The 25 Best Under-25 Players In the NHL Right Now

The 25 Best Under-25 Players In the NHL Right Now

By Jeff Henning

November 17, 2015

The 25 Best Under-25 Players In the NHL Right Now

Tyler Seguin — While many consider a hockey player's prime to begin sometime at or around age 25, the NHL has an influx of great young stars who are all under the age of 25. From top flight defensemen to skilled offensive or two way forwards, here’s my countdown of the top 25 players in the NHL who are under the age of 25.

While many consider a hockey player's prime to begin sometime at or around age 25, the NHL has an influx of great young stars who are all under the age of 25. From top flight defensemen to skilled offensive or two way forwards, here’s my countdown of the top 25 players in the NHL who are under the age of 25.

25. Jack Eichel (Age: 19)

Jack Eichel

25. Jack Eichel (Age: 19)

Jack Eichel — The second overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft, Jack Eichel has exploded onto the NHL scene. Through 17 games played, Eichel has potted six goals and added three assists. Though he’s still learning the ropes, Eichel has already exhibited his limitless potential and the scariest part is that he’s only 19.

The second overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft, Jack Eichel has exploded onto the NHL scene. Through 17 games played, Eichel has potted six goals and added three assists. Though he’s still learning the ropes, Eichel has already exhibited his limitless potential and the scariest part is that he’s only 19.

24. Connor McDavid (Age: 18)

ConnorMcDavid

Advertisement

24. Connor McDavid (Age: 18)

ConnorMcDavid — The No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft, Connor McDavid was showing why he was the most highly touted prospect since Sidney Crosby. Before going down with a collarbone injury, McDavid had posted 12 points in 13 games. Those are ridiculous numbers for an 18-year-old to be posting. Once McDavid fills into his body, he will almost certainly be unstoppable.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 Entry Draft, Connor McDavid was showing why he was the most highly touted prospect since Sidney Crosby. Before going down with a collarbone injury, McDavid had posted 12 points in 13 games. Those are ridiculous numbers for an 18-year-old to be posting. Once McDavid fills into his body, he will almost certainly be unstoppable.

23. John Klingberg (Age: 23)

JohnKlingberg

23. John Klingberg (Age: 23)

JohnKlingberg — A relatively unknown defenseman until 2014-15, John Klingberg has blossomed into a young defensive star, no pun intended. Klingberg was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has quietly worked his way to the top of the Dallas defense. If the Stars' torrid pace continues, Klingberg may find himself in the Norris Trophy conversation.

A relatively unknown defenseman until 2014-15, John Klingberg has blossomed into a young defensive star, no pun intended. Klingberg was drafted in the fifth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has quietly worked his way to the top of the Dallas defense. If the Stars' torrid pace continues, Klingberg may find himself in the Norris Trophy conversation.

22. Alex Galchenyuk (Age:23)

Alex Galchenyuk

22. Alex Galchenyuk (Age:23)

Alex Galchenyuk — The No. 3 overall pick in a loaded 2012 Entry Draft, Alex Galchenyuk has displayed his excellent offensive ability, as he is coming off a 20 goal/46 point campaign. With 11 points in his first 18 contests, Galchenyuk may be in store for his best season to date.

The No. 3 overall pick in a loaded 2012 Entry Draft, Alex Galchenyuk has displayed his excellent offensive ability, as he is coming off a 20 goal/46 point campaign. With 11 points in his first 18 contests, Galchenyuk may be in store for his best season to date.

21. Brandon Saad (Age: 23)

BrandonSaad

21. Brandon Saad (Age: 23)

BrandonSaad — Brandon Saad is the only player on this list to have two Stanley Cup rings; in fact, he’s the only guy on this list to have one Stanley Cup ring. A former second-round draft pick by the Blackhawks, Saad is coming off a career best season, posting 23 goals and adding 29 helpers. Saad’s best attribute may be his durability, which is something the Blue Jackets can covet for years to come.

