2024 NHL Entry Draft Preview: Best First-Round Predictions, Props, Odds, and Picks

Before getting to the best 2024 NHL Entry Draft props and picks, be sure to check out BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from NHL draft odds to early Stanley Cup markets and everything in between.

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It’s an exciting week if you’re a fan of sports drafts. After the NBA had its fun on Wednesday and Thursday, the 2024 NHL Entry Draft begins its seven-round event on Friday as the annual spectacle invades the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It is also thrilling to witness the upcoming hockey stars fulfill their lifelong aspirations. The excitement is heightened by the availability of numerous NHL draft betting markets offered by online sportsbooks like BetOnline, which further intensify the stakes.

Let’s explore the latest odds and standout markets in this comprehensive preview of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, providing all the information you need to immerse yourself in the excitement.

2024 NHL Entry Draft Round 1 Order

1. San Jose Sharks
2. Chicago Blackhawks
3. Anaheim Ducks
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
5. Montreal Canadiens
6. Utah Hockey Club
7. Ottawa Senators
8. Seattle Kraken
9. Calgary Flames
10. New Jersey Devils
11. San Jose Sharks (via BUF)
12. Philadelphia Flyers
13. Minnesota Wild
14. Buffalo Sabres (via PIT>SJ)
15. Detroit Red Wings
16. St. Louis Blues
17. Washington Capitals
18. Chicago Blackhawks (via NYI)
19. Vegas Golden Knights
20. The New York Islanders acquired (via TBL>CHI)
21. Los Angeles Kings
22. Nashville Predators
23. Toronto Maple Leafs
24. Colorado Avalanche
25. Boston Bruins
26. Montreal Canadiens (via WPG)
27. Carolina Hurricanes
28. Calgary Flames (via VAN)
29. Dallas Stars
30. New York Rangers
31. Anaheim Ducks (via EDM)
32. Philadelphia Flyers (via FLA)

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2024 NHL Entry Draft: First-Round Props, Odds, & Picks

All 2024 NHL Draft odds are courtesy of Bovada as of Friday, June 28 at 11:11 a.m. ET. 

First Overall Pick Odds

• Macklin Celebrini, Boston U (-20000)
• Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State(+5000)
• Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg (+5000)
• Anton Silayev, Nizgny Novgorod (+10000)
• Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat (+10000)
• Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa(+15000)
• Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary (+15000)
• Sam Dickinson, London (+15000)
• Zeev Buium, Denver (+20000)
• Berkly Catton, Spokane (+25000)
• Konsta Helenius, Jukurit (+25000)
• Zayne Parekh, Saginaw (+25000)

This year, the San Jose Sharks emerged as the winners of the NHL Draft Lottery, granting them the valuable first overall selection. This marks a significant milestone for the franchise as it is their inaugural time holding the esteemed No. 1 pick. With the commencement of the night, only time will reveal the player they will choose to kickstart their journey.

I’m just joking. It’s not really a mystery who San Jose will choose. Macklin Celebrini from Boston University has been widely regarded as the top prospect in the 2024 hockey season, and even oddsmakers agree. They have given him -20000 odds to be selected first overall, which implies a probability of 99.5%.

Put simply, there is no justification for placing a bet on this proposition. The odds offer no benefit and it seems highly unlikely that the Sharks would choose anyone other than Celebrini.

NHL Draft First Overall Pick Prediction: Macklin Celebrini (-20000) — but don’t wager

Second Overall Pick Odds

• Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State(-400)
• Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg (+225)
• Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat (+2500)
• Anton Silayev, Nizgny Novgorod (+2800)
• Sam Dickinson, London (+7500)
• Zeev Buium, Denver (+7500)
• Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa(+10000)
• Berkly Catton, Spokane (+10000)
• Konsta Helenius, Jukurit (+10000)
• Zayne Parekh, Saginaw (+12500)
• Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary (+15000)

Bovada has predicted that Artyom Levshunov from Michigan State will be the next prospect to be chosen by the Chicago Blackhawks at No. 2. Levshunov, a talented defenseman from Belarus, had an outstanding performance during his single year with the Spartans. He scored nine goals and accumulated 35 points in 38 games, ultimately earning him the title of the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Once again, I concur with the oddsmakers’ perspective. Following their selection of Connor Bedard as the top pick last year, it’s logical for the Blackhawks to acquire a prospect who has the potential to anchor their defense for the next twenty years. Levshunov appears to fit the bill, particularly given his versatile style of play that will likely make him an instant favorite among Chicago fans. Although the value may not be exceptional, it is improbable that the Hawks will choose a different path.

