2024 NHL Draft: Best Value Pick for Every Round

Ivan Demidov Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NHL draft is finished, and it’s time to take a look at the best value pick in every round, from the first to the seventh.

Who was a steal at their slot? Who could make their team look like geniuses? That’s what we’re here to discuss.

Round 1: Ivan Demidov, RW, No. 5 overall to Montreal

This kid literally wants to bring ‘Mamba Mentality’ to Montreal. Arguably the second-best player in the draft class and the player with the highest upside in the eyes of many analysts, Demidov plays with a killer instinct. His creativity and playmaking are unmatched in the class. There were concerns over the infamous “Russian Factor,” but Montreal saw Demidov for what he was, which is a game-breaker. There were plenty of good picks in the first round, but none were better than Demidov going to the Habs.

Round 2: Teddy Stiga, LW, No. 55 overall to Nashville, and Nikita Artamonov, LW, No. 50 overall to Carolina

I’m cheating and choosing two for the second round. Stiga is the ultimate dog on a bone, relentless forward. He never lets his opponents rest and he elevated everyone he played with at the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. He should have gone in the first round, and Nashville came away with one of the most entertaining players in the draft class.

Artamonov was another player most pegged as a first-round pick, but in typical Carolina Hurricanes fashion, they snagged the falling skilled player and added to their impressive run at the draft. Artamonov always tried to generate offense and showed some impressive playmaking and thinking at the KHL level. His development and eventual path to the NHL will be fun to watch.

Round 3: Herman Traff, RW, No. 91 overall to New Jersey

Traff has size, forechecks hard, plays with a fire in his eyes and has a very good shot. He is usually the kind of player that NHL teams reach on a bit, but he found himself falling into the third round, where New Jersey was able to snag him. Traff may not ever put up an insane amount of production, but he profiles as a guy who plays for years in a team’s middle six with his effort and physicality.

Round 4: Aron Kiviharju, D, No. 122 overall to Minnesota

Once thought of as a possible contender for No. 1 before his draft year, Kiviharju had a tough year. He dislocated his knee taking one-timers after practice as his skate got caught in a rut and then missed months of hockey. He returned for the Under-18 World Championship but wasn’t really the player everyone had been hoping for. His IQ is through the roof, and he can make just about any pass. The rest of his game leaves a bit to be desired, but the potential is enticing this late in the draft.

Round 5: Luke Misa, C, No. 150 overall to Calgary

The Flames ended the slide in the fifth round to take Misa. His transition game is as good as they come in this draft, and his playmaking edge gives him offensive potential at the next level. Misa always looks to pressure his opponents on the forecheck with his speed and pace. He is small, which is why there was an expected drop from where most people had him, but his skill, skating and intelligence were too good to fall this far.

Round 6: Kieron Walton, LW/C, No. 187 overall to Winnipeg

Walton was a player who I really liked this year, especially when he was filling in up the lineup when the Sudbury Wolves needed someone. Walton is big, skilled and moves well. He isn't a burner, but he is an effective player up ice. His shot is solid, his passing is underrated, and he is tough to play against. His development will be something to watch over the next couple of years. He may be a slow burn, but if and when he gets to the NHL, he could be a really steady bottom-six player.

Round 7: Ryerson Leenders, G, No. 219 overall to Buffalo

The fact that Leenders fell to the seventh round is criminal in a goalie class that isn’t all that great. Leenders may not be a 6-foot-4 netminder, but he moves well, reads the play and shows off some impressive athleticism in the net. He was one of the best goalies in the OHL this season, building off a highly productive 16-year-old year last year. Leenders might fall into that category of goalies who were drafted way too late and found their way into the NHL.

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