Brandon Saad is the only player on this list to have two Stanley Cup rings; in fact, he’s the only guy on this list to have one Stanley Cup ring. A former second-round draft pick by the Blackhawks, Saad is coming off a career best season, posting 23 goals and adding 29 helpers. Saad’s best attribute may be his durability, which is something the Blue Jackets can covet for years to come.

20. Ondrej Palat (Age: 24)

OndrejPalat

20. Ondrej Palat (Age: 24)

OndrejPalat — The former seventh-round draft pick, Ondrej Palat has been a diamond in the rough for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Palat registered 59 points in his rookie season and 63 points in his sophomore campaign. Now, at the age of 24, Palat is entering the prime of his career and the Lightning have yet another young talented forward who could help bring them a Stanley Cup.

The former seventh-round draft pick, Ondrej Palat has been a diamond in the rough for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Palat registered 59 points in his rookie season and 63 points in his sophomore campaign. Now, at the age of 24, Palat is entering the prime of his career and the Lightning have yet another young talented forward who could help bring them a Stanley Cup.

19. Aaron Ekblad (Age: 19)

AaronEkblad

19. Aaron Ekblad (Age: 19)

AaronEkblad — The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Aaron Ekblad has been everything the Panthers hoped he would be. In his rookie season, Ekblad posted 12 goals and 27 assists while also registering a plus-12. Those numbers were good enough to earn the 2015 Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. The sky is the limit for the youngster as part of the young nucleus in Florida.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Aaron Ekblad has been everything the Panthers hoped he would be. In his rookie season, Ekblad posted 12 goals and 27 assists while also registering a plus-12. Those numbers were good enough to earn the 2015 Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. The sky is the limit for the youngster as part of the young nucleus in Florida.

18. Nikita Kucherov (Age: 22)

NikitaKucherov

18. Nikita Kucherov (Age: 22)

NikitaKucherov — Another former second-round draft pick, Nikita Kucherov has exploded onto the NHL scene. Kucherov posted 65 points in 82 games for the Lightning in his first full season, and his potential is through the roof as he enters 2015-16. If the Lightning intend to return to the Stanley Cup Final, Kucherov will most certainly have to play a big role.

Another former second-round draft pick, Nikita Kucherov has exploded onto the NHL scene. Kucherov posted 65 points in 82 games for the Lightning in his first full season, and his potential is through the roof as he enters 2015-16. If the Lightning intend to return to the Stanley Cup Final, Kucherov will most certainly have to play a big role.

17. Dougie Hamilton (Age: 22)

DougieHamilton

17. Dougie Hamilton (Age: 22)

DougieHamilton — Dougie Hamilton was taken No. 9 overall in the 2011 Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins, the second first-round pick they received in the Phil Kessel trade. Hamilton has showed his offensive ability by posting 42 points in 72 games last season, and although he’s still trying to figure out his way in Calgary, Hamilton is still just 22 years of age with a bright future ahead.

Dougie Hamilton was taken No. 9 overall in the 2011 Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins, the second first-round pick they received in the Phil Kessel trade. Hamilton has showed his offensive ability by posting 42 points in 72 games last season, and although he’s still trying to figure out his way in Calgary, Hamilton is still just 22 years of age with a bright future ahead.

16. Ryan O'Reilly (Age: 24)

RyanO'Reilly

16. Ryan O'Reilly (Age: 24)

RyanO'Reilly — It’s slightly amazing that O’Reilly is still eligible for this list, but he has shown that he can produce consistent offensive numbers. Drafted in the second round by the Colorado Avalanche, O’Reilly is now a core player for the rebuild in Buffalo. O’Reilly has yet to enter the prime of his career but can bring a veteran presence on a developing team.

It’s slightly amazing that O’Reilly is still eligible for this list, but he has shown that he can produce consistent offensive numbers. Drafted in the second round by the Colorado Avalanche, O’Reilly is now a core player for the rebuild in Buffalo. O’Reilly has yet to enter the prime of his career but can bring a veteran presence on a developing team.

