2024 NHL Draft Tracker: Every first-round pick and NY Islanders news as it unfolds

We're just hours away from the 2024 NHL Draft at Sphere in Las Vegas, kicking off the beginning of the 2024-25 season.

The San Jose Sharks won the draft lottery and will pick first overall. Macklin Cellebrini is unanimously considered the top prospect and selecting anybody but him first overall would be a complete failure on GM Mike Grier's behalf.

The draft begins at pick No. 2 with the Chicago Blackhawks. It appears they're leading in favor of Michigan State defenseman Artyom Levshunov - but Ivan Demidov remains one of the draft's most polarizing prospects, becoming a handful for opposing teams in the future playing alongside Connor Bedard.

The NY Islanders are set to pick at No. 20, but popular belief is that he'll attempt to move the pick to acquire a top-6 winger. Nikolaj Ehlers has been a name often mentioned, but Lou Lamoriello is likely looking at a handful of players that could improve the roster next season.

Trade activity has picked up over the last few days with multiple moves before teams even step on the draft floor. Here are some of the most recent trades:

• The Ottawa Senators acquired Linus Ullmark from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Joonas Korpisalo, Mark Kastelic, and a 1st-round pick (No. 25)
• The San Jose Sharks acquired Jake Wallman and a 2nd round pick from the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations
• The Chicago Blackhawks acquired Ilya Mikheyev, Sam Lefferty, and a 4th-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for a 2nd-round pick in 2027
• The San Jose Sharks acquired a 1st-round pick (No. 11) from the Buffalo Sabres for a 1st-round pick (No.14) and a 2nd-round pick (No. 42)
• The Washington Capitals acquired Andrew Mangiapane from the Calgary Flames for a 2nd-round pick in the 2025 draft
• The Montreal Canadiens acquired a 1st-round pick (No. 21) from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 1st-round pick (No. 21), a 2nd-round pick (No. 57), and a 7th-round pick (No. 198)
• The St. Louis Blues acquired Alexandre Texier from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 4th-round pick in 2025

Make sure to follow us on X (@eyesonislesFS) and follow along here, as this post will be updated throughout the draft with each pick and trade made throughout the night!

2024 NHL DRAFT

6. Utah Hockey Club
Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets

8. Seattle Kraken
Berkly Catton, Spokane Chiefs

*TRADE*

The Minnesota Wild acquire the 12th overall pick from the Phildelphia Flyers for the 13th overall pick and a 2025 3rd-round pick

*TRADE*

The Anaheim Ducks acquire the 23rd overall pick from the Tornto Maple Leafs for picks No. 31 and No. 58

*TRADE*

The Utah Hockey Club acquires the 24th overall pick from the Colorad Avalanche in exchange for picks No. 38, No. 71, and a 2nd-round pick in 2025

24. Utah Hockey Club
Cole Beaudoin, Barrie Colts

*Trade*

The Chicago Blackhawks acquire the 27th overall pick from the Carolin Hurricanes in exchange for the 34th and 50th picks

*TRADE*

The Edmonton Oilers acquired the 32nd pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a conditional 2025 1st-round pick