If you have been following the NHL in the past few years it is clear to see that there are new faces coming into the league and old veterans are starting to retire. These young players are bringing a new style to the game that is beginning to overshadow the past success of Hall of Fame bound players.
The start of this season has been one that not many people were expecting. There are currently three second or third year players in the top five for points a quarter of the way into the season. San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini is in third and only one point behind tied for fourth is Chicago’s Connor Bedard, and Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson. All three of these players are currently 19 or 20 years old which makes it even more impressive.
This sudden rise of young stars has created a fascinating contrast with the leagues long time legends. Players like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin are still competing at a high level, but it is clear they are entering the final chapters of their decorated careers. For tens of years they were the face of the NHL, however, they’re beginning to fade out as kids who idolized them take their places.
What makes this transition so unique is that fans are still able to see their favorite players, but also become more and more familiar with Bedards’ skills, Celebrini’s two-way dominance, and Carlsson’s poise are not small signs of potential, but that the league is already changing.
As veterans step closer to retirement and young stars continue to thrive, the NHL is transitioning into a new era. The future is going to bring new ideas and skills to make the game even more entertaining. This new wave of scoring and skating has pushed the game into a state of being that legends before them could not have predicted.
