The NHL’s biggest and brightest stars
Photo courtesy of Pwinger/Wikimedia Commons
At just 20 years old, Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson is proving he’s ready to lead the next generation of NHL stars—powering an eight-game win streak and tying for second in league scoring with 25 points in a breakout season.
In the past decade of the National Hockey League (NHL), hockey fans have had the pleasure of watching some of the greatest players the game has ever seen. From center Sidney Crosby’s all-around brilliance, to left-wing Alexander Ovechkin’s goal-scoring prowess, to center Connor McDavid's otherworldly playmaking and puck handling, each of these players has delivered iconic moments that have inspired an entire new generation of hockey players.
Now that generation is starting to make its mark on the league. About a month into the 2024-25 NHL season, three of the top four scoring leaders are all around 20 years old: Connor Bedard (20 years old), Leo Carlsson (20 Years old), and Macklin Celebrini (19 years old). With Crosby and Ovechkin in the twilight of their careers, it is time for this new era of young stars to take the reins from their predecessors and inspire a whole new generation of players. In this article, we’ll break down what makes each player individually special and why their success is a tremendous development for the future of the NHL
Leo Carlsson (Center): Anaheim Ducks
The 20-year-old Swedish man, who was the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, has had a superb start to his NHL career. From day one, it was clear that Carlsson was ready for the physicality and ferocity of the NHL, with his stocky six-foot-three-inch and 207-pound frame. Leo is an extremely well-rounded two-way forward who can impact the game in a variety of ways; he has been praised for his defensive capabilities, puck possession, and powerful shot.
After a strong first two seasons in the league, Carlsson has seemingly put all his tools together in his third NHL season as he is currently tied with Bedard for second in the league, scoring with 25 points. On top of the scoring, Carlsson has spearheaded the Anaheim Ducks’ torrid start to the season. Anaheim is currently amidst an eight-game win streak, and sits atop the Pacific Division with 23 points. Not many expected the Ducks to ascend the NHL’s ranks so quickly, but Carlsson and the rest of the Ducks’ youngsters are tired of waiting.
Macklin Celebrini (Center): San Jose Sharks
In a similar fashion to the Ducks, the Sharks have been in the doldrums of the NHL for the last couple of years. Fortunately for San Jose, that allowed them to draft Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft. The Canadian phenomenon was an instant game-changer for San Jose in his rookie season, scoring 63 points in 70 games.
Unfortunately, Celebrini’s statistical success didn’t translate into team wins as the Sharks finished with a measly 52 points (last in the entire league). While the Sharks aren’t quite setting the league on fire, they have improved significantly. San Jose’s record sits at 7-6-3, but more impressively, 7-2-1 in their last 10 games. This encouraging play of late can be greatly attributed to the play of Celebrini, who has been setting the league on fire in his sophomore season. While not as physically imposing or defensively sound as Carlsson, Celebrini is a maestro with the puck, using his excellent hockey IQ, blazing speed, and wicked shot. With 24 points in just 16 games, the 19-year-old has firmly put the league on notice.
Connor Bedard (Center): Chicago Blackhawks
Not many players have been quite as highly touted as Connor Bedard was even before he even stepped foot on NHL ice. Like Crosby and McDavid before him, Bedard was promised to be the next generational player out of Canada. The first overall pick of the 2023 draft lived up to those expectations and more in a phenomenal rookie season that saw him take home the Calder trophy. Surprisingly, many thought that Bedard took a step back in his rookie season as the Blackhawks won just 25 games in Bedard's second season.
Entering a crucial third season, it was time for Bedard to silence the doubters and solidify himself amongst the NHL’s best. The Vancouver native has done exactly that. Bedard’s superb wrist shot and extraordinary playmaking abilities have been on display all season long. His 25 points are tied with Carlsson for second in the entire league, and like his fellow youthful superstars, Chicago has made great strides this season as they sit just six points out of the top spot in the Central division.
When compared to the landscapes of other sports, younger players in hockey have a much harder time making an instant impact. This is in large part due to the grueling, arduous nature of the NHL season that can take quite a toll on players who enter the league as mere teenagers. But the 2024-25 NHL season might just change this narrative, as long as Bedard, Celebrini, and Carlsson continue to carve up the league.
Not only are these players accomplishing tremendous individual feats, but they are transforming their franchises into playoff contenders overnight. This is an amazing development going forward for the future of the NHL, as excitement levels mirror those during Crosby and Ovechkin’s emergence nearly two decades ago. As these young stars continue to dominate, they are redefining the sport’s next generation, one highlight reel goal at a time.