15. Seth Jones (Age: 21)

SethJones

15. Seth Jones (Age: 21)

SethJones — When Seth Jones was taken No. 4 overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2013 Entry Draft, many thought it would be a perfect fit. Jones has blossomed into one of the of the best young defensemen in the NHL learning the ropes from perennial Norris candidate Shea Weber. Although Jones' career-high point total is 27, he has already registered 10 points in 16 games played this year and looks to have a breakout 2015-16.

When Seth Jones was taken No. 4 overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2013 Entry Draft, many thought it would be a perfect fit. Jones has blossomed into one of the of the best young defensemen in the NHL learning the ropes from perennial Norris candidate Shea Weber. Although Jones' career-high point total is 27, he has already registered 10 points in 16 games played this year and looks to have a breakout 2015-16.

14. Sean Monahan (Age: 21)

SeanMonahan

14. Sean Monahan (Age: 21)

SeanMonahan — The No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 Entry Draft, Sean Monahan was a big reason why the Calgary Flames made it back to the postseason in 2014-15. He scored 31 goals and added 31 assists. Monahan has undeniable offensive talent and is a big reason the Calgary Flames could be a serious contender for years to come.

The No. 6 overall pick in the 2013 Entry Draft, Sean Monahan was a big reason why the Calgary Flames made it back to the postseason in 2014-15. He scored 31 goals and added 31 assists. Monahan has undeniable offensive talent and is a big reason the Calgary Flames could be a serious contender for years to come.

13. Filip Forsberg (Age: 21)

FilipForsberg

13. Filip Forsberg (Age: 21)

FilipForsberg — It still boggles my mind why the Capitals traded Filip Forsberg, but the Nashville Predators certainly won that exchange. Forsberg posted 63 points in 82 games last year, his first full season at the NHL level. He seems to be picking up right where he left off as he has already accrued 11 points in 16 games played this season. The Predators are a dangerous team in the Western Conference, and Forsberg is a big reason why.

It still boggles my mind why the Capitals traded Filip Forsberg, but the Nashville Predators certainly won that exchange. Forsberg posted 63 points in 82 games last year, his first full season at the NHL level. He seems to be picking up right where he left off as he has already accrued 11 points in 16 games played this season. The Predators are a dangerous team in the Western Conference, and Forsberg is a big reason why.

12. Johnny Gaudreau (Age: 22)

JohnnyGaudreau

12. Johnny Gaudreau (Age: 22)

JohnnyGaudreau — Johnny ‘Hockey’ Gaudreau is another young talented forward who’s helping turn the Calgary Flames around. Although he steps in at 5-foot-9 and weighs only 157 pounds, Gaudreau has the talent to stick with just about anyone in the NHL. Gaudreauregistered 64 points in his first full season and is on a torrid pace this season, posting 17 points in 19 games.

Johnny ‘Hockey’ Gaudreau is another young talented forward who’s helping turn the Calgary Flames around. Although he steps in at 5-foot-9 and weighs only 157 pounds, Gaudreau has the talent to stick with just about anyone in the NHL. Gaudreauregistered 64 points in his first full season and is on a torrid pace this season, posting 17 points in 19 games.

11. Gabriel Landeskog (Age: 22)

GabrielLandeskog

11. Gabriel Landeskog (Age: 22)

GabrielLandeskog — The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, Gabriel Landeskog has been a physical force since being drafted by the Avalanche. The 22-year-old captain has the offensive ability of a budding young superstar with the leadership skills of a savvy veteran. The Avalanche have found quite a gem for years to come with Landeskog who has 12 points through 16 games in 2015-16.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 Entry Draft, Gabriel Landeskog has been a physical force since being drafted by the Avalanche. The 22-year-old captain has the offensive ability of a budding young superstar with the leadership skills of a savvy veteran. The Avalanche have found quite a gem for years to come with Landeskog who has 12 points through 16 games in 2015-16.

10. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Age: 22)

Nugent-Hopkins

10. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Age: 22)

Nugent-Hopkins — Another No. 1 overall selection by the Edmonton Oilers, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins may have the highest ceiling of any Edmonton forward not named McDavid. He possesses incredible vision in the offensive zone but can also put the puck in the net if he wants to. If the Oilers can build around players like Nugent-Hopkins, they will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

Another No. 1 overall selection by the Edmonton Oilers, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins may have the highest ceiling of any Edmonton forward not named McDavid. He possesses incredible vision in the offensive zone but can also put the puck in the net if he wants to. If the Oilers can build around players like Nugent-Hopkins, they will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.

9. Justin Faulk (Age: 23)

JustinFaulk

9. Justin Faulk (Age: 23)

JustinFaulk — One of the more underrated defensemen in the league, Justin Faulk is a an emerging superstar on a struggling team. The former second-round pick by the Carolina Hurricanes enters the 2015-16 season coming off a career-best 49 point effort. Although Faulk is a minus-12 this year, he still has 12 points in 18 games played.

One of the more underrated defensemen in the league, Justin Faulk is a an emerging superstar on a struggling team. The former second-round pick by the Carolina Hurricanes enters the 2015-16 season coming off a career-best 49 point effort. Although Faulk is a minus-12 this year, he still has 12 points in 18 games played.

8. Nathan MacKinnon (Age: 20)

Nathan MacKinnon

8. Nathan MacKinnon (Age: 20)

Nathan MacKinnon — The former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2013, Nathan MacKinnon gives Avalanche fans a new hope for the future. The Avalanche have a ton of young studs, but none are more talented than MacKinnon. He exploded onto the scene in his rookie year, posting 24 goals and 39 assists before having a sophomore slump. Through 17 games this season, MacKinnon has accrued 19 points, so it’s safe to say the sophomore slump is over.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick in 2013, Nathan MacKinnon gives Avalanche fans a new hope for the future. The Avalanche have a ton of young studs, but none are more talented than MacKinnon. He exploded onto the scene in his rookie year, posting 24 goals and 39 assists before having a sophomore slump. Through 17 games this season, MacKinnon has accrued 19 points, so it’s safe to say the sophomore slump is over.

7. Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Age: 24)

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

7. Oliver Ekman-Larsson (Age: 24)

Oliver Ekman-Larsson — No doubt the best defenseman on this list and a top 15 defenseman in the entire league, Oliver Ekman-Larsson checks in at the No. 7 spot. The former No. 6 overall pick, Ekman-Larsson has dazzled with his abilities on both ends of the ice. Last season on an awful Coyotes team, Ekman-Larsson was able to net 23 goals and add 20 assists. He is certainly a player the ‘Yotes can build around.

No doubt the best defenseman on this list and a top 15 defenseman in the entire league, Oliver Ekman-Larsson checks in at the No. 7 spot. The former No. 6 overall pick, Ekman-Larsson has dazzled with his abilities on both ends of the ice. Last season on an awful Coyotes team, Ekman-Larsson was able to net 23 goals and add 20 assists. He is certainly a player the ‘Yotes can build around.

6. Matt Duchene (Age: 24)

Matt Duchene

6. Matt Duchene (Age: 24)

Matt Duchene — It seems like Matt Duchene has been in the league for as long as I can remember which is not necessarily a bad thing. Duchene was drafted No. 3 overall in 2009 Entry Draft and has been a fixture in Colorado ever since. He has the offensive ability to lead a team on the ice and the personality to lead them off of it. Duchene currently has 14 points in 17 games played this season.

It seems like Matt Duchene has been in the league for as long as I can remember which is not necessarily a bad thing. Duchene was drafted No. 3 overall in 2009 Entry Draft and has been a fixture in Colorado ever since. He has the offensive ability to lead a team on the ice and the personality to lead them off of it. Duchene currently has 14 points in 17 games played this season.

5. Ryan Johansen (Age: 23)

Ryan Johansen

5. Ryan Johansen (Age: 23)

Ryan Johansen — The former No. 4 overall selection, Ryan Johansen is one of the best young centers in the league. After struggling in his first few seasons of NHL action, Johansen exploded in 2013-14 for 63 points and then followed that up with 71 points last season. Although the Jackets started off this season with an abysmal record, Johansen has posted 12 points in 16 games played. And at the age of 23, he will only grow into his role as a top line forward.

