GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Six future North Dakota products were featured in the final draft rankings by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau ahead of the 2024 Upper Deck NHL Entry Draft in June.
The final rankings feature the top 224 skaters and 32 goaltenders in North America as well as the top 136 skaters and 18 goaltenders internationally.
The group is highlighted by incoming forward Sacha Boisvert, who was ranked as the 16th-best skater in North America and is projected to be a first round pick. The forward is currently having a stellar campaign for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL, scoring 36 goals and adding 32 assists for 68 points in 61 games, ranking fifth in the USHL in goals and 11th in points.
Standout defenseman EJ Emery and offensive threat forward Will Zellers were ranked 39th and 54th in North America, respectively, and are projected to be selected in the second round, with Emery climbing as high as the first round in some draft boards. Emery is currently manning the blueline for the U.S. National Under-18 Team while Zellers has exploded for 111 points this season at Shattuck St. Mary's in Minnesota.
Fellow blueliner with the USNTDP Sam Laurila also cracked the rankings, sitting at 148th, while incoming forward Mac Swanson has jumped to 152 after finishing third in the USHL with 77 points and pacing the league with 51 assists as part of a record-breaking season with Fargo and Carson Pilgrim rounding out the list at 159 after another strong season (32G, 38A) with Warroad High School in Minnesota to all sit as projected fifth round picks.
In its 49th year of operation, NHL Central Scouting provides evaluation and scouting of draft-eligible players to NHL member clubs. Headed by Vice President of Central Scouting Dan Marr, NHL Central Scouting employs eight full-time scouts throughout North America. To report on prospects playing internationally, the NHL employs the services of J-P Vuorinen and his staff at European Scouting Services based in Finland.
For more information on North Dakota hockey, follow on social media @UNDmhockey or visit FightingHawks.com.
UND Players in NHL Central Scouting Rankings (Round Projection)
Sacha Boisvert – 16 (1st round)
EJ Emery – 39 (2nd round)
Will Zellers – 54 (2nd round)
Sam Laurila – 148 (5th round)
Mac Swanson – 152 (5th round)
Carson Pilgrim – 159 (5th round)
