2024 NHL Entry Draft Preview: Best First-Round Predictions, Props, Odds, and Picks

Before getting to the best 2024 NHL Entry Draft props and picks, be sure to check out BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from NHL draft odds to early Stanley Cup markets and everything in between.


It’s an exciting week if you’re a fan of sports drafts. After the NBA had its fun on Wednesday and Thursday, the 2024 NHL Entry Draft begins its seven-round event on Friday as the annual spectacle invades the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Seeing the next generation of hockey stars fulfill their lifelong dreams is also exhilarating. The thrill escalates when considering that numerous online sportsbooks, such as BetOnline, offer a broad range of NHL draft betting markets, increasing the stakes even more.

This preview of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft has all the information you need to engage in the action. Let’s examine the most recent odds and notable markets.

2024 NHL Entry Draft Round 1 Order

  1. San Jose Sharks
  2. Chicago Blackhawks
  3. Anaheim Ducks
  4. Columbus Blue Jackets
  5. Montreal Canadiens
  6. Utah Hockey Club
  7. Ottawa Senators
  8. Seattle Kraken
  9. Calgary Flames
  10. New Jersey Devils
  11. San Jose Sharks (via BUF)
  12. Philadelphia Flyers
  13. Minnesota Wild
  14. Buffalo Sabres (via PIT>SJ)
  15. Detroit Red Wings
  16. St. Louis Blues
  17. Washington Capitals
  18. Chicago Blackhawks (via NYI)
  19. Vegas Golden Knights
  20. New York Islanders (through TBL and CHI)
  21. Los Angeles Kings
  22. Nashville Predators
  23. Toronto Maple Leafs
  24. Colorado Avalanche
  25. Boston Bruins
  26. Montreal Canadiens (via WPG)
  27. Carolina Hurricanes
  28. Calgary Flames (via VAN)
  29. Dallas Stars
  30. New York Rangers
  31. Anaheim Ducks (via EDM)
  32. Philadelphia Flyers (via FLA)

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2024 NHL Entry Draft: First-Round Props, Odds, & Picks

All 2024 NHL Draft odds are courtesy of Bovada as of Friday, June 28 at 11:11 a.m. ET. 

First Overall Pick Odds

  • Macklin Celebrini, Boston U (-20000)
  • Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State(+5000)
  • Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg (+5000)
  • Anton Silayev, Nizgny Novgorod (+10000)
  • Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat (+10000)
  • Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa(+15000)
  • Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary (+15000)
  • Sam Dickinson, London (+15000)
  • Zeev Buium, Denver (+20000)
  • Berkly Catton, Spokane (+25000)
  • Konsta Helenius, Jukurit (+25000)
  • Zayne Parekh, Saginaw (+25000)

This year’s NHL Draft Lottery was won by the San Jose Sharks, earning them the first overall selection. This marks the first occasion in the Sharks’ franchise history that they possess the No. 1 overall pick. It remains to be seen who they will choose as their first pick of the night.

It’s no secret who San Jose is likely to acquire. Macklin Celebrini of Boston University, who has been the unanimous No. 1 prospect throughout the 2024 hockey season, is expected to be their pick. Betting companies concur, granting him -20000 odds to be the first overall, which implies a 99.5% probability.

In simpler terms, it’s not worth betting on this proposition. The odds offer no value and it’s unlikely that the Sharks will choose anyone other than Celebrini.

NHL Draft First Overall Pick Prediction: Macklin Celebrini (-20000) — but don’t wager

Second Overall Pick Odds

  • Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State(-400)
  • Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg (+225)
  • Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat (+2500)
  • Anton Silayev, Nizgny Novgorod (+2800)
  • Sam Dickinson, London (+7500)
  • Zeev Buium, Denver (+7500)
  • Beckett Sennecke, Oshawa(+10000)
  • Berkly Catton, Spokane (+10000)
  • Konsta Helenius, Jukurit (+10000)
  • Zayne Parekh, Saginaw (+12500)
  • Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary (+15000)

Bovada is predicting that the Chicago Blackhawks will choose Artyom Levshunov from Michigan State as their next prospect. The highly promising Belarussian defender has had a phenomenal year with the Spartans, scoring nine goals and earning 35 points in 38 games. His performance earned him the title of the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

I concur with the oddsmakers on this one. The Blackhawks’ decision to draft Connor Bedard at No. 1 last year logically suggests their next move should be to secure a prospect who can helm their blue line for the coming twenty years. Levshunov appears to be that player, especially given the versatility in his gameplay that could instantly endear him to Chicago fans. While the value proposition may not be the strongest, it’s improbable to see the Hawks deviating from this path.

