Courtesy of gogts.net
When most people think of the nation’s capital, they are most likely to think of the rich history and the political atmosphere. However, this past week, it wasn’t the politics that were the talk of the town. Every year the NHLPA hosts its annual Rookie Showcase. Some of the best young talent from across the league hit the ice at the Washington Capitals’ practice facility in Arlington, Virginia, on September 4th. Here, they had the opportunity to get professional photos taken with each other, and for their own individual Upper Deck trading cards. As the NHL season rapidly approaches, here are four young stars to look out for.
Macklin Celebrini- San Jose Sharks
Courtesy of Candice Ward/Getty Images
Probably the most notable attendee was Macklin Celebrini, this year’s first overall draft pick. At the Rookie Showcase, Celebrini swapped out the Sharks’ practice uniform for the team’s official home jersey, as he donned the black and teal for the first time.
“It was awesome,” Celebrini said. “It's the first time I’ve been in gear with it, and I’m going to see my name on the back. It’s pretty cool.”
Last year during his freshman season at Boston College, Celebrini scored 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games. He also won the Hobey Baker Award for being the best player in the NCAA and was the youngest recipient at 17 years old. He is looking to establish himself as a top-line center for the Sharks, and is a key component of their rebuild.
Matt Rempe- New York Rangers
Courtesy of NHLI via Getty Images
Many hockey fans are quite familiar with Matt Rempe after last season. The 22-year-old, 6-foot-9-inch forward is known for getting himself into some of the most energetic fights that the NHL has seen. Last season, Rempe amassed a total of 71 penalty minutes in 17 games. As he enters his first full NHL season, Rempe wants to be a smarter fighter. He plans to work on picking the right time to fight, letting fights happen more naturally and to be a better player.
“The fighting is a very small part. I highly prioritize the skills, the skating and everything. I've got to become a better player, so that's what I've got to work on. I've enjoyed it and I think I've taken big strides this summer,” Rempe said.
This season, Rempe is looking to earn a regular role as one of the Rangers’ bottom six forwards, having a guaranteed spot on their lineup and to kill penalties, which was his specialty in junior hockey. He is ready to make his presence known on the ice.
Cutter Gauthier- Anaheim Ducks
Courtesy of David Becker/AP Photo
Cutter Gauthier switched one orange jersey for another at the Rookie Showcase this year. Back in 2022, he was drafted fifth overall by the Philadelphia Flyers, where he expressed excitement at getting to play for the franchise. This past January, the Flyers traded Gauthier to the Ducks for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in next year’s draft, after revealing that Gauthier did not want to play in Philadelphia anymore. Though Gauthier received much backlash over the situation, he doesn’t feel like it should impact his rookie season as a Duck.
“I don't think that [situation] has any pressure on me whatsoever," Gauthier said. "Things didn't work out. I'm excited to be a Duck now and move forward with them and hopefully do whatever I can to help them win.”
He is excited to still be wearing orange, but while getting a fresh start with a new team in sunny Southern California.
Ivan Miroshnichenko- Washington Capitals
Courtesy of John McDonnell/The Washington Post
Ivan Miroshnichenko got to represent the hometown team at the Rookie Showcase this year. Excited to be a member of the Capitals’ official lineup, he quickly changed from his practice jersey to his game uniform to join his fellow rookies on the ice. However, Miroshnichenko’s journey to the NHL was a rocky one. After an amazing 2021 season, where he led team Russia to gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, Miroshnichenko was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in March 2022. After undergoing successful treatment, he was cleared to return to the ice in June 2022, but couldn’t play in official games just yet. He was officially cleared to play later that year in October.
Last season, Miroshnichenko played for the Hershey Bears of the AHL. He helped them in their Calder Cup title, scoring seven goals and five assists in 20 playoff games. He was then recalled to play for the Capitals, where he played in 21 regular season games and recorded two goals and four assists. He also played in one Stanley Cup playoff game. For someone who recovered from cancer just two years ago, Miroshnichenko has made remarkable progress and it will be exciting to see him begin a full NHL season.
Though these are just a few of the talented prospects that attended the Rookie Showcase, all 35 attendees are sure to make a statement this upcoming hockey season! The future is bright for the NHL!
Edited by Jenna Manadarano
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