Sport

NHL's Future Stars: Connor Bedard Tops the List of the Best Under-23 Players for 2024-25!

2024-09-26

In an exciting development for hockey fans, prominent sports analyst Dom Luszczyszyn has unleashed a groundbreaking project analyzing the top under-23 players in the NHL ahead of the 2024-25 season. This innovative series, dubbed "Prospect Tiers," is a collaborative effort that includes insights from NHL scouts and analysts, creating a comprehensive view of the most promising future stars in hockey.

Unlike traditional prospect rankings that are often subjective, this new approach categorizes over 115 young skaters into distinct performance tiers: MVP, Franchise, All-Star, Star, and Support. The idea blossomed after Luszczyszyn connected with fellow analysts Shayna Goldman and Sean Gentille, seeking to create a resource that reflects the consensus opinion of industry experts rather than individual interpretation.

The rankings were not finalized without thorough feedback. Nearly two dozen anonymous NHL sources contributed their expertise by suggesting adjustments, ensuring that the list resonates with scouts' insights about the potential of these emerging talents. Although opinions varied—prompting shifts in rankings—an encouraging number of prospects received widespread acclaim, marking them as solid foundational players for the future.

Leading the charge is none other than Connor Bedard, a name that has been reverberating through hockey circles for his exceptional skills and potential. Bedard is hailed as a franchise player by many, setting the stage for future NHL success.

While a multitude of talented forwards was considered but ultimately not ranked, some names stood out during discussions. Highly debated talents such as Owen Beck, Filip Bystedt, and David Goyette caught scouts' attention and were tipped for future consideration. Notably, the list excluded goaltenders, with analysts acknowledging the challenges in predicting goalie development and success before they have an established NHL track record.

However, that doesn't overshadow the promising young netminders emerging within the league. Scouts identify eight who are currently making waves: Jesper Wallstedt, Yaroslav Askarov, and Dustin Wolf, among others, showcasing the next generation of goaltending talent ready to make their mark.

As the NHL gears up for what promises to be an exciting season, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on these under-23 prospects, particularly Connor Bedard, who seems poised to continue making headlines. Stay tuned as we track their development and performance in the seasons to come—because the future of hockey is undeniably bright!