NHL Draft Grades: Central Division

With the 2024 draft complete, it's time to hand out initial grades for each team's haul of new prospects.

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Levshunov gives the Blackhawks a potential top-pairing defenseman with a huge development runway. He was playing Belarusian junior hockey two years ago and just put up one of the best seasons ever by a collegiate rearguard. With a franchise cornerstone at forward in Connor Bedard, addressing a major organizational need - the blue-line corps - was a smart choice at No. 2.

Chicago then added two intriguing forwards to round out the first round in Boisvert and Vanacker. Boisvert can play down the middle and brings both goal-scoring and two-way skill. Vanacker blossomed in Brantford this year despite playing through a torn labrum. He's someone who could be looked at as a steal next year.

Add in speedsters Mustard and Spellacy, and this was a great two days for the Blackhawks organization.

The 6-foot Nabokov isn't the biggest goalie, and he's the oldest player taken in this year's draft. But he also took the KHL by storm last season, winning Rookie of the Year and more importantly, Playoff MVP. Three goaltenders in one class is a bit much, though.

Hemming has a strong shot and a solid frame at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds. He has the potential to be a big goal scorer with more consistency. The Stars have had success out of Finland in the past and doubled down with defenseman Niilopekka Muhonen.

Buium being available at No. 12 was a bit of a shock. His offensive game speaks for itself considering his point totals, but it's his rapidly developing defensive game that truly makes Buium such a coveted prospect. The idea of him and Brock Faber on a pairing for a decade should excite Wild fans.

Ritchie had a big rookie campaign in the WHL two seasons ago but didn't build on it enough this year to maintain first-round status. And, two years ago, Kiviharju was a projected top-five talent. Minnesota made a superb bet on upside in the middle rounds.

A big postseason in the Russian junior league pushed Surin well inside the first round. His competitiveness and motor already put him on many teams' radars, and the added offensive upside he showed in the playoffs only saw him rise down the stretch.

Stiga would've been a first-rounder if he was taller than 5-foot-10. His work ethic, two-way capabilities, and finishing ability make him a superb second-round choice for the Preds, and Marques is another quality, value pick.

If Jiricek had a healthy season, there's a decent chance he wouldn't have been available for the Blues. It's a fun swing on potential if Jiricek rediscovers his game post-injury, and it fills an organizational need.

Ralph and Fischer are big and have long runways for development. Mrsic was a big goal scorer out west. It's a decent class for the Blues that largely hinges on Jiricek's health and progression.

Utah made a splash in its first draft by landing Tij Iginla at sixth overall. The son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, Tij exploded with 47 goals in the WHL this season. He's a highly competitive player who becomes even more valuable if he switches back to center.

The rest of the picks all fit the club's M.O. from past drafts as big players who are hard to play against.

The Jets didn't have many picks but added two intriguing talents in Freij and He in particular. Freij was among the most polarizing players in the draft: Some public outlets listed him as a first-round talent, while others left him out of their top 80 entirely.

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