The 2024 NHL draft is quickly approaching, set to take place on June 28 and 29 at the Sphere in Las Vegas. As fans eagerly anticipate seeing which young prospects their favorite teams will select, it’s worth noting that some of the top players in this year’s draft class have strong family ties to the NHL.
One standout prospect in this year’s draft is Celebrini, who is considered the consensus No. 1 pick by many experts. His brother, Aiden Celebrini, was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2023, and their father currently holds a prominent role with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, Buium’s older brother, Shai Buium, was a high pick in the 2021 NHL draft and the two siblings recently won the NCAA championship together.
Another top prospect, Jiricek, is following in the footsteps of his older brother, who was a first-round pick in 2022. Similarly, Cole Eiserman will be the second member of his family to hear his name called at the NHL draft, following in the path of his older brother Shane. These family connections add an extra layer of intrigue to the draft process.
In addition to current prospects with family ties to the NHL, there are also players whose relatives had successful careers in the league. For example, Aatos Koivu comes from a family of hockey royalty, with his father and uncle both enjoying lengthy NHL careers. Max Plante is the son of a former NHL player who now coaches in the league, while Lukas Fischer’s father won a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings.
The connections don’t end there, as some prospects have cousins or siblings who are currently playing in the NHL. Wetsch is related to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, one of the longest-serving members of the Edmonton Oilers, while Satan’s father had a long career in the league. The Hutson brothers both have promising futures in hockey, with Lane already making his NHL debut.
It’s clear that family ties run deep in the NHL, with many current and future prospects having connections to the league’s history. Whether it’s through siblings, parents, uncles, or cousins, these players carry on a tradition of excellence and passion for the game. As the 2024 draft approaches, fans can look forward to seeing which prospects will continue their family’s legacy in the NHL.
The NHL draft is not just an opportunity for young players to fulfill their dreams of playing in the league, but also a chance to carry on the tradition of hockey families. With so many prospects having strong ties to the NHL, the 2024 draft promises to be an exciting and emotional event for players and fans alike.
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