Prospect Info: 2024 NHL Draft Thread

[StevenToddIves]

Thank You for the detailed right ups.

When I started reading this one my gut feeling was that you weren't going to be the biggest fan of this kid but that wasn't the case. I have a strong feeling he will be available when the Devils pick and even though defense is our strongest position in the prospect pool it would be hard to pass up on this kid depending on who is still available of course.

Having a blueline with Luke , Nemec & Buium would be insane. It could possibly make even Casey straight up available to be traded part of a package for another forward prospect or impact player now. Buium probably won't need much more than a year or 2 post draft to be playing in the NHL with his strong defensive zone and transition play being so strong at 18.

I think there's a lot of nuance in my opinions of defenders. While on the surface it might seem like I like defensive defensemen and don't like offensive defensemen, it's more situational than absolute.

Buium's ability to change his entire play style based on game situation is a sign of hockey IQ and character. It proves he's a team-first guy.

Also, I'm a sucker for hockey IQ at any position, and Buium's is tops in the 2024 class among defensemen. The kid is just so smart, it plays up his entire skill set.

If he's still there at #10 overall, he's going to be very tough for the Devils to pass on, and this is something he's earned with his defensive improvements and outstanding play all season long for Denver.

 

[StevenToddIves]

I think I'm fully on the MBN train if we keep the pick

I think there's a 99% chance we keep the pick. Trading top 10 picks almost never works historically. Would I do it for Brady Tkachuk? Of course. But I've seen it suggested in these Devils threads that we package it (alongside Holtz!) for Ehlers, which is patently ridiculous.

As far as Brantsegg-Nygard goes, I think I'm as high on him as anyone you'll find. If I'm Devils GM and the 10 pick sees available Brantsegg-Nygard, Helenius and Buium --- well, to be honest I'm not sure what I would do. That's why these NHL scouts and execs get paid the big bucks.

 

[RNCDevil]

I cannot be more in love with Demidov. I feel like I would be a season ticket holder to watch his warm ups.

 

[SKNJD9]

I cannot be more in love with Demidov. I feel like I would be a season ticket holder to watch his warm ups.

 

[Guadana]

As far as Brantsegg-Nygard goes, I think I'm as high on him as anyone you'll find.

Really?

 

[TBF1972]

Really?

guadana was my first thought when reading it. no wonder you have him at c.

 

[My3Sons]

I think there's a 99% chance we keep the pick. Trading top 10 picks almost never works historically. Would I do it for Brady Tkachuk? Of course. But I've seen it suggested in these Devils threads that we package it (alongside Holtz!) for Ehlers, which is patently ridiculous.

As far as Brantsegg-Nygard goes, I think I'm as high on him as anyone you'll find. If I'm Devils GM and the 10 pick sees available Brantsegg-Nygard, Helenius and Buium --- well, to be honest I'm not sure what I would do. That's why these NHL scouts and execs get paid the big bucks.

And Chernyshov?

 

[StevenToddIves]

And Chernyshov?

I have both Brantsegg-Nygard and Chernyshov in my top 10 right now, which is certainly higher than the consensus.

Generally speaking, people familiar with my prospect analyses (which would include yourself) probably realize by now that players with notably great combinations of hockey IQ and compete level tend to be looked favorably upon.

Brantsegg-Nygard and Chernyshov not only play with spectacular intangibles, they also possess notable offensive skill-sets, two-way acuity and an edge.

 

[My3Sons]

I have both Brantsegg-Nygard and Chernyshov in my top 10 right now, which is certainly higher than the consensus.

Generally speaking, people familiar with my prospect analyses (which would include yourself) probably realize by now that players with notably great combinations of hockey IQ and compete level tend to be looked favorably upon.

Brantsegg-Nygard and Chernyshov not only play with spectacular intangibles, they also possess notable offensive skill-sets, two-way acuity and an edge.

At this point those two are on my short list based on what I’ve read. I trust the posters here who discuss these players and while the defenders available at pick ten will include quality choices I would prefer a forward if the level of player available is even across the board at 10. If there is truly a standout at 10 on defense then sure he’d stand out.

