The excitement of the 2024 NHL Draft carries on as the top two picks, Macklin Celebrini and Artyom Levshunov, have officially signed entry-level contracts with their respective teams, the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks. Celebrini, the No. 1 pick, and Levshunov, the No. 2 pick, have made their decisions to step into the professional hockey world. The anticipation surrounding these talented prospects is building as they prepare to make their mark in the NHL.
Celebrini, an 18-year-old center, announced his signing with the San Jose Sharks, stating that his decision was made after careful thought following the completion of the team’s prospect development camp. The entry-level contract signifies Celebrini’s commitment to pursuing a promising career as a top-line center for the Sharks, aligning with their strategy for a successful rebuild. His choice to join the NHL reflects an eagerness to contribute to the evolving fortunes of the Sharks, placing him at the forefront of their transformative journey.
Meanwhile, Levshunov, an accomplished defenseman, sealed his future with the Chicago Blackhawks by agreeing to a three-year entry-level contract. General Manager Kyle Davidson expressed confidence in Levshunov’s potential, affirming his role as a key figure in the Blackhawks’ development plans. With a salary cap hit of $975,000, Levshunov’s commitment to Chicago signals an opportunity for the team to harness his versatile skills and mold him into a formidable presence in the NHL.
These signings mark the dawn of promising careers for Celebrini and Levshunov, underscoring the anticipation and excitement surrounding their transition to professional hockey. The NHL landscape awaits the impact these top prospects will make, as the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks embrace the potential they possess and the contributions they can offer to their respective teams.
As the 2024 NHL Draft heralds the arrival of new talent, the signings of Celebrini and Levshunov mark the beginning of their journeys into professional hockey with the San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks, a significant step for these rising stars. The anticipation and expectations surrounding their performances as they step onto the NHL stage further intensify, shaping the narrative of the league’s evolving landscape.