NHL Draft Second Overall Pick Prediction: Artyom Levshunov (-400)

Third Overall Pick Odds

• Best choice: Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg (+160)

In terms of the 2024 NHL Draft rankings, the usual order places Celebrini as the top pick, followed by Levshunov and Ivan Demidov, who can be considered interchangeable at second and third place. However, if Celebrini and Levshunov have already been selected before the Anaheim Ducks have their turn, Demidov might end up joining the team out west.

The Ducks already own a promising young forward group and Demidov’s addition would put them over the top. Draft experts see the Russian forward — who racked up 88 points in 47 games between the MHL regular season and playoffs — as a great fit in Anaheim and someone worth considering if he’s still there at No. 3. Given his desire to play in North America, there’s a decent chance that Demidov will be a top-3 selection.

NHL Draft Third Overall Pick Prediction: Ivan Demidov (+160)

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Total Canadians Drafted in Round 1

• Over 15.5 (-115)
• Under 15.5 (-115)

Canada is renowned for its strong connection to hockey. From legendary players like Wayne Gretzky to current stars such as Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, the Great White North has consistently produced outstanding NHL talents. However, the question remains: How many Canadians will be chosen in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft?

Let’s take a glimpse into the number of Canadiens chosen in the first round of the previous five NHL drafts:

• 2019: 13
• 2020: 18
• 2021: 18
• 2022: 11
• 2023: 12

Since 2019, an average of 14.4 Canadians have been selected in the first round, with the Under achieving success on three occasions. Although Canada continues to produce talented NHL players, it is evident that other countries are gradually narrowing the gap.

Based on Bob McKenzie’s 2024 rankings, there are 15 Canadian prospects projected to be selected in the first round of the NHL draft. It is worth noting that McKenzie’s top 50 prospects include only 23 Canadians. Although it is possible that more Canadians could be chosen, I am not entirely confident about betting on it. Let’s be cautious and avoid overestimating the number of Canadian prospects.

How many Canadians to Be Drafted in Round 1? — Under 15.5 (-115)

Total Americans Drafted in Round 1

• Over 4.5 (+170)
• Under 4.5 (-225)

In the 2024 draft, NHL bettors have the option to place bets on the number of Americans who will be selected on Day 1. Despite the favored choice being the Under, I have a positive outlook on the Over.

Circling back to McKenzie, the draft guru has eight American prospects in his top 32. Even if you feel like more than one man’s opinion is necessary, Craig Button has nine while The Hockey News‘ Tony Ferrari lists eight as well. There’s enough American talent in this year’s class to warrant a sprinkle on the Over.

How many Americans to Be Drafted in Round 1? — Over 4.5 (+170)

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2024 NHL Draft FAQ

When is the 2024 NHL Draft?

• Round 1 of the 2024 NHL Draft will kick off on Friday, June 28, followed by the remaining six rounds on Saturday, June 29.

Where is the 2024 NHL Draft?

• Sin City is hosting the 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking its inaugural occurrence in this lively destination.

What time is the 2024 NHL Draft?

• Day 1: June 28 @ 7 p.m. ET
• Day 2: June 29 @ 11:30 a.m. ET

How can I watch the 2024 NHL Draft?

• ESPN and ESPN+ will broadcast Round 1 of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, whereas SportsNet 1, ESPN+, and the NHL Network will provide coverage for Rounds 2-7.

How to Bet on the 2024 NHL Draft

• A wide range of 2024 NHL Draft markets, odds, and props can be found on the majority of prominent online sportsbooks.