A total of five 2024 NHL Draft first-rounders played at least one regular-season game last year. <\/p>\n
Of that, San Jose\u2019s Macklin Celebrini and Philadelphia\u2019s Jett Luchanko were the only two who made their opening night rosters. It\u2019s tough to go straight from junior or college to the NHL right away, which always makes it impressive when it happens. <\/p>\n
But this year? There are going to be five from the 2025 class making their debuts this week, including the top two picks. That\u2019s a high number, especially for a draft that many considered to be below average. The top end was always good, but two players taken outside the top five are set to see action this week.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a good chance only Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa will be full-timers this year. Regardless, making the NHL just four months after being selected is a huge honor. Here\u2019s a look at who you\u2019ll find making their debuts this week (full rosters can be found here<\/a>):<\/p>\n First Game: Thursday, Oct. 9 against Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n Taken first overall in June, Schaefer is bringing with him a lot of expectations. But\u2026 you might want to temper them. Schaefer had nothing left to prove in the OHL, and the AHL wasn\u2019t an option. He could have elected to go the college route, but they\u2019re throwing him to the wolves and learning the ups and downs first-hand right away. That being said, he\u2019s fully capable of taking on the NHL season. He\u2019s in a spot where he can afford to make mistakes \u2013 and learn from them \u2013 without the risk of getting scratched. The Islanders won\u2019t be a contender, but Schaefer will absolutely be appointment viewing once he gets used to the speed and intensity of the NHL. Schaefer has had so little trouble adjusting to all the obstacles thrown his way and I don\u2019t expect his first NHL season to be any different.<\/p>\n First Game: Thursday, Oct. 9 against Vegas Golden Knights<\/a><\/p>\n Taken second overall back in June, Misa was incredibly dominant in junior hockey and could have likely handled the NHL at 17 if he had been allowed. He\u2019s smart, speedy and is equally dangerous as a shooter and a passer. It looks like he\u2019s set to start as San Jose\u2019s No. 2 center, allowing him to learn alongside fellow top young forwards Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. On the veteran front, look for Misa to skate alongside Tyler Toffoli and William Eklund \u2013\u00a0a combo that should help him get up to speed fairly quickly. Misa has been in the spotlight for years now, but it almost feels like the pressure is finally off him. Can he thrive? Don\u2019t bet against it.<\/p>\n Potential Debut: Thursday, Oct. 9 against Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a><\/p>\n I absolutely love this for Martin and the Predators. His selection wasn\u2019t a popular one from the general public at the time, but one many scouts loved. Martin played at more than a point per game in the OHL with the Greyhounds, serving as the team\u2019s top young star. He was also one of the best players at both the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the U-18 World Championship. Away from the puck, he hits everyone in sight. He constantly battles hard for the puck and is a noted goal-scorer, too.\u00a0I expect him to go back to the OHL at some point, but it\u2019s nice to see the Preds giving him a big opportunity right away.<\/p>\n