The San Jose Sharks win the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery

The San Jose Sharks win the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery. The ping pong balls went their way and now they are officially on the clock.

The Sharks didn't move as they went into the draft with the best odds. Now, they will make this selection that is sure to change the future of their franchise.

What are the - getting with the first overall pick? Well, anything can happen, but they almost certainly going to select Macklin Celebrini of Boston University. 

Celebrini won the Hobey Baker as the best player in college hockey as a freshman which is an incredible feat in its own right. Now, he’ll be the number one pick in the NHL Draft. 

Macklin Celebrini is headed to the San Jose Sharks who won the lottery

He had 32 goals and 32 assists for 64 points which are remarkable numbers for a freshman. In addition to his incredible offense, he plays sound defense. His two-way game will translate well to the NHL. 

There was no other movement with these picks. The Chicago Blackhawks retained the second overall pick and nobody else moved up.

Some pretty good prospects will be going in the first round this year. Celebrini might be a tick below Connor Bedard but he is still a very good prospect that will change things for the Sharks.

San Jose took Will Smith 4th overall last year and he was one of two players to have more points than Celebrini this season in the NCAA. These two should be a part of a great core in San Jose for a long time.

The Sharks needed this. Outside of Smith, their cupboard of prospects isn't where it needs to be. They have a long way to go before they are contenders again but this is a great start.

The Sharks had a great night overall outside of winning the lottery too. They will get the Pittsburgh Penguins selection in the first round from the Erik Karlsson trade. That landed at 14th overall. If the Penguins moved into the top ten, they would have gotten to keep it.

There are still a few more weeks to go before the 2024 NHL Draft but the anticipation (party) is on in San Jose. This is a great thing for them.