 

[StevenToddIves]

2024 Draft Profile:

C Konsta Helenius, Jukurit LIIGA
The danger of not factoring in intangibles while rating a draft-eligible hockey player cannot be stated better than with the example of the top Finnish player for the 2024 draft, Konsta Helenius. A high hockey IQ and compete level, after all, will play up every single skill on a player's scouting card.

Konsta Helenius' physical skills are good to very good across the board, but there's also nothing standout or elite. He's 5'11-175, which is not small but a bit undersized for the position of center, which he's playing as a teenager in the top Finland men's league. He's a good skater, in terms of fundamentals, efficiency and speed, but he's not going to wow you with this ability. He's a very good passer and shooter and stickhandler but, again, none of them are elite tools.

So, we have to ask ourselves how a player so seemingly unremarkable has put together one of the better seasons we've ever seen from a draft-eligible center in the Finnish Liiga?

It's really simple, actually. Because Konsta Helenius' rare combination of elite IQ and elite compete level are, indeed, remarkable. This is a kid who at 17/18 years old would regularly outthink and outwork 10-year veterans of the Finnish elite league.

"Hockey IQ" scares a lot of people as a term, because in an age of analytic analysis, it's impossible to precisely quantify. But it's an ability with several applications. For example, Helenius' high hockey IQ is deployed far differently in game scenarios than, say, Ivan Demidov's. Where Demidov can accurately be called an offensive genius, most of his incredible brain is focused on getting pucks into high-danger scoring areas, whether on his own stick or a teammate's. Demidov is quite simply a creative genius, able to see ridiculously unconventional paths to scoring opportunities much like Monet would see a painting before he made it or Mozart would hear a symphony before he wrote it.

With Helenius, it's different. While Helenius is certainly creative enough to produce offense in seemingly adverse conditions, his general hockey IQ is less "artistic" -- it's almost like the highest form of practicality. It's like his brain is more purely mathematical, able to process the game situation, the location of his teammates and opposition, and what he needs to do and where to be -- all at unbelievably high speeds.

I wish I had the time to watch every one of this kid's games, because in the 8 or so games I've watched Helenius in I don't think I've seen him make a single poor decision with or without the puck, I don't think I've ever seen him make a half-assed or lazy play, I don't think I've ever seen him make a glaring mental mistake. Also, we need to factor this in with the fact that he's the youngest center in a professional men's league -- and unlike players of this description coming before him (Lundell, Barkov, Kotkaniemi etc), he's also a bit undersized.

We need to stress again that Helenius is not *unskilled*, as some would have you believe. Again, he's very good across the board -- skating, shooting, puck handling, passing, you name it. But he lacks the elite skills of a player who would normally be considered a top 10 pick. However, I'm going to state strongly that Helenius deserves this designation -- he's just too good at hockey and too high-character a kid to fail at any level.

Do I think Konsta Helenius will ever be a 100+ point player? No, I do not. But I do think you cannot go wrong drafting a high-floor kid who is a virtual lock to be one of the better 2/3 centers in the NHL one day. Maybe he'll top out around 70 points, but Helenius will also give whatever team drafts him a constant litany of high-effort and high-intelligence two-way hockey for many, many years to come.

 

[StevenToddIves]

2024 Draft Profile:

C Michael Hage, Chicago USHL
I want to talk about Michael Hage and I want to talk about Michael Hage a lot.

Here we have a player who is often overlooked due to a lot of reasons which, amount to adversity which he is already in the process of overcoming, indicating enormous character. When we combine this with high-level athleticism -- Hage is a near-elite skater with high-end puck handling, shooting and passing vision -- make him one of the potentially underrated gems of the entire 2024 draft class.

Hage was overlooked going into his draft-eligible season due to an injury prone 2022-23 campaign which saw him limited to just 13 games. He never got into a groove and never really figured it out. Then, going into this season, he had an admittedly awful Fall Classic. Further complicating things was an overtly slow start to his draft-eligible season. This combination dropped him off of multiple draft boards entirely.

The problem is that people need to pay more attention to the tragic variables this can be attributable to. Not only did Hage miss almost his entire draft-2 season, but this past summer his father tragically passed away in a swimming accident. Hage was just 17 at the time.

What I would want to look for in a player of his clearly top-15 overall talent in sure dire circumstance would be an improvement during the season, and this is precisely what Hage has done. While his concentration and reading of plays seemed to waver at the beginning of the year, he's been playing smarter and more focused hockey as the season wore on. To wit, Hage was playing at about a point-per-game pace 30 games into the season, but finished remarkably with 75 points in 58 games.

