Draft picks have always been a valuable asset in the National Hockey League, especially during the trade deadline. Teams vying for the Stanley Cup are often willing to part with them to strengthen their roster with promising players. At the same time, teams in the rebuilding process are eager to replenish their talent pool with skilled prospects.
After the closing of the transfer window this year, the total number of players changing teams was 25. Among them, only four were chosen in the first round and three in the second. When all calculations were done, seven teams were left with two first-round picks each, six teams had no picks in the first round, and three franchises had a double-digit total number of picks in 2024.
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Draft Lottery and the fate of young talents
Considering that Boston University forward McLean Celebreeny is considered the top prospect of the upcoming draft, and six defensemen are predicted to be in the top 10 picks, let's look at the balance of power before the 2024 draft:
- Arizona - 13 picks (1 in the first round).
- Montreal - 12 picks (2 in the first round).
- Philadelphia - 10 picks (2 in the first round).
- Anaheim - 9 picks (2 in the first round).
- Chicago - 9 picks (2 in the first round).
- Ottawa - 9 picks (2 in the first round).
- San Jose - 9 picks (2 in the first round).
- Seattle - 9 picks (1 in the first round).
- St. Louis - 9 picks (1 in the first round).
- Nashville - 9 picks (1 in the first round).
Arizona and Montreal - heavyweight drafters
Although Arizona Coyotes have the most picks in 2024 with 13, the situation with the Montreal Canadiens looks equally intriguing before the June 28-29 draft. The Habs have 12 picks, including two in the first round and five in the first three rounds, none of which are conditional.
This substantial leverage gives general manager Kent Hughes ample opportunities for maneuvering. Despite the Canadiens still being in the lower part of the standings, having a young core of players like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Kirby Dach, and Alex Newhook, along with several promising defensemen, suggests that Hughes might trade a couple of picks for an established young talent or a hopeful prospect.
As for the Coyotes, their draft day also looks enticing. Having concluded what seemed like an endless rebuilding cycle, Arizona managed to accumulate an extraordinary number of picks for the next three years. In 2024, Coyotes' general manager Bill Armstrong will have three picks in the second and third rounds in addition to their first-round choice. In the next draft, Arizona will have seven picks in the first three rounds.
Calgary and Philadelphia - skillful strategists
Among the seven teams with two first-round picks this year, Calgary Flames and Philadelphia Flyers stand out. Despite key player trades like Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev, and Noah Hanifin, the Flames still hold the second spot in the Western Conference. Moreover, general manager Brad Treliving managed to retain at least one pick in each round except the fifth and seventh.
While it's possible that the Flames may drop in the standings, the fact that they have decent playoff chances while holding a solid draft capital is impressive.
Philadelphia Flyers find themselves in a similar situation. Besides two first-round picks, rookie general manager Daniel Briere has two more picks in the second round. Briere remains committed to gradually refreshing the roster, evident in his cautious trades and reluctance to sacrifice the future for current-season results. Nevertheless, the Flyers currently hold the third spot in the Metropolitan Division and have good chances to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Undrafted minority
This year, six teams have no first-round picks: Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets. Five of them are among the top ten teams in the league, and three (Canucks, Panthers, and Bruins) are fiercely competing for the first place overall. In other words, these teams are in "win now" mode and have a real chance to win the Stanley Cup.
