The NHL's future is bright with young talent, but who are the top players and prospects under 23? Corey Pronman, senior NHL prospects writer for The Athletic, has released his midseason update, ranking the best young players overall on teams' reserve lists, both within and outside the league. This ranking focuses on players who are 22 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026, and aims to predict their future success in the NHL.
The ranking is divided into tiers, with players placed into categories based on their potential and given tool grades. These tool grades assess six key attributes, including skating, puck skills, hockey sense, and competitiveness, on a scale from poor to elite. An "average" grade indicates a player is projected to be NHL average, which is considered a positive attribute. Shot grades are only included if a player's shot is notably good or poor.
But here's where it gets controversial: the top three players on the list are Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard, and Leo Carlsson. Celebrini, a well-rounded center, showcases a powerful stride and exceptional offensive skills. Bedard, an electric talent, possesses elite puck skills and passing abilities. Carlsson, a big center, combines size with skill and hockey sense, making difficult plays look easy. These players are expected to have stellar careers, but is their ranking justified?
The list continues with players like Schaefer, a powerful and intelligent defenseman, and Cooley, a highly skilled center. Each player is meticulously analyzed, considering their strengths, weaknesses, and potential impact on their teams. The rankings also highlight players like Dickinson, a 6-foot-3 defenseman with an explosive stride, and Nazar, a speedy and energetic center. These players may not be household names yet, but they have the potential to make a significant impact in the NHL.
The rankings also feature players with unique skill sets, such as Hagens, a dynamic skater with high-end playmaking abilities, and Kindel, a smaller forward with exceptional skating and offensive skills. These players may not fit the traditional mold, but their talent and potential are undeniable.
As the rankings progress, the competition intensifies, with players like Lamoureux, a huge and physical defenseman, and Jiricek, a 6-3 right-shot defenseman with solid skating abilities, making their mark. These players may not have the flashy skills of some of their peers, but their size, physicality, and defensive prowess make them valuable assets.
The list concludes with players like Desnoyers, a tall and fast forward with excellent playmaking and two-way abilities, and Yurov, a talented forward with strong playmaking and finishing skills. These players may not be the most well-known, but their talent and potential are evident.
So, what do you think of these rankings? Do you agree with the top three players? Are there any players you feel are underrated or overrated? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's discuss the future stars of the NHL!