The former No. 4 overall selection, Ryan Johansen is one of the best young centers in the league. After struggling in his first few seasons of NHL action, Johansen exploded in 2013-14 for 63 points and then followed that up with 71 points last season. Although the Jackets started off this season with an abysmal record, Johansen has posted 12 points in 16 games played. And at the age of 23, he will only grow into his role as a top line forward.

4. Victor Hedman (Age: 24)

Victor Hedman

4. Victor Hedman (Age: 24)

Victor Hedman — One of the best young defensemen in the league, Victor Hedman has been a stalwart on the Tampa Bay blueline. The former No. 2 overall pick, Victor Hedman has shown that he can be an elite offensive defenseman. In 2013-14, Hedman posted 13 goals and 42 assists. While he battled injuries in 2015-16, Hedman was still able to post 38 points in 59 games. If he can stay healthy, the Lightning will remain a Stanley Cup contender.

One of the best young defensemen in the league, Victor Hedman has been a stalwart on the Tampa Bay blueline. The former No. 2 overall pick, Victor Hedman has shown that he can be an elite offensive defenseman. In 2013-14, Hedman posted 13 goals and 42 assists. While he battled injuries in 2015-16, Hedman was still able to post 38 points in 59 games. If he can stay healthy, the Lightning will remain a Stanley Cup contender.

3. Vladimir Tarasenko (Age: 23)

Vladimir Tarasenko

3. Vladimir Tarasenko (Age: 23)

Vladimir Tarasenko — The Impaler, Vladimir Tarasenko is an absolute scoring machine. A first-round draft selection by the St. Louis Blues, Tarasenko has shown his brilliant scoring touch as he's posted 21 and 37 goals in his first two full seasons in the NHL. Tarasenko has been quoted as saying that he wants to score 50 goals in 2015-16, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he could get there.

The Impaler, Vladimir Tarasenko is an absolute scoring machine. A first-round draft selection by the St. Louis Blues, Tarasenko has shown his brilliant scoring touch as he's posted 21 and 37 goals in his first two full seasons in the NHL. Tarasenko has been quoted as saying that he wants to score 50 goals in 2015-16, and there’s no doubt in my mind that he could get there.

2. Taylor Hall (Age: 24)

Taylor Hall

2. Taylor Hall (Age: 24)

Taylor Hall — The No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 Entry Draft, Taylor Hall is entering his sixth full season in Edmonton. Since breaking into the league as a rookie, Hall has displayed his tremendous physical talent. Although his talents have been buried on an abysmal Edmonton team, Hall is currently on pace to have one of his most productive seasons to date. He currently has 20 points through his first 18 games.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 Entry Draft, Taylor Hall is entering his sixth full season in Edmonton. Since breaking into the league as a rookie, Hall has displayed his tremendous physical talent. Although his talents have been buried on an abysmal Edmonton team, Hall is currently on pace to have one of his most productive seasons to date. He currently has 20 points through his first 18 games.

1. Tyler Seguin (Age: 23)

Tyler Seguin

1. Tyler Seguin (Age: 23)

Tyler Seguin — The former No. 2 overall pick has certainly had an interesting NHL career to date. After gaining some valuable experience in Boston, Seguin was traded to Dallas in a blockbuster deal. Since that time, he has flourished in Dallas, thanks in large part to Jamie Benn. Through 18 games this season, Seguin has 26 points and also has the Stars thinking about a deep playoff run.

The former No. 2 overall pick has certainly had an interesting NHL career to date. After gaining some valuable experience in Boston, Seguin was traded to Dallas in a blockbuster deal. Since that time, he has flourished in Dallas, thanks in large part to Jamie Benn. Through 18 games this season, Seguin has 26 points and also has the Stars thinking about a deep playoff run.

Share On Facebook

Share