The National Hockey League is entering an exciting new chapter. A wave of under-23 players has emerged as the faces of tomorrow, shaping the future of the game while still in their teens or early twenties. These young stars are not only producing highlight-reel quality plays, but are also becoming centerpieces of their teams’ rebuilding efforts.
The offseason has provided a moment to reflect on just how transformative this youth movement has been.
Names such as Macklin Celebrini, Lane Hutson, Connor Bedard, Matvei Michkov, and Will Smith have already proven they belong in conversations about the league’s brightest talents. Their rise is reshaping rivalries, team expectations, and the way fans experience hockey.
Fans anticipating the 2025–26 season have plenty of reasons to be excited, with preseason action beginning soon and the regular season opening on October 7.
It’s almost inevitable that these young stars in the making will be taking center stage once the first whistle blows.
Macklin Celebrini and the Sharks’ Bright Future
San Jose has been waiting for a star to rally around, and Macklin Celebrini is delivering on that promise. Drafted first overall in 2024, the young center became the youngest player to ever win the Hobey Baker Award, even before skating in an NHL game.
His rookie campaign in 2024–25 exceeded expectations, as he produced 63 points in 70 games and quickly emerged as the Sharks’ leading scorer.
What makes Celebrini special is his ability to control the pace of the game. His two-way awareness complements a skill set built around creativity and vision, making him an ideal cornerstone for a rebuilding team.
San Jose fans are eager to see how his role expands during the 2025–26 season, especially with the potential of forming a long-term partnership with other young players on the roster.
The Sharks may not yet be contenders, but with Celebrini leading the way, the franchise finally feels like it has a path forward.
Lane Hutson: Redefining the Role of Defenseman
Few rookies have made a bigger impression in recent memory than Lane Hutson. The Montreal Canadiens defenseman stunned the league in 2024–25 by winning the Calder Trophy and leading all rookies in scoring with 66 points.
What sets him apart is not just the numbers but the style in which he plays. Hutson possesses an elite hockey IQ, unmatched anticipation, and puck skills that allow him to orchestrate plays from the blue line. Montreal fans see him as a franchise cornerstone who could one day join the ranks of the team’s legendary defensemen.
His offensive instincts challenge the traditional image of a defenseman, showing how the modern NHL is shifting toward creativity from every position. Many fans look beyond the box score to track season highlights and player development.
Resources like FanDuel Sportsbook often highlight the matchups and moments that define these young players’ careers, giving fans fresh, new ways to stay connected to the NHL’s rising stars.
Connor Bedard: Already a Household Name
Connor Bedard entered the league with sky-high expectations and has lived up to them. The Chicago Blackhawks center won the Calder Trophy in 2023–24 and followed it up with another impressive campaign in 2024–25. His elite shot and one-on-one ability make him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league, despite his youth.
What separates Bedard from many other young stars is his ability to adapt. In just two seasons, he has already shown growth in defensive awareness and consistency, proving that he is more than a scorer.
Chicago is rebuilding around him, and fans know that he represents hope for a franchise with a storied history. Bedard is not only the face of the Blackhawks but also one of the emerging faces of the NHL as a whole.
Matvei Michkov’s Offensive Brilliance in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Flyers fans are discovering just how electrifying Matvei Michkov can be. After impressing in the KHL, Michkov brought his offensive talent to North America and immediately became one of the most impactful rookies in 2024–25.
He led all first-year players in goals with 26 and tied for second in points with 63. Michkov’s game is built on creativity and vision. He has a knack for scoring in ways that keep defenders guessing and goalies scrambling.
The Flyers see him as a future franchise cornerstone, and fans are embracing his flair and confidence.
With another year of experience under his belt, Michkov is poised to become one of the breakout stars of the 2025–26 season. Philadelphia has long been hungry for offensive excitement, and Michkov’s arrival signals a new era for the franchise.
Will Smith and San Jose’s Youth Movement
San Jose’s rebuild is not only about Macklin Celebrini. Will Smith, another highly skilled center, is adding fuel to the Sharks’ resurgence. After leading the NCAA in scoring with 71 points as a freshman at Boston College, Smith carried that momentum into his rookie NHL season.
His offensive instincts, speed, and creativity have already made him a vital piece of the team’s future. Smith also brought international success to his résumé by winning gold with the United States at the World Championship.
His ability to elevate his play in big moments suggests he will thrive under the spotlight. With young stars like Smith and Celebrini leading the charge, fans are eager to track their progress across multiple seasons.
Following the upcoming NHL season highlights and news is an effective way to track how these players are shaping not just their teams, but the league itself.
The Excitement Builds
The NHL has always been a league of tradition, yet its future now feels more exciting than ever. Young players under the age of 23 are not simply adjusting to the league but actively redefining it. They bring speed, creativity, and a level of confidence that energizes their teams and captivates audiences.
For franchises in transition, such as San Jose, Montreal, Chicago, and Philadelphia, these players symbolize the promise of better days ahead. Fans entering the 2025–26 season have more to look forward to than the opening faceoff. They are witnessing the emergence of the league’s next superstars, athletes who could dominate the headlines for the next decade.
As preseason begins and the countdown to October 7 continues, excitement is building. The future of the NHL is already here, and the spotlight has never shone more brightly on the next generation of stars.
*Content reflects information available as of 28/08/2025; subject to change