By Russ Cohen
As my list gets closer to being released. I will say that I think at least five defensemen could go in the Top 10 of the 2024 NHL Draft. It’s possible that it could be higher. That is still very fluid.
One thing I like to do is track the progression of draft-eligible players. Two players that I’ve seen solid progression in are Zeev Buium and Will Skahan. Zeev is playing with Shai (a Red Wings prospect) at the University of Denver. I saw him a lot with the NTDP last year. His speed was great. He was excellent on the power play, and his passing set up scoring plays 5-on-5. He was poised with the puck too. This year, he’s bigger, now 6’0″. He’s so reliable. As a top defenseman, he only has eight PIMS on the season. According to InStat, he is averaging 22:19 ice time and winning 51% of puck battles. That’s added strength. He may go in the high teens or low 20s. He’s currently riding an eight-game point streak.
Will Skahan is another defenseman who is improving. Still 17, he’s 6’4”, 212 pounds, an intimidating presence who can skate. He plays a lot on the PK. He’s winning 63% of his puck battles according to InStat. He is getting over 13 minutes of ice time. There’s not much offense there, but teams want a defenseman like Skahan whose dad was an NHL strength and conditioning coach, so expect him to continue to get stronger, and that’s why he should go at the bottom of the first round.
