2024 NHL Draft Begins with Exciting Picks and Trade Moves

The 2024 NHL Draft is commencing today at the arena in Sphere, Las Vegas. With standout player Macklin Celebrini projected as the top pick for the draft, the anticipation is high for the selections following him. The draft is shaping up to be an intriguing one right from the start.

The Montreal Canadiens making moves to acquire the No. 21 pick from the Los Angeles Kings using their own selections at No. 57 and 198 isn’t a surprising move. Speculation suggests this trade might be a precursor to further actions by Montreal in the draft, possibly involving player acquisitions. The Canadiens are known to be eyeing a higher pick to enhance their draft positioning.

The Los Angeles Kings, with only four initial picks in the draft, traded down with the Montreal Canadiens to secure the No. 26 pick while gaining entry into the second round and an extra seventh-round pick. This move indicates the Kings’ confidence in their targeted player despite dropping five spots in the draft order.

The San Jose Sharks, after securing Macklin Celebrini as the No. 1 pick, are expected to focus on strengthening their defensive line as a priority. With the No. 14 pick, not choosing a defenseman would come as a slight surprise, given the team’s evident need in that area.

Teams entering the draft like Ottawa Senators are in need of defensive support, aiming to solidify their defenive play rather than focusing solely on offensive skills. With the pressure on the Senators to make the right selection at No. 7, the spotlight is on their draft choice for a defenseman.