The 2024 NHL Draft has concluded and they set the bar high for themselves and their rival sports leagues by hosting the event at the Las Vegas Sphere.
The NFL Draft, for example, which has grown in size and scope over the years, will undoubtedly want to play copycat as the venue offers visual opportunities that no other facility can. Simply put, the NHL Draft’s visuals and overall experience was outstanding for players, team representatives and fans alike.
Hockey insider Frank Seravilli echoed our sentiment saying, “You can bet NFL and NBA are kicking themselves that they didn’t get to host their Draft in @SphereVegas [1] first. This venue is mind blowing. 🤯 #NHL [2] had the vision and pulled it off – with a Herculean lift behind the scenes on creative, graphics and show flow. Well done.”
You can bet NFL and NBA are kicking themselves that they didn’t get to host their Draft in @SphereVegas [1] first.
This venue is mind blowing. 🤯 #NHL [2] had the vision and pulled it off – with a Herculean lift behind the scenes on creative, graphics and show flow. Well done. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/qadT5MjgVl [3]
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 29, 2024 [4]
Not convinced yet? Here was another shot of the outstanding and immersive environment.
Best. NHL Draft. Ever. pic.twitter.com/Nd8Pq6mvtv [5]
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) June 29, 2024 [6]
Now that we have established that the NHL and the Sphere chalked up wins, let look at which teams had a successful draft, and which didn’t.
Winners:
Calgary Flames – Calgary’s draft was impressive and viewed by many in hockey circles as the best in class. The addition of skillful players like Zayne Parekh and Matvei Gridin in the first round, Andrew Basha in the second round, and one of the top goalie prospects, Kirill Zarubin, later in the third ensured they have some great young talent to build with.
St. Louis Blues – The Blues focused on defense, picking three defensemen over 6-foot-3 in the first three rounds: Adam Jiricek, Colin Ralph, and Lukas Fischer. They also added another big defenseman, Will McIsaac, later in the draft. GM Doug Armstrong emphasized the importance of balancing their development list with these selections.
Seattle Kraken – The Kraken made a smart move by selecting Berkly Catton eighth overall, recognizing his offensive talent despite his size. They also picked one of the best goalie prospects, Kim Saarinen, and a shutdown center, Ollie Josephson. Jakub Fibigr, a two-way defenseman, was a notable seventh-round pick.
San Jose Sharks – The Sharks had a strong start with Macklin Celebrini and Sam Dickinson on the first night. They continued to build a solid roster on Day 2, selecting skilled players like Igor Chernyshov, physical player Carson Wetsch, and excellent skating defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius.
Losers:
Vegas Golden Knights – While the Golden Knights were excellent hosts, their draft picks were limited due to their win-now mode. They had only four selections, with their first-rounder being Trevor Connelly, a wild card in the class. Their second pick was third-round goalie Pavel Moysevich, who has potential but needs to improve his mechanics.
Toronto Maple Leafs – The Leafs added a solid defender in Ben Sanford, but otherwise swung and missed with less highly rated prospects. Perhaps they know something the rest of us don’t. GM Brad Treliving’s acquisition of Chris Tanev was their most notable move.