Beckett Sennecke’s ‘shocked’ reaction to being selected 3rd overall in 2024 NHL Draft

The 2024 NHL Draft held no surprises for the top two picks. Macklin Celebrini was selected by the San Jose Sharks first overall. And the Chicago Blackhawks drafted Artyom Levshunov with the second pick. However, the Anaheim Ducks made a mistake with the third pick. They chose Oshawa Generals star Beckett Sennecke, who seemed caught off guard by this turn of events.

After hearing his name, the Ducks’ new prospect spoke with reporters. He confirmed his stunned reaction to the media and explained how he felt at the time. “As you can see on my face, I was pretty shocked,” Sennecke said. “It’s a surreal feeling, that’s for sure. Something I will remember for the rest of my life. I heard the ‘From Oshawa…’ before my name, so it was like butterflies and chills,” Sennecke said, via NHL.com.

Ducks surprise with 2024 NHL Draft pick of Beckett Sennecke

Anaheim passed on a couple of top prospects to take a chance on Sennecke. Forward Ivan Demidov and defenseman Anton Silayev were potential options for the Ducks with the third pick. However, they believe in the potential of the Oshawa Generals star who has had an incredible second half of the Ontario Hockey League season.

The Ducks had consistently expressed interest in Sennecke prior to Friday night’s NHL Draft. But that interest had been kept under wraps for the 18-year-old forward. “I talked to the Ducks at the combine, but I would say it was nothing substantial. My agent, after he got the call, asked him, ‘Did you know?’ And he said, ‘Of course I did.’ But you didn’t tell me?” the Ducks’ draft pick said with a laugh, via NHL.com.

Sennecke particularly took his game up a notch during the OHL playoffs. He played in 16 playoff games with the Generals and thrived. The 18-year-old scored 10 goals and 22 points for Oshawa in the playoffs. Sennecke said he believes that contributed to Anaheim’s decision in the 2024 NHL Draft.

“I think that was probably the deciding factor,” Sennecke said via NHL.com. “They want someone who will produce in the playoffs and show up when it matters most. I think that’s when my season peaked. I think I’m a playoff performer.

This isn’t the first time the Ducks have thought outside the box in the NHL draft. Last season, they passed up Adam Fantilli, the second-best player overall, to pick Leo Carlsson, second overall. It remains to be seen whether Beckett Sennecke will bring similar promise to Orange County. But he’s definitely a player to watch, especially if you’re a Ducks fan.