This is not imagined to work like this for an adolescent within the NHL. And in the event you take a look at the current string of high picks taking part in their teenage years within the NHL, it merely hasn’t labored this fashion.
Connor Bedard
In case you take a look at comparisons, Bedard was overvalued as one of many subsequent really 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 general choice.
2023-24: 68 video games, 22 targets, 39 assists, 61 factors, minus-30 at five-on-five
2024-25: 82 video games, 30 targets, 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 general choose is popping right into a wonderful participant in his personal proper, however his teenage years had been pedestrian. He was a lower-in-the-lineup contributor on playoff groups.
2020-21: 56 video games, 12 targets, 9 assists, 21 factors, minus-2 at five-on-five
Lafreniere did not rating a objective till recreation 16 of his profession. It has been an extended climb for Lafreniere to search out his place as a New York Ranger.
Jack Hughes
The golden objective scorer himself, Jack Hughes, struggled in his teenage seasons for the New Jersey Devils after being chosen first general in 2019.
2019-20: 61 video games, seven targets, 14 assists, 21 factors, minus-16 at five-on-five
2020-21: 56 video games, 11 targets, 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 provide some intriguing comparisons since Matthews led the upstart Leafs to a shock playoff look.
2016-17: 82 video games, 40 targets, 29 assists, 69 factors, plus-3 at five-on-five
Connor McDavid
His rookie season was lower quick by an harm. In components of two seasons earlier than he turned 20, McDavid had 30 targets, 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 targets, 39 assists, 63 factors, plus-15 at five-on-five
2014-15: 64 video games, 14 targets, 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 targets, 63 assists, 102 factors
2006-07: 79 video games, 36 targets, 84 assists, 120 factors
It’s totally early in Celebrini’s profession. When the precedent to your profession is Sidney Crosby, you’ll be able to acknowledge one thing particular is going on.
