The San Jose Sharks made Boston University forward Macklin Celebrini the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft on Friday night at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
This was the first time in Sharks franchise history that they owned the first overall pick. They have selected second overall three times and not since 1997, when they selected Patrick Marleau.
Celebrini, who turned 18 this month, was second in the NCAA in scoring last season with 32 goals and third overall with 64 points in 38 games for the Terriers. He won Hockey East’s Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year awards. The Vancouver native capped his year by becoming the youngest player to win the Hobey Baker Award as the top men’s player.
Celebrini, the top-ranked North American skater in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings, has said he could benefit from returning to Boston University for another year, but the Sharks would like to add a spark to their lineup right away.
“I think he has a special mentality to get better and try his hardest. He’s super competitive,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in May. “He gives everything every day and already has a great level of professionalism. I think he gives himself every opportunity to succeed.”
Only two No. 1 overall picks since 2006 have not gone directly to the NHL after being drafted: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Owen Power (Michigan, 2021) and Erik Johnson (Minnesota, 2006), who was selected by the St. Louis Blues.
The Sharks have not made the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 2018-19 season and now have another piece as the franchise continues its rebuild under Grier.
Here are the prospects selected for the remaining 31 picks in the 2024 NHL Draft:
NHL Draft 2024
2. Artyom Levshunov – Defender, Michigan State: Chicago Blackhawks