Ranking the NHL’s Top Young Cores: Devils Lead the Way, Senators’ Future Is Bright Despite 2023-24 Struggles
When it comes to the future of the NHL, one can’t help but be excited about the young talent that’s emerging across the league. Teams are building their foundations through the NHL Draft, and the competition among young cores is fierce. In this ranking, we take a closer look at the top eight NHL teams based on their young cores and how they project toward the future.
1. New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils claim the top spot on this list, and it’s hard to argue with that decision. Their young group is nothing short of exceptional. It all starts with Jack Hughes, a 22-year-old center who has become one of the league’s best. Hughes recently had a career-best 99-point season and continues to shine, even while recovering from an upper-body injury.
But the talent doesn’t stop with Hughes. Nico Hischier, another sensational center, would be the top-line pivot on most teams. Jesper Bratt, a gifted winger with back-to-back 70-point seasons, adds to the offensive firepower.
On the blue line, Dougie Hamilton leads the way, but the future looks bright with Luke Hughes starting to show his potential. The Devils could have four potential stars if Luke Hughes continues to develop, making them a powerhouse for years to come.
2. Ottawa Senators
The Senators may be facing some struggles in the 2023-24 season, but their future remains promising. Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle lead the young core, providing a formidable one-two punch up front. Josh Norris and Drake Batherson have also been impressive, and Shane Pinto and Ridly Greig add depth to the forward group.
Defensively, the Senators have Jakob Chychrun, Thomas Chabot, and the highly-touted Jake Sanderson. The only missing piece seems to be a star goaltender, but with this young core, the future is still bright in Ottawa.
3. Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks boast an impressive array of young talent, even if they narrowly missed out on the top spot. Mason McTavish, Troy Terry, Trevor Zegras, Leo Carlsson, Jamie Drysdale, and Pavel Mintyukov make up a promising group of young players.
Terry, in particular, has shown his scoring prowess with back-to-back 60-point seasons. McTavish is a rising star, and the team’s recent first-round picks, Carlsson and Mintyukov, hint at a bright future. While Connor Bedard would have been the icing on the cake, the Ducks are still in an excellent position with their young core.
4. Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are on the cusp of becoming a playoff contender, thanks to their young stars. Tage Thompson, a late bloomer, has become a dominant force with his combination of size and skill. The Sabres also have an enviable defensive pairing in Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power, both former first-round picks.
Dylan Cozens and JJ Peterka provide scoring depth, and Devon Levi shows promise in goal. With these young talents, the Sabres are poised for success in the near future.
5. Arizona Coyotes
The Arizona Coyotes may not have the largest young core, but they have reason to be optimistic. Clayton Keller has emerged as a star winger, and Matias Maccelli and Logan Cooley bring playmaking ability to the team’s forward group.
Maccelli, in particular, had a strong rookie season, and Cooley shows promise as the franchise’s third overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. While the Coyotes have faced challenges in recent seasons, this group has the potential to turn things around.
6. Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks may not have quantity on their side, but they certainly have quality. Quinn Hughes, a dynamic defenseman and team captain, has been making headlines with his offensive prowess.
Elias Pettersson, another young star, is an offensive juggernaut, and his playmaking abilities are unparalleled. While Nils Höglander adds depth, Hughes and Pettersson are the driving forces behind this team’s success.
7. Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes may not be the first team that comes to mind when thinking of young cores, but they have a talented group of forwards. Sebastian Aho, a consistent goal scorer, leads the way, while Andrei Svechnikov’s offensive production is crucial.
Seth Jarvis, Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and Martin Necas contribute to the team’s offensive depth. Pyotr Kochetkov could become a franchise goaltender, adding strength in the crease. The Hurricanes have the potential to be Stanley Cup contenders with this young core.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets round out our list with a promising group of young players. Adam Fantilli, the third overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, has shown early signs of stardom.
Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson, both first-round centers, have room for growth, and David Jiricek on the blue line adds to their defensive strength. While these prospects are still finding their footing in the NHL, the Blue Jackets have reason to be optimistic about the future.
In conclusion, the NHL is teeming with young talent, and these eight teams are leading the way with their promising young cores. As these players continue to develop, they’ll shape the future of the league and provide excitement for fans of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NHL Young Cores Ranking
What is the purpose of ranking NHL’s young cores?
The purpose of ranking NHL’s young cores is to identify and highlight the teams with the most promising young talent in the league. It provides an insight into which teams are well-positioned for future success based on the talent and potential of their young players.
How are the NHL young cores ranked in this article?
The NHL young cores are ranked in this article based on the age and performance of the players on each team’s roster. The cutoff age for inclusion in the young core is 26, and the rankings take into account the quality and depth of young talent on each team.
Who are some standout players mentioned in the article?
Some standout players mentioned in the article include Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils, Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle of the Ottawa Senators, Mason McTavish and Troy Terry of the Anaheim Ducks, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres, and Clayton Keller of the Arizona Coyotes, among others.
What criteria are considered when evaluating a team’s young core?
When evaluating a team’s young core, criteria such as the players’ age, performance, potential, and impact on the team’s success are considered. The article looks at both forwards and defensemen to gauge the overall strength of each team’s young talent.
How can these rankings impact the NHL and its fans?
These rankings provide valuable insights for NHL fans, analysts, and teams themselves. They can help fans understand which teams are likely to be competitive in the future and which teams are investing in their youth. For teams, it can serve as a benchmark to assess their development strategies and future prospects.
More about NHL Young Cores Ranking
- NHL Official Website
- New Jersey Devils Official Website
- Ottawa Senators Official Website
- Anaheim Ducks Official Website
- Buffalo Sabres Official Website
- Arizona Coyotes Official Website
- Vancouver Canucks Official Website
- Carolina Hurricanes Official Website
- Columbus Blue Jackets Official Website
3 comments
How they rank these teams? Young guns, watch out!
Ranking NHL’s young cores, cool! Jack Hughes rocks, dude!
NHL’s future stars, exciting times for hockey!