Fans and experts have their very strong opinions on what should happen on NHL Draft night, but in 2024 we saw more shocks in the first round than in recent years, starting early from No. 3 overall with Beckett Sennecke. There was another shock in the lottery too, with legendary announcer Michael Buffer being asked to present the No. 13 overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers, and while it was great, the pick of Jett Luchanko was a surprise one.
The prevailing thought was that Luchanko would potentially be available later in the first round, with no one expecting him to go at No. 13 overall. No one was more shocked than fellow draft pick Zayne Parekh, who was caught on camera reacting to the pick;
While this likely wasn't meant to be disrespectful from Parekh, who himself was drafted at No. 9 overall, but he couldn't contain his surprise in a moment that came across as very disrespectful. Ultimately, Luchanko could one day surprise everyone and become a star in the NHL, but there's no doubting it was a surprise pick, and when even your fellow draftees are shocked, it makes it a very interesting move.
POLL | ||
Was Jett Luchanko a reach for the Flyers at No. 13 overall? | ||
Yes | 38 | 59.4 % |
No | 26 | 40.6 % |
List of polls |