Something is clearly clicking with Michael Hage who, again, is the most physically gifted center in the entire 2024 draft class aside from Macklin Celebrini and Cayden Lindstrom. Hage can downright fly, gifted on his edges with high-end four-way mobility. When you combine this with his near-elite puck skills, Hage is elusive as hell. He can beat you with the pass or the shot, which he can get off with authority from some funky release points which can fool goalies from far out. He combines the athleticism with an ideal 6'1-190 frame. He's a talented kid with tremendous upside.

There is still a lot to work on for a player who has dealt with so much in the two years before he will be drafted. His defense and consistency of engagement must be fine-tuned, and it would be favorable to see him play with more of an edge. But the good news is that all of these elements have progressed as this season has progressed. What more can we ask of Michael Hage?

Next year, Hage is going to an outstanding program at the University of Michigan. There, he's a very good bet to have a stratospheric series of improvements over the next few seasons. If he can continue his high arc of improvement since the injuries and tragedies with the puck while rounding out his game without the puck, this is a player whom I strongly feel can be a high-scoring 2nd line center at the highest levels with possibly even the ability to slot up to a top line and PP unit.

Clearly, these are elements we do not often hear about a player who is completely left off several 1st-round rankings. So, maybe we should be talking more about Michael Hage.

 

[My3Sons]

2024 Draft Profile:

C Michael Hage, Chicago USHL
I want to talk about Michael Hage and I want to talk about Michael Hage a lot.

Here we have a player who is often overlooked due to a lot of reasons which, amount to adversity which he is already in the process of overcoming, indicating enormous character. When we combine this with high-level athleticism -- Hage is a near-elite skater with high-end puck handling, shooting and passing vision -- make him one of the potentially underrated gems of the entire 2024 draft class.

Hage was overlooked going into his draft-eligible season due to an injury prone 2022-23 campaign which saw him limited to just 13 games. He never got into a groove and never really figured it out. Then, going into this season, he had an admittedly awful Fall Classic. Further complicating things was an overtly slow start to his draft-eligible season. This combination dropped him off of multiple draft boards entirely.

The problem is that people need to pay more attention to the tragic variables this can be attributable to. Not only did Hage miss almost his entire draft-2 season, but this past summer his father tragically passed away in a swimming accident. Hage was just 17 at the time.

What I would want to look for in a player of his clearly top-15 overall talent in sure dire circumstance would be an improvement during the season, and this is precisely what Hage has done. While his concentration and reading of plays seemed to waver at the beginning of the year, he's been playing smarter and more focused hockey as the season wore on. To wit, Hage was playing at about a point-per-game pace 30 games into the season, but finished remarkably with 75 points in 58 games.

Something is clearly clicking with Michael Hage who, again, is the most physically gifted center in the entire 2024 draft class aside from, of course, Macklin Celebrini. Hage can downright fly, gifted on his edges with high-end four-way mobility. When you combine this with his near-elite puck skills, Hage is elusive as hell. He can beat you with the pass or the shot, which he can get off with authority from some funky release points which can fool goalies from far out. He combines the athleticism with an ideal 6'1-190 frame. He's a talented kid with tremendous upside.

There is still a lot to work on for a player who has dealt with so much in the two years before he will be drafted. His defense and consistency of engagement must be fine-tuned, and it would be favorable to see him play with more of an edge. But the good news is that all of these elements have progressed as this season has progressed. What more can we ask of Michael Hage?

Next year, Hage is going to an outstanding program at the University of Michigan. There, he's a very good bet to have a stratospheric series of improvements over the next few seasons. If he can continue his high arc of improvement since the injuries and tragedies with the puck while rounding out his game without the puck, this is a player whom I strongly feel can be a high-scoring 2nd line center at the highest levels with possibly even the ability to slot up to a top line and PP unit.

Clearly, these are elements we do not often hear about a player who is completely left off several 1st-round rankings. So, maybe we should be talking more about Michael Hage.

Ok you need to stop this. Now I want to add him to the list for picks at 10.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Ok you need to stop this. Now I want to add him to the list for picks at 10.

