The 2024 NHL Draft is set to begin on Friday, June 28, giving us another opportunity to fire up some bets during the summer layoff.
While it’s definitely difficult to handicap the front-office agendas or scouting outlooks of the secretive NHL brass, there are a handful of NHL picks that caught my attention for this year’s draft taking place in the Sphere. Be sure to check out all of my 2024 NHL Draft predictions.
- Catton draft position Under 11.5 (-110)
- Solberg draft position Over 16.5 (+140)
- Greentree draft position Under 21.5 (-110)
- Beaudoin draft position Over 24.5 (+125)
- Basha draft position Under 35.5 (+110)
NHL Draft picks and predictions
Berkly Catton draft position Under 11.5
(-110 at bet365)
There’s big-time scoring upside with Catton, and he checks out among the most dynamic offensive players in this draft class. Having top-line potential is highly valued, and Catton excelled as the No. 1 center for the Spokane Chiefs to the tune of 116 points — 54 goals — through 68 games in the WHL. Simply put, he was one of the best players in the CHL all season long.
Stian Solberg draft position Over 16.5
(+140 at DraftKings)
I’m not expecting a team to reach this early in the draft for Solberg because I think he tops out as the physical presence on a second pairing and likely is set to be a third-pairing defenseman.
There are oodles of positives about his relentlessness, fearlessness, and physical willingness, but I’m not convinced the offense translates to the big leagues, and his nontraditional path to North America only needs to scare off a few front offices for Solberg to fall into the late first round or even Day 2.
Liam Greentree draft position Under 21.5
(-110 at bet365)
Greentree already possesses pro size and a pro shot, and he took his offensive game to another level this season while wearing the C for the Windsor Spitfires. He’s always excelled in the difficult areas, won puck battles, and was an opportunistic scorer, but this season, he flashed more offensive creativity while adding another dimension to his game in the opponent’s zone.
His skating stride needs fine-tuning, but Greentree isn’t slow by any means. I also value his strong showing in the CHL/NHL Top Prospect Game, with a goal and multiple other high-danger chances.
Cole Beaudoin draft position Over 24.5
(+125 at DraftKings)
There's a lot to like about Beaudoin. His strength numbers in the 2024 NHL Combine affirmed he’s physically ready for the NHL, and his defensive awareness and competitive level could easily land him in the pros in short order.
With that said, he’s not quick, speedy, or highly skilled, and I’m not convinced he has the offensive ceiling to be a consistent top-six scorer at the highest level.
Best NHL bonuses
New Users
No-sweat first bet
up to $1,500! Claim Now
See our BetMGM sportsbook review!
New Users
Get up to $1,000 in bonus bets
If your first bet loses! Claim with code CVRSNEWS1000
See our Caesars sportsbook review
Eligible USA locations only. Also, see our full list of best sportsbook promotions for 2024.
21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Andrew Basha draft position Under 35.5
(+110 at DraftKings)
Basha projects to be exactly what NHL teams covet in a middle-six winger, and I expect him to go late in the first round or be an early Day 2 selection. His game should also translate quickly to the highest level, and his well-rounded game will help him contribute on an entry-level contract — something a team in a competitive window picking late in the first round can take advantage of.
