the fourth pick, and then the Canadiens got their hands on the talented Russian winger.
Celebrini sans surprise
For his part, Macklin Celebrini can officially stop acting like he’s not sure the San Jose Sharks will draft him with the very first pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
And unlike Sennecke, it didn’t take anyone by surprise. Aside from a bit early in the season, there was never much debate about who would be the top of the class this year. Celebrini simply dominated the NCAA in his first season as a Boston Terrier, recording 64 points in 38 games to win the Hobey Baker Trophy as the most outstanding player in college hockey.
“It’s been a very long process that started last summer and a lot has happened since then. It’s a dream come true,” said the forward after his selection.
With Celebrini, the Sharks get their hands on a center who has the potential to become their franchise player. He adds to an interesting prospect pool led by forward Will Smith, selected fourth overall last season. The team also drafted defenseman Sam Dickinson with the 11e choice in total.