I would take Helenius before Hage because there has been more proven at a higher level. Also Helenius fits in better with NJ organizational needs -- a 3rd line C who can slot up to the top 6 if necessary.

But if Hage slips into the 2nd round, which is certainly possible, believe me I will be screaming for the Devils to trade up and nab him.

One of my requisites for "sleepers" is players who have high end ability but have been driven down draft boards by elements outside their sphere of control. This would go for David Pastrnak's draft-year injuries the same way it would apply to Logan Stankoven's height measurement.

For Hage, the adversity he went through in the year-plus leading uo ti his draft season is almost unfathomable. I cannot imagine what it would be like to read nothing but criticism for your play just months after you buried your father following a tragic accident.

Over his final 20-25 USHL games this year, Hage played at around a 2-point per game pace. I mean, that's just incredible. Factor in the improvements in his overall game during the same span?

Yes, Michael Hage deserves a lot more attention than he's been getting.

No, I would not draft Hage at 10 overall, because he has yet to "prove it" over an entire season. There's too many questions, still. But some team is likely to get him in the late 20s and a grand opportunity to look like geniuses in the future for making the pick.

 

[My3Sons]

I would take Helenius before Hage because there has been more proven at a higher level. Also Helenius fits in better with NJ organizational needs -- a 3rd line C who can slot up to the top 6 if necessary.

But if Hage slips into the 2nd round, which is certainly possible, believe me I will be screaming for the Devils to trade up and nab him.

One of my requisites for "sleepers" is players who have high end ability but have been driven down draft boards by elements outside their sphere of control. This would go for David Pastrnak's draft-year injuries the same way it would apply to Logan Stankoven's height measurement.

For Hage, the adversity he went through in the year-plus leading uo ti his draft season is almost unfathomable. I cannot imagine what it would be like to read nothing but criticism for your play just months after you buried your father following a tragic accident.

Over his final 20-25 USHL games this year, Hage played at around a 2-point per game pace. I mean, that's just incredible. Factor in the improvements in his overall game during the same span?

Yes, Michael Hage deserves a lot more attention than he's been getting.

No, I would not draft Hage at 10 overall, because he has yet to "prove it" over an entire season. There's too many questions, still. But some team is likely to get him in the late 20s and a grand opportunity to look like geniuses in the future for making the pick.

I get that but if you think his future is brightest I think that’s the most important consideration. I’m not saying it is but if he’s the guy your scouts suggest has the best chance of hitting when your turn comes then go for him or trade down if you can.

 

[Guadana]

Ok you need to stop this. Now I want to add him to the list for picks at 10.

Hage is lack of some first line driven combo. All guys like Helenius, Nygard, Chernyshov have potential to be first liners, may be not as a true driven force but still solid top 6 players at least. Of course if everything will go well. Hage should make more steps to be top liner, even in secondary role. I mean Timo could not be true driver on the line with Nico and Bratt but he still solid first liner. Mercer was solid with Nico year ago but he wasn't driver on the line and he wasn't first line caliber player even with 27 goals from the game flow perspective.
I think Hage could be something between Jarvis and Mercer. I like game of Hage, I would easily draft him over Eiserman or couple other consensus high caliber profile players, but now I can't pencil him in the Nygard, Helenius, Chernyshov, Iginla Tier. I can easily imagine he will have better career than some of them.

 

[My3Sons]

Hage is lack of some first line driven combo. All guys like Helenius, Nygard, Chernyshov have potential to be first liners, may be not as a true driven force but still solid top 6 players at least. Of course if everything will go well. Hage should make more steps to be top liner, even in secondary role. I mean Timo could not be true driver on the line with Nico and Bratt but he still solid first liner. Mercer was solid with Nico year ago but he wasn't driver on the line and he wasn't first line caliber player even with 27 goals from the game flow perspective.
I think Hage could be something between Jarvis and Mercer. I like game of Hage, I would easily draft him over Eiserman or couple other consensus high caliber profile players, but now I can't pencil him in the Nygard, Helenius, Chernyshov, Iginla Tier. I can easily imagine he will have better career than some of them.

That’s fair. I count on you guys to do the leg work and watch the videos and report to the lazy slobs like me that can’t be bothered to watch them.

