As hockey continues to grow in popularity around the world, many sports fans and analysts look towards rising young stars as potential players to watch in the coming years. Getting behind promising talents early and supporting their development can pay off down the road if they realize their full potential. This article will highlight some of the best young hockey players under age 20 in 2020 that could be strong investments for the future of the sport.
Cole Perfetti and Quinton Byfield lead 2020 draft prospects
The 2020 NHL Draft was filled with excitement around the top prospects like Cole Perfetti and Quinton Byfield. Perfetti is praised for his elite scoring touch and playmaking ability, while Byfield brings exceptional size and speed. Both are expected to quickly develop into franchise cornerstones at the NHL level. Their raw talent and high ceilings make them attractive long-term investments.
Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond headline 2021 NHL draft
Looking ahead to 2021, Swedish forwards Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond are names to watch. Holtz is considered the top goal scoring threat of his draft class, using his shot power and accuracy to great effect. Raymond is a gifted playmaker who makes those around him better. Both possess the tools to succeed in the NHL and the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of their careers is tempting.
Shane Wright leads exceptional 2022 draft class
While the 2020 and 2021 drafts have quality players, the 2022 NHL Draft is setting up to be a special one, led by the consensus #1 pick Shane Wright. He has been dominating older competition for years and is described by scouts as a franchise changing talent. The 2022 class is also unusually deep, meaning investing early in Wright and other top prospects like Brad Lambert could pay dividends.
Conor Bedard rises as generational talent for 2023
Looking even further ahead, 15-year-old Conor Bedard is already turning heads and is considered a potentially generational player in the making. The Canadian forward has already starred on the international stage for his age group and possesses elite offensive instincts. While 2023 is still a few years away, Bedard and peers like Adam Fantilli have plenty of time to develop into home run investments.
Predicting which young players will realize their full potential is challenging, but investing early in those with exceptional talent can result in supporting future stars. Cole Perfetti, Quinton Byfield and other top 2020 draft picks, as well as Alexander Holtz and Lucas Raymond in 2021, Shane Wright in 2022, and phenom Conor Bedard in 2023 are names hockey fans will want to keep an eye on.