As the 2024 NHL draft approaches, hockey fans around the world are buzzing with excitement to see which top prospects their favorite teams will pick up. Among the highly anticipated players in this year’s draft class are some with deep family ties to the NHL. These players are not just carrying on a family tradition, but they are also drawing on the experience and expertise of their relatives who have made their mark in the NHL.
One standout prospect in this year’s draft is Celebrini, who is touted as the consensus No. 1 pick. With a family background in professional sports, including a father who is the VP of player health and performance for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, Celebrini is set to make a name for himself in the NHL. His brother, Aiden Celebrini, was also drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in 2023, adding to the family’s sporting legacy.
Another noteworthy prospect is Buium, whose older brother, Shai Buium, was a second-round pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2021. The two siblings recently clinched the NCAA championship with Denver, showcasing their talent and skill on the ice. Jiricek is also a rising star in the draft, following in the footsteps of his older brother who was a top pick in the previous year’s draft.
Among the family connections in this year’s draft class is Tij, the son of NHL Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla. With a legendary father paving the way, Tij is expected to bring a new level of skill and expertise to the ice. Another standout prospect, Ritchie, is the son of a former NHL player and has hockey in his blood. The familial ties in his case run deep, with a father who played in over 300 NHL games.
Koivu is another prospect with a family legacy in the NHL, as both his father and uncle had lengthy careers in the league. With such strong family connections, Koivu is poised to carry on the tradition of excellence on the ice. Plante, whose father won the Stanley Cup with the Dallas Stars, is another prospect to watch in this year’s draft. With a family background in coaching, Plante brings a unique perspective to the game.
Lingering Legacies
The draft class of 2024 is not just about individual talent, but also about the enduring legacies of the families behind the players. From Hall of Fame fathers to seasoned NHL veterans, these prospects have big skates to fill. As they take the ice in the coming seasons, fans will be watching closely to see how these young players uphold the family traditions and make their mark in the NHL.