 

[longislanddevil]

I’m not crapping on Helenius but I’m not super excited about drafting a kid at 10OA with no discernible elite skills besides hockey IQ. There are players like Buium, MBN and Chernyshov who could be available and have way higher ceilings. I’m not anti Helenius and would be ok with the pick. I just see way higher upside with these other players and solid floors. I am fully prepared for Fitz to pick Helenius due to our need at C and I would be ok with the pick. I am not anti-Helenius and he would fill a gaping need. I just like other players more.

 

[Unknown Caller]

I’m not crapping on Helenius but I’m not super excited about drafting a kid at 10OA with no discernible elite skills besides hockey IQ. There are players like Buium, MBN and Chernyshov who could be available and have way higher ceilings. I’m not anti Helenius and would be ok with the pick. I just see way higher upside with these other players and solid floors. I am fully prepared for Fitz to pick Helenius due to our need at C and I would be ok with the pick. I am not anti-Helenius and he would fill a gaping need. I just like other players more.

Helenius has really solid puck skills and his offensive IQ is elite. His game is being massively tamped down in this thread.

To me MBN has the more ordinary tools other than his compete and maybe his shot.

Buium clearly has the highest upside of that group, but would love to know why MBN theoretically has a higher upside than Helenius?

 

[Guttersniped]

Hage is lack of some first line driven combo. All guys like Helenius, Nygard, Chernyshov have potential to be first liners, may be not as a true driven force but still solid top 6 players at least. Of course if everything will go well. Hage should make more steps to be top liner, even in secondary role. I mean Timo could not be true driver on the line with Nico and Bratt but he still solid first liner. Mercer was solid with Nico year ago but he wasn't driver on the line and he wasn't first line caliber player even with 27 goals from the game flow perspective.
I think Hage could be something between Jarvis and Mercer. I like game of Hage, I would easily draft him over Eiserman or couple other consensus high caliber profile players, but now I can't pencil him in the Nygard, Helenius, Chernyshov, Iginla Tier. I can easily imagine he will have better career than some of them.

I’d take Have over Helenius. Hell, I’d probably take Sennecke over Helenius. (Not a Helenius-enthusiast lol.)

 

[Guadana]

I’d take Have over Helenius. Hell, I’d probably take Sennecke over Helenius. (Not a Helenius-enthusiast lol.)

I think with good partners Helenius will shine because of iq and compete level. IQ isnt an easy thing to teach.

I had a dream today about draft. Fitz traded back, drafted Yakemchuk and half of Dickinson that playing defense only. And in the second round he drafted some super duper role player who was ranked as 6th rounder. I was trying to find good internet in the woods and watching it online when mosquitos eats me alive.
When I woke up I understood that I don't want Yakemchuk.

I’m not crapping on Helenius but I’m not super excited about drafting a kid at 10OA with no discernible elite skills besides hockey IQ. There are players like Buium, MBN and Chernyshov who could be available and have way higher ceilings. I’m not anti Helenius and would be ok with the pick. I just see way higher upside with these other players and solid floors. I am fully prepared for Fitz to pick Helenius due to our need at C and I would be ok with the pick. I am not anti-Helenius and he would fill a gaping need. I just like other players more.

Helenius is center. Chernyshov is right winger, Nygard can be center but in my mind only at least now, even if it work with Yurov in KHL, with whom I thought he should play center before the draft, doesn't mean wild will use him as center in nhl, doesn't mean nhl team will use Nygard as center, he is right winger.
Fitz is drafting for needs often. In the first round.
Helenius has highest iq and its on elite level, processing the game on the highest level is a huge tool with him combo of all good skills and compete level.

With accuracy, shot technique and positioning, speed, skating and quick mind(Nygard isn't the creativest player but still he is processing the game fast and his decisions are good) Nygard has some pluses over Helenius but Helenius processing the game fast too, he isn't slow at all and his edges are good, he is more creative and his puck handling is a bit better, his playmaking game is better. And he is playing center. So there are arguments in both ways. I think both are good minds with compete level, so the one who will be more lucky with a team should be better player.

Personally I like Nygard little bit more.

And its harder to compare Helenius with Chernyshov. I would love to have both on the line. I would try to sell Holtz if Chernyshov is still available when play off teams will start to draft. It could be more attractive for some specific GM to have more NHL ready player. I know people want NHL player for Holtz.

