It’s nearly here: The 2024 NHL Draft is tonight. Following their first round exit, the Toronto Maple Leafs hold the 23rd pick going into the draft. The team has been good at finding value in the back half of the first round, adding Easton Cowan last year and Rasmus Sandin in 2018. Going into tonight, here is who the experts predict the Leafs will take.
Bob MacKenzie: Cole Beaudoin
With NHL-ready size at 18, Beaudoin is an excellent playmaker and scorer who should hear his name called early in the draft. The OHLer had 62 points in 67 games with the Barrie Colts and added four for Canada at the U18s. While he does need to work on his skating, particularly his speed, the centreman would be a good safe option for the Leafs.
McKeen Hockey: Stian Solberg
The Norwegian left defenceman had 15 points in 42 games playing against men in the country’s top league. He reads the game really well for a player of his age, and makes strong outlet passes. While it will take him time to adapt to the North American game, he does have the skills and size to be an effective middle-pair blueliner in a few years. His exceptional physicality will make him a fan favourite wherever he plays.
FC Hockey and Craig Button: Liam Greentree
Greentree had 90 points this year for Windsor and has skyrocketed up the draft charts this season mostly based on how good of a scorer he is. He’s incredibly creative with the puck, and his flash is something that terrified defenders and amazed crowds across Ontario this season. He will need to get faster as he develops, but has taken strides in the right direction already. If he’s still available when the Leafs pick, he would be a smart choice.
Sam Cosentino: Terik Parascak
The right winger had 105 points in 68 games this season in the WHL and would bring more scoring upside. Parascak has a high compete level and reads the game at a really high level. He does need to work on his skating, with his stride needing some work, but he has already shown he can do that. He would be a smart pick by the Leafs.
EP Hockey: Teddy Stiga
One of the smartest players in the draft, Stiga has rocketed up the draft boards this season after putting up 38 points in 27 games for the USNTDP and 11 points in seven games at the U18s. He owns a great shot, strong passing skills, and is great at keeping the puck in the corners. While not the biggest guy at 5’10” and with work to do on his skating, his ceiling is supremely high. Brad Treliving has always liked prospects with intelligence, and Stiga fits the bill.
6ix On Ice Mock Draft: Charlie Elick
The right-shot defenceman out of Brandon had 27 points in 65 games this season and added three points in seven games in the U18s. A defensive defenceman, Elick is not just a good skater but a great one. He’s fast on his feet and can move well both forward and backward. He knows how to shut players down in his own end, but doesn’t love holding the puck the way others do. The Leafs need a good shutdown blueliner in the organization and Elick would be a great add.
What to expect tonight?
The Draft starts at 7 pm EST and while this won’t be the most exciting draft for the Leafs, Treliving has always been active at the Draft. He seems to thrive in this situation, and has made moves nearly every single year on the draft floor. While this may not be an event many are excited to tune into, under Treliving anything can happen. It’s definitely worth following along.
