Charlie Elick’s violent stopping play makes him a first-round prospect

The 2024 NHL Draft could be defined by its shutdown defensemen.

There is no shortage of high-end shutdown options or top prospects who could become NHL shutdown options in time, like Zeev Buium or Artyom Levshunov.

Charlie Elick stands out among them for his combination of modern defensive details and retro physicality, hip checks and all.

Elick’s versatility also stands out. Elite Prospects’ No. 26 overall draft prospect can defend effectively the way he wants. The violent and very active version of Elick in the WHL was a quieter but equally effective version in representing his country.

Without a doubt, the physicality is the flashiest part of Elick’s game, but he has the necessary pieces to become a detail defender who posts positive results.