The Future of Hockey: Rising Stars

Hockey has long been defined by icons like Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, and Alex Ovechkin. However, the NHL is currently witnessing an exciting changing of the guard. A brilliant new wave of young talent is stepping onto the ice, redefining expectations and shaping the future of the sport. From high-profile franchise cornerstones to record-breaking NCAA prospects, this rising generation is proving that the future of hockey is already here.

Connor Bedard: Chicago's Cornerstone

At the forefront of this youth movement is Connor Bedard, who recently wrapped up a remarkable 2025–26 season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Bedard set impressive career highs across the board, generating 30 goals, 45 assists, and 75 points in 69 games. By hitting the 30-goal mark, he became just the third teenager or 20-and-under player in Blackhawks franchise history to reach that milestone. Reaffirming his role as Chicago's central star, Bedard signed a major five-year contract extension in July 2026. Following minor surgery that same month, he was rightfully named a top-50 NHL player heading into the upcoming season.

Leo Carlsson: Anaheim's Dynamic Playmaker

Equally captivating is Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson, who delivered an outstanding 2025–26 campaign. Carlsson posted 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points, while averaging 19:09 of time on ice per game and recording 193 shots on goal [1, 2]. NHL Edge tracking data highlights his rare blend of athleticism: he clocked a top skating speed of 22.46 MPH, registered a max shot power of 85.49 MPH, and ranked in the 99th percentile for distance covered in a single game after skating 4.52 miles against Detroit on November 13, 2025. Known for his puck retention in the offensive zone, high-slot setups, and clever backhand finishes, Carlsson continues to thrive alongside linemates like Troy Terry [1, 2].

Macklin Celebrini & Will Smith: San Jose's Dynamic Duo

In San Jose, Macklin Celebrini put together a historic 2025–26 season for the San Jose Sharks, amassing 45 goals (tied for 4th in the NHL) and 70 assists (7th in the NHL) for 115 total points (4th in the NHL) across 82 games [1, 2]. At just 19 years old, Celebrini became only the ninth teenager in league history to hit the 90-point mark in a single season—joining legend Sidney Crosby—while averaging 21:19 of ice time and logging 287 shots on goal [1, 2].

Comprehensively supporting Celebrini in San Jose is his right-hand man, Will Smith. Smith produced a highly effective season of his own, tallying 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points in 69 games played [1, 2]. Displaying impressive mobility, Smith reached a top skating speed of 22.10 MPH, proving that the Sharks' young core possesses both world-class skill and game-breaking pace [1].

Gavin McKenna & The Next Generation

Looking ahead to the absolute newest arrivals, Gavin McKenna made immediate waves during his 2025–26 freshman season at Penn State, scoring 51 points (15 goals, 36 assists) in 35 games for a stellar 1.46 points-per-game average [1, 2]. McKenna set a Big Ten record with 7 assists and a school record with 8 points in a single dominant game against Ohio State before adding 14 points in 7 games to help Team Canada capture bronze at the World Junior Championships [1, 2]. Celebrated for his elite hockey IQ and deceptive pace changes, McKenna was selected 1st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft [1].

Beyond these marquee names, several other rising stars are taking giant strides across the league. Notable mentions such as William Eklund, Lane Hutson, Gabe Perreault, and Fraser Minten have each made major impacts on their respective teams, proving that the NHL's incoming era is deep, dynamic, and extraordinarily talented.