Macklin Celebrini likely first, intrigue next at 2024 NHL Draft

Depending on which team executive is speaking, the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas really doesn't begin until the second overall pick, or maybe even the fourth. That's how bunched the talent pool gets after the first pick, which likely will be Boston University center Macklin Celebrini getting selected by the San Jose Sharks. "Even though the players are quite distinct from each other, the values are very similar," Anaheim Ducks assistant general manager Martin Madden said of the players behind Celebrini. "It's going to be an interesting first round." Celebrini, a Vancouver native, is said to possess the type of skill, instinct and determination that easily could have made him the No. 2 overall pick last year behind Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard…