The 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere was a treat to watch. The venue’s eye-popping technology and the celebrity guests announcing a few of the top picks creating the star-dazzled atmosphere. The hugs and tears of family and friends of brought the heart.
There were heartwarming storylines, from the Iginla father-son duo getting drafted, to Beckett Sennecke’s priceless reaction to hearing his name called at 3rd overall, to the last-minute swap of picks which let Minnesota steal Zeev Buium at No. 12.
One prominent storyline in the NHL recently shined early in the draft: the league is getting bigger. Players are taller, stronger, and faster. The younger generation is only getting better while injecting some of that “big juice” into their respective lineups. However, there are still many amazing undersized NHL players like Jonathan Marchessault (5'9"), Alex Debrincat (5'7"), Johnny Gaudreau (5'9"), Brad Marchand (5'9"), Cole Caufield (5'7"). Despite their smaller stature, these players thrive with their offensive talent, versatility and creativity. Notably, Caufield was the only one drafted in the first round, while the others were picked in later rounds or went undrafted.
NHL management and executives are becoming more selective, seeking a blend if talent, size, and skill. Fortunately, this draft offered a plethora of all three.
Here’s a look at the Top 10:
SJS: Macklin Celebrini (6'0")
CHI: Artyom Levshunov (6'2")
ANA: Beckett Sennecke (6'2")
CBJ: Cayden Lindstrom (6'3")
MTL: Ivan Demidov (6'0")
UTA: Tij Iginla (6'0")
OTT: Carter Yakemchuck (6'3")
SEA: Berkly Catton (5'11")
CGY: Zayne Parekh (6'0")
NJD: Anton Silayev (6'7")
**All heights are according to Elite Prospects**
Berkly Catton, at 5'11", is the only player under 6 feet in the Top 10, which potentially was the leading factor to why he was not chosen earlier. Despite his height, Catton is an offensive mastermind, scoring 116 points with 54 goals and 62 assists this season as an alternate captain for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL.
Comparing him to the other centers from the WHL drafted higher, at No. 4, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Cayden Lindstrom from the Medicine Hat Tigers. Lindstrom is a rare talent, with a physical game and sharp offensive instincts. Despite playing only 32 games to injury, he scored 46 points.
While they play the same position, Catton and Lindstrom’s styles differ. Catton uses his high hockey IQ and finesse to generate offense, while Lindstrom’s aggressive style makes him a formidable presence in the O-zone. Catton is more refined and composed, whereas Lindstrom’s raw talent and physicality hold potential for further improvement.
At No. 6, Center Tij Iginla was Utah’s first ever draft-pick. With 84 points in 64 games with the Kelowna Rockets, Iginla showcased his elite skill and physicality. His exceptional puck control helps him drive the play effectively.
Despite his average height at 6'0", Iginla has an aggressive edge, driving to the net constantly with speed and instincts. While Catton has made strides defensively, both prospects have room to grow in that area.
This draft’s emphasis on size reflects a trend in the NHL, but it does not mean smaller players like Catton will not succeed. He will fit in well with Seattle’s mix of younger stars and experienced players with Stanley Cup pedigree, such as Yanni Gourde, Andre Burakovsky, Chandler Stephenson, etc.
Reflecting on July 1, 2019, and the beginning of free agency five years ago, that free agency class was arguably one of the best in recent memory. It featured names like Artemi Panarin, Erik Karlsson, Jeff Skinner, Matt Duchene, Joe Pavelski, Anders Lee, Mats Zuccarelo, and Jordan Eberle. These players earned their paydays for their offensive skills, with only Karlsson and Lee above 6 feet. Now, with the exception of Pavelski, the rest are still in the NHL, but fewer undersized players are coming through the pipeline.
5 years later, yesterday’s signings highlight this shift. Looking at who earned their big-tickets yesterday, only listing players who are in their prime and not entering their final contracts or the “back nine” of their careers— still effective players like Steven Stamkos, Chris Tanev, and Oliver Ekman-Larson. This excludes players who signed extensions or were acquired by trade. Players in their prime who earned hefty contracts included Jake Guentzel, Nikita Zadorov, Elias Lindholm, Tyler Bertuzzi, Sam Reinhart, Brett Pesce, Brandon Montour, Brady Skjei, Jake DeBrusk, and Chandler Stephenson. Except for Guentzel, all are above 6 feet, indicating a clear change in priorities.
The prevalence of smaller players in the NHL has dwindled. Comparing different average heights of NHL teams from the 2023-24 season, every team except for the Minnesota Wild, with an average of 6'0", had an average of 6'1"or 6'2". The Wild also have the lowest average weight at 193 lbs. These numbers should only rise in the upcoming years.
The NHL is unmistakably getting bigger. The sport is evolving, and the full package of size, speed, and skill has been the hot commodity.