2024 NHL Draft: Best Available After the First Round

Teddy Stiga celebrates a goal during the 2024 U-18 Five Nations Tournament in Plymouth, Mich., in February. David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The first round of the NHL draft is complete.

While there was plenty of excitement that went down on Day 1 at the Sphere in Las Vegas, the draft is often won on Day 2. NHL teams will make their selection for Rounds 2 to 7 and look to snag a player or two who will be true difference-makers for years to come.

Let’s look at a few of the best players who will be available as the second day kicks off at the NHL draft and what they could bring to a team.

Teddy Stiga, LW, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

One of the most high-energy, high-pace forwards in the draft, Stiga has proved time and again he is the perfect complement for a high-end player.

Whether he was helping 2025 top prospect James Hagens elevate his game or doing all the small things that allowed Cole Eiserman to be his best, Stiga was a force no matter where he played in the lineup. He is a very similar player to Tij Iginla, who went sixth overall to Utah.

Andrew Basha, W, Medicine Hat (WHL)

Basha is an electric playmaking winger who can make something out of nothing. Basha is undersized at 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, which is why he fell out of the first round. But the high-end skill and vision on the ice are impressive to watch. He loves to show off his creativity and shiftiness in the offensive zone. He can leave a bit to be desired in his own end, but he is at his best in the offensive zone, and his best is pretty impressive.

Igor Chernyshov, W, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

Chernyshov is a jack of all trades and a master of none, which may have given NHL clubs some pause. But with a non-stop motor, he gets everything he can out of all of his tools. As the season wore on, he became more and more comfortable at the KHL level and proved to be a nice asset in the bottom six. He plays a pro-style game, plays with pace and could be a really nice middle-six complementary winger.

Charlie Elick, D, Brandon (WHL)

The 6-foot-3, 202-pound Elick is a big brute of a blueliner who looks to punish his opponents. Elick isn’t going to be a big point producer, but NHL teams love players in his mold. He looks to shut down cycles, prevent zone entries, and defend the front of the net, all while beating his opponent to a pulp.

Lucas Pettersson, C, MoDo Jr. (Swe.)

The Swedish forward is an uber-talented yet inconsistent attacker. When Pettersson is on his game, he can generate offense as a playmaker or a shooter. When he is off his game, he can float and disappear a bit. He could be a big-time steal if he can find some level of consistency.

Alfons Freij, D, Vaxjo Jr. (Swe.)

Although he didn’t get nearly the hype of some of the other top blueliners in this NHL draft class, Freij brings so much offensive skill and puck-moving ability. The mobile Swedish blueliner has a more well-rounded game than you would expect from an offensive-leaning defenseman. He could round into a valuable two-way blueliner.

Luke Misa, C, Mississauga (OHL)

The transitional wizard fell out of the first round, likely because of his 5-foot-10, 170-pound size. But his playmaking ability, combined with his effortless puck transporting, makes him a valuable asset. He is a pressure-oriented forechecker who uses his speed to pin down his opponents and gives them trouble moving the puck on retrievals as well. He has a path to playing in the bottom six or top six with the skillset he brings to the game.

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