The NHL recently honored its rising stars by enlisting nine writers to rank the league’s best players under 23. Each writer submitted a top 25 list, with first-place votes earning 25 points and each subsequent rank decreasing by one point. The league then compiled these votes into a list showcasing the top 23 players under 23 years old.
The Montreal Canadiens stand out with four players under 23 making the list—the highest number for any team. Both the San Jose Sharks and the Anaheim Ducks have three players each, but Montreal’s quartet highlights the promising future ahead for the franchise.
Canadian teams, including the Canadiens, were notably impacted by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Cole Caufield is one of the top 10 forwards under 25, underscoring the Canadiens’ strong offseason moves. Without further delay, here are the four Canadians featured:
Lane Hutson, the latest Calder Trophy winner, placed third overall and received the most number one votes (five). Hutson had a historic rookie season, breaking a 45-year-old rookie defenseman assist record and dazzling fans at the Bell Center with his skating and creativity. The big question remains: what will he do for an encore in his sophomore season?
Juraj Slafkovsky, a towering Slovak winger, ranked 10th on the list. At 21 years old, Slafkovsky has already played 200 NHL games and scored 111 points. With physical strength and skill honed under coach Martin St-Louis, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound winger is set to be a dominant force. Last season, he was fourth in scoring for the Canadiens with a career-high 51 points, bringing a needed physical presence that was missing in past playoff encounters.
Ivan Demidov, a Canadiens rookie, made the list despite playing only two regular-season games. His calmness, impressive agility, and skillful hands in those limited appearances have already made him a Calder Trophy favorite. If he wins, it would mark the first time a Canadiens player has secured the trophy twice consecutively.
Zack Bolduc, the newest acquisition by general manager Kent Hughes, secured the 23rd spot on the list. Bolduc impressed after being traded from the St. Louis Blues, bringing valuable NHL experience with 97 games played and 36 points last season, including 12 on the power play. It remains to be seen where he will fit in the Canadiens’ lineup.
Overall, the Canadiens are stealing the spotlight during NHL’s Young Stars Week, demonstrating the depth and talent in their young roster.
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Fan Take: This recognition of young talent is exciting for hockey fans because it signals a new era of skilled and dynamic players ready to shape the sport’s future. For the Canadiens, specifically, it means a revitalized team that could return to dominance, energizing their fanbase and the league as a whole.
