The NHL is loaded with talent. It might even be the golden age of talent in the league right now as there are more elite players than ever. Hockey fans can tune into pretty much any game and watch stars shine bright.
It also seems like new ones enter the year every year. This year is no different. There are older rookies making an impact like Logan Cooley and Luke Hughes but there are also a few players who were just drafted in 2023 already playing really well.
We’ve seen the impact that guys like Connor Bedard, Adam Fantilli, and Leo Carlsson have already made and their teams are so thankful for it. Well, the 2024 NHL Draft already seems to be pretty loaded with talent as well. Leading that group is the projected number-one pick Macklin Celebrini.
Celebrini is currently playing for the Boston University Terriers and he is the youngest player in college hockey right now. You can also make a case that he is the best college hockey player right now.
The NHL is going to have Macklin Celebrini as one of its stars in short order.
Last year, Fantilli became the third freshman to ever win the Hobey Baker Award as the best player in the country. Well, Celebrini is on track to become the fourth and second in as many years. Wouldn’t that be something?
He is off to a remarkable start so far this season. Through six games this season, he has eight goals and 11 points. He has a multi-goal game in half of his first six NCAA games. For being the youngest player in college hockey, he has been otherworldly. Those eight goals lead the NCAA right now.
Chicago Blackhawks legend Jonathan Toews scored 22 goals in 2005-06 for North Dakota. Those are the most for a U-18 player since 2000. Celebrini is almost a lock to break that plateau as long as he stays healthy. If he keeps sniping like he has been, he will shatter it.
When you are the projected number one pick all of these months ahead of the draft, there can be some pressure. Celebrini seems to be handling it well. Hopefully, he keeps it going as he is must-see TV when playing hockey.