Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Auston Matthews remain at the peak of their NHL careers, but the next generation of stars is now making their presence felt. This season, young talents like Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, and Leo Karlsson are stepping up with impressive performances, signaling a shift in the league’s future.
Bedard and Karlsson were the top two picks in the 2023 NHL Draft, while Celebrini was the first overall pick in the 2024 draft lottery. Although all are under the legal drinking age in the U.S., they are already competing at an elite level. Celebrini has scored his second hat trick this year, boosting his points to 30 and tying him with McDavid for second in the league. Bedard, who has also netted two hat tricks, ranks fourth, while Karlsson sits eighth with 26 points. Beyond just scoring, these players are key figures in their teams’ rebuilding efforts and are handling the pressure that comes with high expectations remarkably well.
The Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose Sharks have struggled for years, but these young stars offer hope for a turnaround as all three squads aim to impact the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
In Bedard’s case, although he had a challenging sophomore season, falling short defensively on a weak Blackhawks team, he has made significant progress in his third year and looks more assured. He’s now making opponents look outmatched, ranking seventh in points per 60 minutes and fifth in 5-on-5 points. His playmaking reminiscent of Patrick Kane’s, Bedard’s ability to find opportunities on the ice is exceptional.
Celebrini, 19, was the runner-up for last year’s Calder Trophy and has carried much of the Sharks’ offensive load, scoring 63 points in 70 games at just 18 last season. This year, he matches Bedard with 16 points in 5-on-5 play and displays high hockey IQ and intense competitiveness, exemplified by his clutch plays such as a key assist against the New York Rangers.
Karlsson, perhaps the most complete player among the trio, boasts impressive 5-on-5 impact numbers, with the Ducks controlling a majority of scoring chances while he’s on the ice. Standing 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, he uses his size effectively, including scoring a highlight-reel goal recently. Though he has fewer points than the other two in 5-on-5 situations, his influence on the ice is substantial.
All three players have helped position their teams well in the early playoff race. The Ducks lead the Pacific Division, the Blackhawks hold a wild-card spot in the West Division, and the Sharks are also in the wild-card mix. According to projections, the Ducks have the best likelihood of making the playoffs (80.8%), followed by the Blackhawks (49.9%) and Sharks (13.5%).
While the Ducks look like the most complete team with Karlsson as a focal point, the Blackhawks and Sharks face challenges with defensive depth and overall team consistency. Both Chicago and San Jose’s strong starts may be unsustainable, as reflected by their unusually high shooting and save percentages. However, history shows that young superstars can lead underdog teams into playoff contention, as seen with the Montreal Canadiens last season. Most importantly, these franchises now have young cornerstone players who offer a foundation for future success.
Fan Take: This exciting emergence of young stars like Bedard, Celebrini, and Karlsson is a thrilling sign of growth and renewal in the NHL. For hockey fans, it means fresh rivalries and dynamic gameplay that will keep the sport vibrant and competitive for years to come.
