Top 3 NHL rookies ready to compete with the league’s best in the 2024-25 season ft. Macklin Celebrini
This summer, Macklin Celebrini was selected first overall in the NHL draft by the San Jose Sharks. Heading into the 2024-25 season, Celebrini is sitting as one of the favorites to win the Calder Trophy after Chicago Blackhawks standout Connor Bedard won the award for the 2023-24 season.
Along with Celebrini, the Sharks will also have their 2023 pick, Will Smith, looking to make a splash in the league after finishing the 2023-24 season with 71 points in just 41 games for Boston College.
Both Celebrini and Smith will join a star-studded list of rookies all eager to chase the Calder Memorial Trophy in their rookie season. While some of the players looking to make their mark on the league will be doing so as recent draftees, others will do so after being previously drafted and having a chance to develop.
Looking at the top three NHL rookies ready to compete with the league's best next season
#3: Artyom Levshunov
This summer, the Chicago Blackhawks selected defenceman Artyom Levshunov with the second pick of the NHL draft. Standing at 6-foot-2, Levshunov has shown the grace and finesse of a forward while on the ice, making him one of the most unique and intriguing rookies heading into this season.
While there had initially been talk of him potentially entering the prospect pool after being a late arrival to his lone season with Michigan State, the team decided it would be best for Levshunov to go pro. Although he still has some developing to do, there are plenty of reasons to believe he's ready to make waves as a pro.
#2: Macklin Celebrini
A name that should come as no surprise, Macklin Celebrini is second in Calder Trophy betting odds according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Given that the San Jose Sharks have a slew of young talent, there will be no shortage of opportunities for Celebrini in his rookie season.
As a two-way center who has shown flashes of brilliance while playing with Canada U17 and U18 teams, as well as his lone season with Boston University, Celebrini could follow in the footsteps of Bedard this season and win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
#1: Matvei Michkov
Selected seventh overall in the 2023 draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, Michkov sits as the favorite to win the Calder Memorial Trophy on DraftKings Sportsbook with +450 odds.
While there was talk of Michkov needing another several years before making the jump to the NHL, he now enters the league as one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory. With elite offensive play and a high ceiling, Michkov has been hailed as one of the best offensive Russian players since Alex Ovechkin.
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