As NHL teams gathered their prospects at development camps last week, fans were treated to a flurry of entry-level contract signings. Many of these players were freshly drafted, including the top three picks of 2024: Macklin Celebrini, Artyom Levshunov, and Beckett Sennecke, as well as top-10 picks Berkly Catton and Zayne Parekh.
Last Saturday, the Washington Capitals signed 17-year-old Ilya Protas, a third-round pick at 75th overall. In the coming months, more prospects from this draft and previous years will sign their entry-level contracts.
For college players, these signings mark the end of their NCAA careers and the beginning of their professional journeys. However, most teenagers will return to their junior teams under the entry-level slide system, possibly after a brief NHL stint of up to nine games.
With Macklin Celebrini signing with the Sharks, he's expected to join their opening-night lineup alongside Will Smith, the fourth overall pick in 2023. Celebrini and Smith will be in a rare position, learning together as teenagers. They could become the Sharks' one-two punch down the middle but may also spend time on the wing in their first year.
Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov
Chicago's GM Kyle Davidson aims to create a supportive environment for prospects, similar to Dallas with Wyatt Johnston, Logan Stankoven, and Thomas Harley. Chicago's roster is expected to feature fewer rookies this year, with Levshunov likely starting his professional development in the AHL alongside 2022 first-rounder Frank Nazar and 2021's Nolan Allan.
Logan Stankoven, technically still a rookie, is a contender for the Calder Trophy after playing 24 regular-season games last season. The next rising star is Mavrik Bourque, the 30th overall pick in 2020 and last season's AHL MVP with 77 points.
Despite the challenge of bringing Michkov from Russia, the Flyers signed the ultra-skilled forward just a year after drafting him seventh overall in 2023. Michkov is an early favorite for the Calder Trophy, though he must adjust to a new culture and earn ice time under coach John Tortorella.
After requesting a trade from Philadelphia, 2022 fifth-overall pick Cutter Gauthier joined the Ducks and played one NHL game. With significant cap space, the Ducks may continue roster building, but Gauthier is poised to step into Anaheim's top six and secure prime offensive minutes.
Defensemen to Watch
Rookie defensemen typically develop longer than forwards, but here are three to watch in 2024-25: - Simon Edvinsson, Detroit: 21 years old, sixth overall in 2021, 16 NHL games last season - Lane Hutson, Montreal: 20 years old, 62nd overall in 2022, 2 NHL games last season - Denton Mateychuk, Columbus: Turns 20 on July 12, 12th overall in 2022, 4 AHL games last season
