The NHL is getting younger, but to do what Connor Bedard has done at his age is a different level. While first overall picks generally step right into the NHL like Bedard did, it is still tough to not only make an NHL team as a teenager, but have an impact.
Bedard was the youngest player to make an opening night roster in the NHL last season, and even in his second season, there are still only two players younger than him around the league.
Bedard’s birthday is July 17, 2005. He is the youngest of any 19-year-old, but there are two 18-year-olds who were drafted in 2024 and made their teams out of training camp. The first is number one overall pick Macklin Celebrini, born on June 13, 2006, and even younger is Jett Luchanko, drafted 13th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers and born on August 21, 2006.
While the Chicago Blackhawks’ young superstar is the youngest of the players born in 2005, there are three others who also made the cut and are playing in the NHL to start the season. These teenagers include Zach Benson (Buffalo Sabres), Will Smith (San Jose Sharks), and Calum Ritchie (Colorado Avalanche).
On top of that, there are four other players in Bedard’s draft class of 2023 that haven’t yet turned 20 years old, but are born in 2004. From youngest to oldest, these players are Samuel Honzek (Calgary Flames), Matvei Michkov (Flyers), Leo Carlsson (Anaheim Ducks), and Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue Jackets).
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It’s impressive that all of these players are in the league as teenagers, but even more impressive for Bedard that he has already led his team in goals and points before over half of these players even made their NHL debut (Luchanko, Celebrini, Smith, Ritchie, Honzek, and Michkov).
Bedard started the 2024-25 season off on the right foot as well, despite his team losing. He assisted on two goals, recorded five shots, and played over 21 minutes as the top line center. He’s looking to take an even bigger step forward and he’s already well on his way to being one of the top players in the NHL.
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