Bedard vs Celebrini: The Night the NHL’s Future Took Over — And What the EDGE Data Says

Here is your NHL EDGE tracking data for November 18, 2025, the NHL had itself a moment. Two teenage superstars — Connor Bedard in Chicago and Macklin Celebrini in San Jose — each exploded for hat tricks on the same night in two different games.

Bedard recorded his second career hat trick in a 5–2 win over the Flames:

Celebrini delivered a hat trick plus the overtime winner against the Utah Mammoth:

According to Sportsnet and ESPN, this was only the second day in NHL history where two players aged 20 or younger had hat tricks on the same night — a historic statistical anomaly and a perfect snapshot of where the league is heading.

This wasn’t just a highlight-reel night. It sparked a legitimate conversation among scouts, analysts, and fantasy players:
Is this now Bedard and Celebrini’s league — and which one would you build around long-term?

Let’s dig into everything behind this historic moment: the goals, the context, the NHL EDGE tracking data, and what it means for fantasy, awards races, and franchise-building discussions.

How We Got Here: Bedard’s Sophomore Surge

Hat Trick vs Calgary: Peak Bedard in Every Zone

Bedard’s performance against the Flames was the culmination of weeks of elite shot-volume play.

NHL.com reported that he scored:

• A go-ahead goal early in the third period

• A 200-foot empty netter

• And another crucial finish that shifted momentum

Sportsnet added:
“He lifted the Blackhawks for their second straight victory, showcasing the shot and confidence that made him the league’s most anticipated rookie since Connor McDavid.”

Bedard’s numbers this season underline what the eye test shows — a scoring machine:

• Leads Chicago in goals

• Among the league leaders in slot shots (per NHL EDGE)

• Elite in shot-quality conversion

• Progressing into a true franchise centerpiece at age 20

Fantasy & Dynasty Implications

In fantasy terms, Bedard is already a top-tier asset:

• Redraft: Must-own for scoring-heavy formats

• Dynasty: Near-untouchable, multi-year franchise cornerstone

• Category leagues: Elite in goals, SOG, and PP usage

If you maintain a fantasy rookies hub, internally link it here:
Internal link anchor: fantasy rookie standouts and hidden gems

Celebrini’s Art Ross Push in San Jose

Hat Trick + OT Winner: A Franchise Moment

Celebrini’s night was even more dramatic.

The official game recap:

The winner came when he “roofed a wrist shot over Vanecek’s blocker on the power play”—a superstar finish.

With the third goal, Celebrini joined Crosby, Gretzky, and Hawerchuk as teens who recorded multiple hat tricks and 30+ points in their first 20 games.
Sportsnet recap for reference:

He’s driving San Jose’s rebuild far ahead of schedule.

Speed, Control, and All-Situations Usage

According to NHL Edge Tracking Data:

Celebrini ranks:

• 95th percentile in top-speed bursts

• Among NHL leaders in controlled zone entries

• A top performer in shot assists / playmaking metrics

• A fixture on both PP1 and high-lever defensive shifts

This is not a one-dimensional scorer. This is a new-era franchise engine who can drive possession, score, defend, and outskate anybody.

From a stylistic perspective, Celebrini is closer to prime Jonathan Toews meets peak Elias Pettersson, while Bedard resembles a Patrick Kane–Auston Matthews hybrid.

What the EDGE Data Really Tells Us (Bedard vs Celebrini)

Bedard: Shot Volume & High-Danger Dominance

NHL EDGE shot charts show:

• Bedard is one of the top high-danger shooters in the NHL

• His shot release ranking remains elite

• He attempts more shots from inside the slot than nearly any player under 22

• His expected goals per 60 put him in top tiers league-wide

Celebrini: Speed, Entries, and All-Situations Impact

EDGE tracking shows:

• Celebrini is near the top of the league in 20+ mph bursts

• He ranks elite in controlled entries per 60

• His possession-driving profile resembles established all-stars

Summary:

• Bedard = Goals + shot generation + instant offense

• Celebrini = Two-way engine + elite speed + star playmaking

This is why analysts are split. They’re not the same type of superstar — they’re two foundational archetypes.

Fantasy & Awards: Who Should You Bet On?

Awards Race

• Bedard → Early Rocket Richard contender

• Celebrini → Quiet Art Ross chase and potential MVP votes

Both are early favorites for future Hart contention, but Celebrini’s two-way profile gives him a slight long-term edge in total value.

Fantasy Hockey

• Points-only: Bedard has the edge

• Multi-cat, dynasty: Celebrini’s speed, minutes, and versatility make him a giant

• Keeper leagues: Both are Tier-S assets

For internal site clustering, link out to your fantasy keeper rankings article here.

The Big Question: If You’re Building a Franchise…

This is the Hockey Informers debate.
If you’re choosing one to build around for the next decade:

Choose Bedard if:

• You want a pure goal scorer

• You want a player who can hit 50–60 goals

• You want the league’s next scoring superstar

Choose Celebrini if:

• You want a complete two-way franchise centerpiece

• You want a player who drives all zones of the ice

• You want versatility, speed, and elite hockey IQ

There’s no wrong answer.
But these performances confirm: the NHL’s future is already here.

Conclusion: The Era Has Officially Begun

November 18 wasn’t just a fun stat-line day — it was a declaration.
Bedard and Celebrini didn’t just arrive. They took over.

Two hat tricks.
Two teenagers.
Two different paths to superstardom.

The only question that remains is the one fans and fantasy managers will debate all season:

If you had the first pick in building a franchise…
Are you choosing Bedard or Celebrini?

Tell us your pick in the comments — and follow Hockey Informers for more deep-dive breakdowns.