Sidney Crosby says young NHL players are being trusted with responsibility sooner, while a rising salary cap is helping some of them secure contracts far larger than those available to earlier generations. The Pittsburgh Penguins captain, now in his 21st NHL season, has watched the league change since he arrived, when many new players had to wait for chances on the ice and for higher pay. That older pattern is fading as prospects make immediate impacts.
San Jose Sharks centre Macklin Celebrini, Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard and New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer are among the young players who have started their NHL careers strongly. Crosby said the influx has become familiar, even though he believes it should not be treated as ordinary. “It just feels like it’s become normal, and it shouldn’t be, but it has,” said the three-time Stanley Cup winner. “There’s just a lot of young players that are ready. “Teams are much quicker to give those young guys a look and give them responsibility early.”
Celebrini was recently named captain of the Sharks at age 20, after finishing fourth in league scoring last season. The top pick in 2024 said expectations do not change how he approaches his work. “It’s not really a burden,” Celebrini said. “I want to push myself to the highest level … I hope I take another step this year.”
Schaefer, the No. 1 selection in 2025, is coming off a standout rookie season that ended with a Calder Trophy win. He recalled uncertainty at the start of his first year, followed by experience and increased confidence. “You go into your first year, you don’t know what to expect,” Schaefer said. “You’re at training camp, you’re at rookie camp, and you’re a little nervous. “I’ve learned so much. I gained my confidence. I learned what the league was like.”
The financial landscape has shifted alongside the opportunities for young players. The salary cap is set to rise to US$104 million in 2026-27, up from $95.5 million last season. It had remained largely flat, between $81.5 million and $83.5 million, from 2019-20 through 2023-24, reflecting financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrini has signed an extension with an average annual value of $18.8 million that begins next season. Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson has an $18 million AAV deal, while Bedard’s contract carries a $15 million AAV. Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson said veterans should welcome the rising figures, given the demands of a sport that can take a heavy physical toll.
“One of the hardest sports on your body,” said Wilson, 32. “There aren’t many hockey players in their 60s and 70s that are like, ‘Hey, I feel good.’ Make your money now. You’re putting a lot on the line. “Fans see it, ‘Oh, they live an amazing life.’ Yeah, but guys are blocking shots with their face, they’re fighting - it’s a physical, physical game.”
Schaefer cannot officially sign his next contract until July. He has seen the Colorado Avalanche give fellow defenceman Cale Makar a record-setting deal worth $20.4 million in average annual value this summer. Schaefer said his agent could handle the contract discussions. “My agent can worry about that,” said the 19-year-old. “Math was fun, but it’s not what I’m good at.” He also described being part of a generation whose players are already succeeding as “Amazing generation to be a part of.”
Crosby said the young players have taken advantage of their chances rather than being overwhelmed by them. “It’s not something that has been too big for them,” he said. “They’ve grabbed it … that’s what makes them who they are.”
Toronto Maple Leafs winger Gavin McKenna is also facing attention early in his career. The Leafs beat the draft lottery odds to take him first overall in June, putting the 18-year-old in hockey’s largest media market. Celebrini said the scrutiny in Toronto can be difficult at times, but he does not expect it to derail McKenna. “A lot of eyes on him,” Celebrini said. “You see what goes on with the guys there, and how difficult it can be at some points, which is a blessing and a curse. “I don’t think it’ll affect him too much.”
The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup in June with a grinding, relentless style suited to their roster. Crosby said the NHL’s tendency to imitate successful teams may prompt others to examine Carolina’s approach, although he does not think many clubs have pursued that style. “You could try,” Crosby said. “I don’t think it’s a style that a ton of teams have chased to play. “But they won, so it might be something where they might take a look now.”
Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is healthy and preparing to return after missing the 2025-26 season because of a serious knee injury suffered on the first day of training camp. The injury came after Florida won back-to-back Stanley Cups. Barkov is ready to rejoin a lineup that has added winger Brady Tkachuk and goaltender Jacob Markstrom. The Panthers missed the playoffs while he was out. “Not to live a life as a hockey player for the Florida Panthers, that was the toughest part for me,” Barkov said. “We’re really excited about the new opportunity.”
Mike Babcock has returned to the NHL as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers after a controversial departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023. Crosby won Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey on teams led by Babcock. He said Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the rest of Edmonton’s roster can expect a structured approach as they pursue a title that has eluded them. “Really organized, really good bench management,” Crosby said. “He was really good at painting a clear picture.”
The Canadian Press first published the report on Sept. 28, 2026.
Based on reporting by Global News Edmonton.