A source believes they know the first six picks of the draft, including the 5th

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Elias Edmonson
June 27, 2024 (11:19)

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The first round of the NHL draft is approaching quickly, and speculations continue to circulate about the Montreal Canadiens' pick.

Former NHL scout Grant McCagg has released his prediction for the top six picks in the draft. This information is based on what he has gathered from various sources throughout the league.

Former Montreal Canadiens scout Grant McCagg believes he knows the top six picks of tomorrow's draft

Here's what he predicts:

1. San Jose Sharks: Macklin Celebrini
2. Chicago Blackhawks: Artyom Levshunov
3. Anaheim Ducks: Anton Silayev
4. Columbus Blue Jackets: Cayden Lindstrom
5. Montreal Canadiens: Ivan Demidov or Zeev Buium
6. Utah team: Beckett Sennecke

It's important to note that these are speculations, but they are based on what he has heard. Things could very well change at the last minute.

« Here is what I heard from one very tied-in NHL source today concerning how the top six picks may go.

Chicago - "Levshunov locked in"
Anaheim - "Silayev from everything I'm hearing "
Columbus - "Scouts think Lindstrom is going 4th"
MTL - "Everyone thinks MTL is taking Demidov or Buium"
Utah - "Sennecke goes 6th"

Take it for what it's worth. All just speculation until you hear the names called.» - Grant McCagg

One of the things that could change the game would be a trade.

Pierre LeBrun mentions that the Blackhawks are receiving calls about their 2nd overall pick, but they are saying they will keep their pick. Who knows if they will be tempted by Friday night? If another team gets into the top 5, it would greatly change the dynamics of this first round.

As for McCagg, it seems that the Canadiens are targeting Ivan Demidov or Zeev Buium. It is likely that they will choose the Russian forward if he is available and the American defenseman if Demidov is not available.

Ivan Demidov, 18, scored 23 goals and added 37 assists for a total of 60 points in 30 games with SKA Jr. of St. Petersburg last season. He surprised many last week by revealing his height of 6'1", contrary to the previously reported 5'11".

On the other hand, Zeev Buium, 18, scored 50 points, including 11 goals, in 42 games in his first season with the University of Denver. This was the best offensive output in about 40 years for a freshman defenseman in American collegiate ranks.