The 2024 NHL Draft kicked off with a bang as teams made their selections in the first round. With plenty of talent available, there were some exciting picks and surprises along the way. Here are some highlights from the first round of the draft:

1. The Seattle Kraken made history by selecting defenseman Jack Hughes with the first overall pick. Hughes, a highly touted prospect, is expected to make an immediate impact on the Kraken’s blue line and help solidify their defense for years to come.

2. The Anaheim Ducks made a bold move by trading up to the second overall pick to select forward Connor Bedard. Bedard, considered by many to be the top prospect in the draft, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Ducks and could become a franchise player in the future.

3. The Buffalo Sabres surprised many by selecting goaltender Luke Hughes with the third overall pick. Hughes, the younger brother of Jack Hughes, is a highly skilled netminder who has the potential to be a future star in the NHL.

4. The New York Rangers added to their already impressive prospect pool by selecting forward Matthew Savoie with the fourth overall pick. Savoie is a dynamic playmaker with elite offensive skills and could be a key piece for the Rangers in the years to come.

5. The Detroit Red Wings rounded out the top five picks by selecting defenseman Brandt Clarke. Clarke, a smooth-skating blueliner with excellent offensive instincts, has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman for the Red Wings in the future.

Overall, the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft was filled with excitement and anticipation as teams made their selections for the future of their franchises. With plenty of talent available, it will be interesting to see how these prospects develop and make their mark on the NHL in the coming years.