Ranking the best NHL players and prospects under 23: Macklin Celebrini is No. 1

NHL analyst Corey Pronman of The Athletic has released his annual ranking of the best NHL players and prospects under the age of 23, with San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini taking the top spot at No. 1. The rankings cover 156 players affiliated with NHL organizations, spanning the 2022 through 2026 NHL Drafts, and require players to be 22 years old or younger as of September 15, 2026. Matthew Schaefer is also highlighted as one of the top young players in the ranking.