This is not presupposed to work like this for a youngster within the NHL. And should you take a look at the latest string of high picks enjoying their teenage years within the NHL, it merely hasn’t labored this fashion.
Connor Bedard
When you take a look at comparisons, Bedard was overestimated as one of many subsequent actually nice — if not generational — prospects within the NHL. Bedard’s teenage years have been good. The superlatives most likely cease there for the 2023 first total choice.
2023-24: 68 video games, 22 objectives, 39 assists, 61 factors, minus-30 at five-on-five
2024-25: 82 video games, 30 objectives, 38 assists, 68 factors, minus-16 at five-on-five
Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks have been close to the underside of the league since he arrived, ending second-worst in 2023-24 and second-worst in 2024-25.
Alexis Lafreniere
The 2020 No. 1 total choose is popping right into a high-quality participant in his personal proper, however his teenage years have been pedestrian. He was a lower-in-the-lineup contributor on playoff groups.
2020-21: 56 video games, 12 objectives, 9 assists, 21 factors, minus-2 at five-on-five
Lafreniere did not rating a aim till sport 16 of his profession. It has been an extended climb for Lafreniere to seek out his place as a New York Ranger.
Jack Hughes
The golden aim scorer himself, Jack Hughes, struggled in his teenage seasons for the New Jersey Devils after being chosen first total in 2019.
2019-20: 61 video games, seven objectives, 14 assists, 21 factors, minus-16 at five-on-five
2020-21: 56 video games, 11 objectives, 20 assists, 31 factors, plus-1 at five-on-five
It took 4 seasons for the Devils to make the playoffs with Hughes steering the ship.
Auston Matthews
The highest choose in 2016 does supply some intriguing comparisons since Matthews led the upstart Leafs to a shock playoff look.
2016-17: 82 video games, 40 objectives, 29 assists, 69 factors, plus-3 at five-on-five
Connor McDavid
His rookie season was minimize quick by an damage. In elements of two seasons earlier than he turned 20, McDavid had 30 objectives, 68 assists for 98 factors in 89 video games.
Nathan MacKinnon
MacKinnon had an up-and-down begin to his profession, arguably higher as a rookie than Celebrini, however did not take the leap Celebrini did in 12 months 2.
2013-14: 82 video games, 24 objectives, 39 assists, 63 factors, plus-15 at five-on-five
2014-15: 64 video games, 14 objectives, 24 assists, 38 factors, plus-3 at five-on-five
Sidney Crosby
There’s just one precedent for Celebrini within the salary-cap period. It is “The Child.”
2005-06: 81 video games, 39 objectives, 63 assists, 102 factors
2006-07: 79 video games, 36 objectives, 84 assists, 120 factors
It’s totally early in Celebrini’s profession. When the precedent in your profession is Sidney Crosby, you possibly can acknowledge one thing particular is happening.
