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Macklin Celebrini, Connor Bedard and Matthew Schaefer lead an NHL youth movement with record contracts, while Aleksander Barkov returns for Florida and Mike Babcock takes over in Edmonton.
A new generation of NHL stars is signing contracts that would have been unimaginable for players their age only a few seasons ago. The league salary cap is pushing up to US$104 million in 2026-27 from $95.5 million last season.
That surge has transformed how quickly young players get paid and how much responsibility they receive. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has seen plenty of change across his 21 NHL seasons. The three-time Stanley Cup winner entered the league at a time when many newcomers, not including himself, were often forced to wait their turn on the ice and when it came to getting paid. That version of the league continues to dip further out of view.
Young Stars Receive Huge Contracts
Stars like San Jose Sharks centre Macklin Celebrini, Chicago Blackhawks counterpart Connor Bedard and New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer have burst out of the gates. Crosby said the shift has become normal even though it should not be. Celebrini was recently named Sharks captain at age 20 after finishing fourth in league scoring last season. He said expectations do not impact his approach.
The top pick in 2024 said it is not really a burden and that he wants to push himself to the highest level and hopes to take another step this year. Schaefer is coming off a standout rookie campaign that ended with a Calder Trophy victory.
The No. 1 selection in 2025 said you go into your first year and do not know what to expect, that you are at training camp and rookie camp and a little nervous, and that he has learned so much, gained confidence and learned what the league was like. Young guns are also getting much bigger contracts than past generations. Celebrini signed a contract extension carrying an average annual value of $18.8 million beginning next season.
Salary Cap Surges Benefit Older Players
Anaheim Ducks centre Leo Carlsson ($18 million AAV) and Bedard ($15 million AAV) have also cashed in. The cap was largely stagnant between $81.5 million and $83.5 million from 2019-20 through 2023-24 because of financial pains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Washington Capitals winger Tom Wilson said veteran players should be happy to see the numbers skyrocket in the early-20s age group.
The 32-year-old called hockey one of the hardest sports on your body and noted there are not many hockey players in their 60s and 70s who say they feel good. He said players should make their money now because they are putting a lot on the line. Fans see an amazing life, but guys are blocking shots with their face and fighting, which makes it a physical, physical game.
Schaefer cannot officially sign his next contract until July, but watched fellow blueliner Cale Makar get a record-setting $20.4-million AAV from the Colorado Avalanche this summer. Schaefer said his agent can worry about that. The 19-year-old said with a smile that math was fun but it is not what he is good at. He added it is a special experience to see players of his vintage already having success and called it an amazing generation to be a part of.
McKenna Faces Pressure in Toronto
Crosby said it is not something that has been too big for them and that they have grabbed it, which is what makes them who they are. One young player already under the microscope is Gavin McKenna. The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the draft lottery odds to select the 18-year-old winger with the top pick in June.
Hockey's biggest media market is a different animal compared to starting in San Jose, but Celebrini said McKenna should be up for the challenge. He said there are a lot of eyes on McKenna and that 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. Celebrini added he does not think it will affect McKenna too much.
Crosby Discusses Carolina Winning Formula
The Carolina Hurricanes won the Cup in June using a grinding, relentless approach that is unique to their roster. Crosby said that while the formula is effective for that group, it is not one every organization could replicate despite the NHL often being a copycat league. He said you could try, but he does not think it is a style that a ton of teams have chased to play.
He added that they won, so it might be something where teams take a look now. Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov is healthy after missing 2025-26 with a serious knee injury suffered on the first day of training camp following back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. The Panthers leader is ready to reintegrate into a lineup that added winger Brady Tkachuk and goaltender Jacob Markstrom.
Barkov said not living a life as a hockey player for the Florida Panthers was the toughest part for him while watching his club miss the playoffs. He said the team is really excited about the new opportunity. Mike Babcock has re-entered the league as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers following a controversial exit from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2023.
Crosby, who won Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014 along with the 2016 World Cup of Hockey as part of Babcock-led teams, said Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the rest of the roster can expect a detailed approach as they push for an elusive title. Crosby described Babcock as really organized with really good bench management and said he was really good at painting a clear picture. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 28, 2026. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
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CTVToronto:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
NHL Season Macklin Celebrini Connor Bedard Sidney Crosby Aleksander Barkov
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