by Evan Jones '30 on October 8, 2026
NHL
For the past 20 years, the NHL has been defined by the same two superstars. Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin have been at the center of the league since they entered in 2005, but now, as the new season begins, a new generation of stars are starting to build a legacy of their own. Ovechkin and Crosby have spent their entire careers competing at the highest level. Ovechkin has become the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, while Crosby has established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the league. Together, they have won multiple Stanley Cups, scoring titles, and numerous Hart Trophies, which are MVP awards, establishing themselves as two of the most recognizable players the sport has ever seen. While these two players are still producing, their careers are getting closer to the end, and in just a few seasons, we could soon see them both retire. With that, the NHL is starting to look toward the younger stars who could become the next faces of the league. One of those players is Macklin Celebrini. At just 20 years old, the former first overall pick is coming off a breakout sophomore season, recording 115 points with 45 goals and 70 assists. Celebrini’s combination of scoring ability and leadership could make him one of the most complete young players in the league. Celebrini became the youngest captain in San Jose Sharks history this offseason, showing just how quickly he has made an impact and become a leader on San Jose’s young team. Connor Bedard is another young star looking to take the next step in his career. After being selected first overall in 2023, Bedard has already become one of the most important players on the Chicago Blackhawks. His biggest strength is his ability to affect the offense, whether it be through his shot, passing, or playmaking. He recorded 75 points last season, showing how much of an impact he can have on the game whenever he is on the ice. And then there is Gavin McKenna, the newest star in the NHL. McKenna was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2026 NHL Draft, and he has already made his debut in the NHL, skipping the usual years in the minors that some players go through. At 18 years old, McKenna is entering one of the biggest hockey markets in the world, with a lot of expectations surrounding him. His early performances have given Maple Leaf fans plenty of reasons to be excited about what is ahead. Hayley Wickenheiser, Toronto’s assistant general manager, has seen him up close and believes his hockey IQ separates him from other young players. “His IQ is off the charts… Obviously it’s clear to everyone in the building he’s a really good player,” Wickenheiser said. For the first time in nearly two decades, the NHL is preparing for a league without Ovechkin and Crosby at the center of it. As their careers begin to wind down, new players like Celebrini, Bedard, and McKenna are ready to take their place and make history. The old guard built the NHL. Now, the next generation gets to take over.