With it widely accepted the San Jose Sharks are selecting Boston University center Macklin Celebrini with the first overall selection in the 2024 Draft, the action starts with the Chicago Blackhawks and the No. 2 pick.
The Blackhawks brass might not select Russian winger Ivan Demidov — but they should — and he’s the focus of a pair of my favorite NHL picks for this year’s draft.
Check out even more of my NHL Draft picks ahead of Round 1 on Friday.
- Ivan Demidov to go second (+260)
- Demidov over Cayden Lindstrom (-110)
- Michael Brandsegg-Nygard over Stian Solberg (-110)
NHL Draft picks and predictions
Ivan Demidov to go second overall
(+260 at Caesars)
It’s been suggested the Chicago Blackhawks have a decision in the two spot between Belarusian defenseman Artyom Levshunov and Russian winger Ivan Demidov, but I just don’t agree. Levshunov is the betting favorite to be selected second overall, and he profiles as a franchise defenseman who leaves a mark at both ends of the ice.
Again, I’m just not buying Chicago prioritizing a D-man over one of the most talented offensive players in recent memory. Demidov is the perfect Robin to superstar Connor Bedard, and the Blackhawks passing on a 100-point producer for a two-way defenseman who probably profiles better as a defender would be puzzling.
Ivan Demidov over Cayden Lindstrom
(-110 at bet365)
If Demidov doesn't go to Chicago, I don’t anticipate him slipping in the draft far enough to be selected after Medicine Hat Tigers center Cayden Lindstrom. It isn’t a knock on Lindstrom because he’s the prototypical power forward teams covet who's a fast, fluid skater with excellent puck skills.
He’s just not the game-breaking offensive talent Demidov is. Additionally, Lindstrom looks like a potential fit at No. 4 for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Chicago is set with a pair of top-six centers, and the Anaheim Ducks hold the No. 3 pick while loaded up the middle. So, if Chicago does pass on Demidov, I suspect Anaheim won’t. Columbus might not, either.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard Over Stian Solberg
(-110 at bet365)
Who had two Norwegians going in the first round and just a single Finn and Swede on their bingo card? Fittingly, the two have a betting market for who’ll be selected first, and I’m expecting it to be the well-rounded Michael Brandsegg-Nygard.
Brandsegg-Nygard has the defensive chops, competitiveness, and size to debut in the NHL this fall, and he’s capable of scoring in multiple ways. I suspect there will be a team in the middle of Round 1 delighted to take a safe bet on Brandsegg-Nygard with hopes his offensive game continues to develop.
Defenseman Stian Solberg has a similar high floor, but I don’t think his offensive upside and NHL readiness match his countrymen. This is widely considered a deep class of defensemen, and Solberg isn’t exactly standing out as one of them.
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