It has already been five months since the best prospects walked the stage of the Las Vegas Sphere after being selected by a National Hockey League (NHL) team.
• Also read: Demidov’s teammate sees him becoming an NHL star
• Also read: Macklin Celebrini back in Calder Trophy race
Of that group, only two have played games in the Bettman circuit this season and only one is still with the team that drafted her after nearly two months of action.
The time is therefore well chosen to inquire about the development of the first five selections of the 2024 vintage. Here is how their season is going so far.
1) Macklin Celebrini, Sharks de San Jose
The very first pick of the auction is the only player drafted in 2024 still in the NHL. Jett Luchanko, chosen at 13e rank by the Philadelphia Flyers, played four professional games before returning to his junior club.
We can say that Celebrini is in his place so far with the San Jose Sharks with an average playing time per game of 20 min and 15 sec. In 13 games, he has already scored seven goals and 11 points. His point per game average of 0.85 gives him first place among all rookies who have played at least 10 games to date.
What a perfect shot from Macklin Celebrini! –
In addition to blackening the scoresheet, the 18-year-old center player stands out in several other facets of the game, notably recovering the puck in his territory, entering the zone in control of the puck as well as for shots on target. aim.
A star in the making in the NHL.
2) Artyom Levshunov, Blackhawks de Chicago
Troubled by an injury during Blackhawks camp, Levshunov was demoted to the American League as soon as he regained his health.
So far, it’s been a rather timid start for the 6’2″, 208 lb defenseman with five points in 12 games. However, there is no press in his case. The Hawks acquired a few experienced defenders during the off-season to allow their team to continue his development with the farm club, away from the spotlight.
3) Beckett Sennecke, Ducks d’Anaheim
Do you believe he came down from his cloud after five months? Sennecke was just as surprised as we were when his name was called by the Ducks at third.
Sennecke stunned to have been chosen 3rd –
The California team bet on the Ontarian’s meteoric progress in the second half of the season and that it would continue this year. After suffering an injury during training camp, Sennecke was sent back to Oshawa of the Ontario Junior League and is off to a strong start to the season.
In 21 games, he has already collected 15 goals and 31 points and should continue to add to his record alongside Colorado Avalanche prospect Callum Ritchie. What’s more, his growth has continued and he is now 6’4″ tall and weighs 195 lbs. To think that two years ago he was only 5’10” and 170 lbs.
4) Cayden Lindstrom, Blue Jackets de Columbus
Lindstrom’s health issues have prevented him from playing a single game so far this season. Injured his back last year, the 6’3″, 216 lb skater is still not 100% after continuing his convalescence all summer.
Fortunately, he would be about to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He ultimately decided to undergo minor surgery to relieve a hernia and should be able to skate again during the current season.
5) Ivan Demidov, Montreal Canadiens
Ivan Demidov’s prowess in the KHL is enough to excite CH fans. In 31 games, he has already collected 20 points despite uneven playing time which rarely exceeds 12 minutes and sporadic presences on the power play of SKA Saint Petersburg.
A breathtaking 6th goal from Ivan Demidov –
Despite everything, he stands out almost every time he steps on the ice thanks to his talent and his unorthodox way of moving on the ice.
Everything indicates that the 18-year-old Russian striker will cross to this side of the Atlantic as soon as his contract expires in his native country at the end of May. He has already refused several contract extensions with his current team in the KHL, which would explain his questionable use.
