Changes behind the scenes in the NHL. Several players and coaches have already been hired. Who has priority draft rights?

In addition to the Stanley Cup battles, it’s also busy behind the scenes in the NHL. The first pick in the NHL draft has been decided. A number of players have signed rookie contracts and will now battle it out for a spot in the NHL. The first coaching changes are also known.

San Jose wins the draft lottery

All 16 teams that remained in the playoffs this year were selected. San Jose was the best, but Chicago, which had the right of first refusal last year, will also have a very advantageous position. Anaheim will be the third choice, followed by Columbus and Montreal.

San Jose will most likely target Macklin Celebrini, who is considered a rising star of the famous Canadian-American competition. The seventeen year old forward has defended the colours of Boston University this year and is now ready to join the elite.

The draft itself will take place on June 28 and 29 at the unique Sphere venue in Las Vegas. It will be the first event to be televised from the venue. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the official announcement during tonight’s broadcast of the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery.

“The NHL is proud to bring the first sporting event and the first live telecast from the Sphere,” said Steve Mayer, NHL Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer

Changes to the bench

Ottawa will be led by Travis Green as head coach starting this season. He will replace Jacques Martin, who took over as interim coach in December. Green led New Jersey this year, with whom he did not make the playoffs. He also previously served on the bench for Vancouver, with whom he made one playoff appearance in five years. He has also had an illustrious playing career.

The St. Louis Blues have extended the contract of current head coach Drew Bannister. The 50-year-old pilot finished the year on the St. Louis bench as only a short-term option, but management ultimately decided to sign him to a two-year contract.

Bannister came in for Craig Berube in December and has a record of 30 wins and 24 losses. He has only gained experience on the AHL bench so far, and will now see his first big engagement.

Transfers

Twenty-nine-year-old goaltender Marcus Högberg, who spent three seasons in Sweden, is now returning to the NHL. He signed a two-year contract with the New York Islanders, where Czech goaltender Jakub Škarek also plays. He will have to deal with new competition.

Talented Canadian defenseman Charles-Alexis Legault has also agreed to terms with Carolina. He signed a three-year rookie contract with the club. The 20-year-old quarterback was selected in the 5th round of last year’s draft, and last played for Quinnipiac in the NCAA.

Czech goalkeeper Jakub Málek also signed a rookie contract, which could expand the large group of Czech goalkeepers overseas. Málek moves to the United States after two successful seasons with Ilves Tampere of Finland.

Swedish back Axel Sandin Pellikka is also well on his way to the most famous competition at the age of 19. The seventeenth pick in the 2023 draft scored ten times this year in Sweden’s top competition and is now ready to fight for a spot with the Red Wings.

Source: NHL, Ottawa Senators, X