Hockey’s Next Generation: Top 20 Prospects Under 21 Revealed
The future of professional hockey is taking shape, and The Hockey News’ annual ranking of the top 100 prospects aged 21-and-under has culminated in the unveiling of its top 20 players. Compiled by Ryan Kennedy, this list offers a unique perspective, diverging from the Future Watch rankings based on NHL scout surveys. Instead, Kennedy’s “Prospects Unlimited” focuses on projecting each player’s potential at their projected prime – ages 23-26 depending on position.
The rankings, with a birth year cutoff of 2004 and ages current as of October 1, provide a comprehensive look at the rising stars poised to impact the NHL. For those seeking the full list, including player bios and draft information, a subscription to The Hockey News and access to its Archive or a physical copy of the magazine are recommended. Readers can also catch up on previously released rankings, covering players ranked 21st to 40th, 41st to 60th, 61st to 80th, and 81st to 100th.
Here’s a breakdown of the top 20, as of November 21, 2023:
The Elite Tier
- Macklin Celebrini, C, 19, San Jose Sharks: Celebrini tops the list, representing a beacon of hope for the San Jose Sharks, who have faced recent challenges. The organization believes he is the key to returning to contention.
- Connor Bedard, C, 20, Chicago Blackhawks: Despite the Blackhawks’ struggles over the past two seasons, Bedard has emerged as a premier young star. Continued team improvement and strategic additions could quickly elevate Chicago’s competitive standing. A detailed feature on Bedard is available [here](link to Bedard feature).
- Adam Fantilli, C, 21, Columbus Blue Jackets: Fantilli rounds out the top three, demonstrating the strength of young talent currently entering the NHL.
Rising Stars & High Potential
- Gavin McKenna, LW, 17, Penn State Nittany Lions (Big Ten): McKenna is projected to be draft-eligible in 2026.
- Lane Hutson, D, 21, Montreal Canadiens: Hutson, a defenseman, has already made an impact, transitioning from a successful college career to significant NHL action.
- Leo Carlsson, C, 20, Anaheim Ducks: Carlsson continues to develop as a key piece of the Ducks’ future.
- Ivan Demidov, RW, 19, Montreal Canadiens: Demidov represents another promising addition to the Canadiens’ roster.
- Matvei Michkov, RW, 20, Philadelphia Flyers: Michkov is poised to make a significant contribution to the Flyers’ offensive capabilities.
- Matthew Schaefer, D, 18, New York Islanders: Schaefer is a young defenseman with considerable potential for the Islanders.
- Beckett Sennecke, RW, 19, Anaheim Ducks: Sennecke adds to the growing talent pool within the Ducks organization.
- Zeev Buium, D, 19, Minnesota Wild: Buium, a super-skilled blueliner, has already experienced big-game NHL action following a successful college career. A detailed feature on Buium is available [here](link to Buium feature).
- Michael Misa, C, 18, San Jose Sharks: Misa joins Celebrini as a key component of the Sharks’ rebuilding efforts.
- Anton Frondell, C, 18, Chicago Blackhawks: Frondell adds depth to the Blackhawks’ prospect pool.
- Landon DuPont, D, 16, Everett Silvertips (WHL): DuPont is a promising defenseman projected to be draft-eligible in 2027.
- Artyom Levshunov, D, 19, Chicago Blackhawks: Levshunov represents another valuable addition to the Blackhawks’ defensive core.
- Zayne Parekh, D, 19, Calgary Flames: Parekh is a developing defenseman within the Flames organization.
- Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, 21, Montreal Canadiens: Slafkovsky continues to progress as a key player for the Canadiens.
- Tij Iginla, C, 19, Utah Mammoth/Kelowna (WHL): Iginla is a highly touted prospect with significant potential.
- Porter Martone, RW, 18, Philadelphia Flyers/Michigan State (Big Ten): Martone is a promising right winger in the Flyers’ system.
- Keaton Verhoeff, D, 17, North Dakota Fighting Saints: Verhoeff is a young defenseman projected to be draft-eligible in 2026.
This ranking underscores the dynamic nature of the NHL’s future, with a wealth of young talent poised to reshape the league in the years to come. For those seeking in-depth coverage and access to the entire magazine archive, a subscription to The Hockey News is available at THN.com/free. Readers can also stay updated with the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to the newsletter and engaging in discussions on THN.com or the community forum.