That’s fair. I count on you guys to do the leg work and watch the videos and report to the lazy slobs like me that can’t be bothered to watch them.

I'm reporting my dreams too.

 

[Guadana]

I think with good partners Helenius will shine because of iq and compete level. IQ isnt an easy thing to teach.

I had a dream today about draft. Fitz traded back, drafted Yakemchuk and half of Dickinson that playing defense only. And in the second round he drafted some super duper role player who was ranked as 6th rounder. I was trying to find good internet in the woods and watching it online when mosquitos eats me alive.
When I woke up I understood that I don't want Yakemchuk.



Helenius is center. Chernyshov is right winger, Nygard can be center but in my mind only at least now, even if it work with Yurov in KHL, with whom I thought he should play center before the draft, doesn't mean wild will use him as center in nhl, doesn't mean nhl team will use Nygard as center, he is right winger.
Fitz is drafting for needs often. In the first round.
Helenius has highest iq and its on elite level, processing the game on the highest level is a huge tool with him combo of all good skills and compete level.

With accuracy, shot technique and positioning, speed, skating and quick mind(Nygard isn't the creativest player but still he is processing the game fast and his decisions are good) Nygard has some pluses over Helenius but Helenius processing the game fast too, he isn't slow at all and his edges are good, he is more creative and his puck handling is a bit better, his playmaking game is better. And he is playing center. So there are arguments in both ways. I think both are good minds with compete level, so the one who will be more lucky with a team should be better player.

Personally I like Nygard little bit more.

And its harder to compare Helenius with Chernyshov. I would love to have both on the line. I would try to sell Holtz if Chernyshov is still available when play off teams will start to draft. It could be more attractive for some specific GM to have more NHL ready player. I know people want NHL player for Holtz.


I'm reporting my dreams too.

Today Helenius was very good against men Sweden team. 1A. Was very solid all over the ice from creating and preventing chances point of view.

 

[devilsblood]

Holy Moly. Looked him up, 2 ppg in the MHL for the season. Looks like he is ranked #2 or 3 by most sites. Why you guys gotta get my hopes up?

 

[Oneiro]

Totally fine with drafting IQ above everything else. That's always my MO but especially now.

You don't have time to wait for players like Holtz to get it anymore. Precocious is the way.

You hope Lenni is a player and then someone like Helenius or whoever is as well. I don't think we can afford to miss on this pick / trade from a cap perspective.

 

[devilsblood]

Tij Iginla looks like a guy projected to go somewhere around where we pick.

Love the goal heavy stat line, love the blood lines, and he's an Aug b-day so young for draft which I'm always a fan of.

OK size, not a big guy but given his dad I wouldn't be surprised if he played a physical game, no idea about his skating. I assume he'll be a winger at the pro level?

Totally fine with drafting IQ above everything else. That's always my MO but especially now.

You don't have time to wait for players like Holtz to get it anymore. Precocious is the way.

You hope Lenni is a player and then someone like Helenius or whoever is as well. I don't think we can afford to miss on this pick / trade from a cap perspective.

Was Holtz considered iffy on the IQ scale pre draft? I feel that became a narrative(that competed with the skating narrative) as he struggled to find his footing in the NHL.

 

[StevenToddIves]

Tij Iginla looks like a guy projected to go somewhere around where we pick.

Love the goal heavy stat line, love the blood lines, and he's an Aug b-day so young for draft which I'm always a fan of.

OK size, not a big guy but given his dad I wouldn't be surprised if he played a physical game, no idea about his skating. I assume he'll be a winger at the pro level?


Was Holtz considered iffy on the IQ scale pre draft? I feel that became a narrative(that competed with the skating narrative) as he struggled to find his footing in the NHL.

I wrote up Tij Iginla, it's probably a page or two back on this thread. He's a good but not great skater, and he's about average size for a winger, but he's very strong pound for pound. He's quite competitive and tenacious, but not proactively physical like his father was back in the day.

Holtz always had a decent IQ but it wasn't exactly his calling card. He was drafted for his bread and butter, which is obviously goal scoring. What I liked about Holtz in his draft year was that the rest of his game was solid across the board, and I felt he possessed better passing vision than a lot of folks credited him for. However, I didn't have him as a top 10 pick like most of the consensus; I had him about even with Dawson Mercer just outside the top 10.