Discover why the brightest young stars in the NHL are turning heads—and why us critics keep a close eye on their potential. But here’s where it gets controversial: while rankings highlight the top prospects under age 23, opinions differ sharply on who truly has the brightest future—and why some may surprise everyone. Today, I present my midseason review of the most promising NHL players and prospects under 23, ranking their overall talent and projecting their long-term impact within the league.
This list focuses on the best youthful talents within NHL organizations, including those playing in minor leagues or on reserve lists. It's about future potential—who I believe will carve out the most successful careers—not necessarily who would excel in a game tomorrow. To qualify, players must be 22 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026.
I've categorized these players into tiers, assigning them tool grades—measuring attributes like skating, puck skills, hockey sense, and competitiveness. Each attribute is assessed on a six-level scale: poor, below-average, average, above-average, high-end, and elite. This gives a nuanced view of their current development and future ceiling.
Tier 1: The Elite Future NHL Stars
Macklin Celebrini: Celebrini exemplifies a well-rounded, highly competitive center. He boasts a powerful stride with quick first steps that allow him to beat defenders. His puck skills are exceptional, and he displays high-level offensive creativity—making difficult plays both in tight situations and from standing still. He possesses a powerful shot and, despite being average in size, Battles hard to win puck battles. His all-around game suggests he's on track to become a premier two-way, matchup center capable of anchoring a Stanley Cup contender. Many consider him a potential superstar.
Connor Bedard: Bedard is perhaps the most electrifying offensive prospect in the NHL. His puck skills rank among the best, and his playmaking ability is elite, with a knack for threading high-difficulty passes to teammates. He is also a formidable mid-range shooter and can dominate power plays with his elusive movement and scoring threat. Although small, Bedard moves well and is very elusive in tight spaces, showing hard-nosed compete levels. His potential to lead league scoring charts makes him a future superstar—if he continues his upward trajectory.
Leo Carlsson: This big, skilled center combines elite tools, hockey sense, and exceptional vision. His ability to execute difficult plays and hit seams at high speed marks him as a future star No. 1 center. He’s not an overpowering physical force but fights hard, creates offensive chances, and contributes on special teams. His ceiling suggests he could be a cornerstone for any team aiming for success.
Tier 2: Promising Near-Elite and All-Star Potential
Seamus Casey: An impressive defensiveman at just 18, Casey is a powerful skater capable of closing gaps effortlessly. His hockey IQ and offensive skills, including one-on-one prowess and seam-finding ability, are notable. He’s highly competitive and uses his size effectively, projecting as a top-tier star defenseman suited to handle NHL top lines.
Cale Cooley: One of the league’s most talented young centers, Cooley’s quick first steps and evasive skating make him a constant threat. His creativity and high-skill plays set him apart, and despite his size, he’s fearless, often forcing his way to the net. He could develop into a versatile, elite No. 1 center, excelling at both even strength and special teams.
Wyatt Johnston: A key contributor to Dallas’s playoff runs, Johnston is a highly skilled, competitive center with outstanding vision and puck control. His effort level elevates his game, making him a reliable two-way performer. While lacking quick separation speed, his tenacity and smarts position him as a potential No. 1 center who can excel in all situations.
Matvei Michkov: With extraordinary skill, Michkov combines size, speed, and offensive creativity. His puck-handling and scoring instincts are elite, making him a game-breaking winger. His skating isn’t top-end, and he tends towards perimeter play, but his offensive impact, especially in breakout plays and net-front scenarios, makes him a potential top-line star.
Tier 3: Ceiling as an NHL All-Star
Ivan Demidov: An offensively gifted winger, Demidov’s creativity and offensive high-end skill are evident with stick-handling that often breaks open shifts. While skating might limit his speed slightly, his vision, playmaking, and competitive nature suggest he could be a star winger capable of high-scoring seasons.
Raphaël Smith: An offensive winger with slick puck skills and visual creativity, Smith is a top power-play option. His quick skating and ability to execute difficult plays position him as a future elite winger—potentially a top-line scorer—though he may need to improve his physicality and defensive commitment.
Tier 4: Future Top Line and Second Line Players
Logan Guenther: A large, speedy winger with excellent offensive instincts, Guenther’s shot and one-on-one ability are NHL-ready assets. His outside-skating approach and effort level are solid, enabling him to be a regular 30+ goal scorer if he develops consistency.
Gannon Gauthier: With a classic power-forward profile, Gauthier possesses explosive speed, physicality, and a lethal shot from distance. His inability to be overly physical in play style may limit his role, but his scoring ability and size suggest he can be an impactful top-line winger.
Dylan Sennecke: An intriguing, tall winger with game-changing puck skills, Sennecke’s elite toolset allows for high-level scoring and creative plays. His effort and consistency have improved, and he projects as a high-scoring top-six winger.
Adam Fantilli: A big, skilled center with a high compete level, Fantilli wins battles, creates offense, and has a thunderous shot. His playmaking might limit his point totals, but his combination of traits suggests he could develop into a difficult matchup No. 1 center—even if not a prolific scorer.
Top Defensemen:
David Hutson: An offense-first defenseman, Hutson’s puck skills, creativity, and high IQ make him a power play dynamo. His size may limit defensive durability against fast NHL forwards, but he’s expected to produce significant points and handle top pair responsibilities.
Luke Hughes: A dynamic, high-skill defenseman with exceptional skating and vision, Hughes constantly threatens offensively but can be overly risky. His all-around game projects him as a No. 1 defenseman—important for modern NHL teams looking for offensive spark from the blue line.
Jiricek: A sizable, physical blue-liner with respectable skating, Jiricek shows steady puck movement and defensive capability. His offensive contributions won’t dazzle, but his reliable two-way play suggests a long NHL career.
Anton Leonard: Size, skating, and playmaking are his strengths, with the potential to be a second-line or top-four defenseman. With development, he can excel in transition and contribute to power plays.
Other Notables:
The list continues with numerous prospects, each with unique strengths—ranging from highly skilled forwards capable of high-end offensive plays to rugged defensemen and versatile two-way players. Some prospects, especially those with physical tools like size and skating, show potential for future NHL roles, even if they are still raw or developing.
And this is the part most people miss: While rankings provide a snapshot of who’s trending now, the future of these prospects hinges on continued development, opportunities, and sometimes a touch of luck. Do you agree that some overlooked players could become the next stars? Or do you think certain perceived favorites are overrated? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about who will truly make it big in the NHL—or challenge the rankings altogether.