NHL Draft Second Overall Pick Prediction: Artyom Levshunov (-400)

Third Overall Pick Odds

  • Best choice: Ivan Demidov, SKA St. Petersburg (+160)

In the 2024 NHL Draft rankings, Celebrini usually takes the top spot, followed by Levshunov and Ivan Demidov, who often swap between the No. 2 and 3 positions. If Celebrini and Levshunov are already picked by the time the Anaheim Ducks are up, Demidov could potentially be heading to the west coast.

The Ducks already own a promising young forward group and Demidov’s addition would put them over the top. Draft experts see the Russian forward — who racked up 88 points in 47 games between the MHL regular season and playoffs — as a great fit in Anaheim and someone worth considering if he’s still there at No. 3. Given his desire to play in North America, there’s a decent chance that Demidov will be a top-3 selection.

NHL Draft Third Overall Pick Prediction: Ivan Demidov (+160)

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Total Canadians Drafted in Round 1

  • Over 15.5 (-115)
  • Under 15.5 (-115)

No country is more synonymous with hockey than Canada. It’s the birthplace of NHL superstars from Wayne Gretzky to Sidney Crosby to Connor McDavid. But the question arises, how many Canadians will be picked in the first round of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft?

Here’s an overview of the number of Canadians selected in the first round of the last five NHL drafts:

  • 2019: 13
  • 2020: 18
  • 2021: 18
  • 2022: 11
  • 2023: 12

From 2019 onwards, about 14.4 Canadians on average were selected in the first round, with the Under striking three times. Although Canada continues to produce excellent NHLers, it’s evident that other countries are gradually closing the gap.

Bob McKenzie, a renowned NHL draft expert, has ranked 15 Canadian prospects to be picked in the first round of the 2024 draft, according to his rankings. Notably, only 23 Canadians are listed among McKenzie’s top 50 prospects. Although the Over on this bet could happen, the number of Canadian prospects doesn’t instil enough confidence. It’s best to proceed with caution.

How many Canadians to Be Drafted in Round 1? — Under 15.5 (-115)

Total Americans Drafted in Round 1

  • Over 4.5 (+170)
  • Under 4.5 (-225)

NHL bettors also have the option to bet on the number of Americans that will be drafted on the first day of the 2024 draft. Though the odds are favoring fewer players (the Under), I personally feel confident in betting on more players (the Over).

Circling back to McKenzie, the draft guru has eight American prospects in his top 32. Even if you feel like more than one man’s opinion is necessary, Craig Button has nine while The Hockey News‘ Tony Ferrari lists eight as well. There’s enough American talent in this year’s class to warrant a sprinkle on the Over.

How many Americans to Be Drafted in Round 1? — Over 4.5 (+170)


2024 NHL Draft FAQ

When is the 2024 NHL Draft?

  • The 2024 NHL Draft kicks off with Round 1 on Friday, June 28, followed by the concluding six rounds on Saturday, June 29.

Where is the 2024 NHL Draft?

  • The Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada is the venue for the 2024 NHL Draft. This marks the first occasion that the draft is being held in Sin City.

What time is the 2024 NHL Draft?

  • Day 1: June 28 @ 7 p.m. ET
  • Day 2: June 29 @ 11:30 a.m. ET

How can I watch the 2024 NHL Draft?

  • Viewers can watch Round 1 of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on ESPN and ESPN+. Meanwhile, SportsNet 1, ESPN+, and the NHL Network will broadcast Rounds 2-7.

How to Bet on the 2024 NHL Draft

  • A wide range of 2024 NHL Draft markets, odds, and props are featured on most major online sportsbooks.

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