Ranking the best NHL players and prospects under 23: Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard remain at the top
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The midseason update of the under-23 NHL player rankings has been released, focusing on the best young players within NHL organizations, both in and outside the league.
- The ranking aims to predict which players will have the best professional careers, not necessarily who would be chosen for immediate gameplay.
- Eligible players must be 22 years old or younger as of January 1, 2026.
- Players are categorized into tiers and assigned tool grades across six levels, evaluating attributes like skating, puck skills, hockey sense, and competitiveness.
- Shot grades are only provided if a player's shot is notably exceptional or poor, with "average" indicating a positive NHL-level projection rather than a criticism.
