Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
I think he got wrongly over-shadowed by Bedard being just a year before him and so much hype around him. The reality Celebrini was always the more complete player. I think what has surprised people is how fast the offensive production has come for him in the NHL, while it's been a little more slow for Bedard.
Right now I would take Celebrini over any other young player in the league.
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I think Bedard got the credit that he deserved as he dominated Junior in a way that hasn't been seen in quite awhile. He scored 143 points in 57 games (the most since 1996) and in the World Junior he scored 23 points in 7 games (the most since 1993). He looked like a very special player.
I'd say his first NHL seasons have been a bit of a disappointment. Scoring 61 and 67 points is impressive for a teenager in the NHL, but not "player of the ages" impressive. Which is what his junior career suggested. He certainly has not peaked, and maybe he will attain the heights expected when drafted.
I didn't follow Celebrini as closely, but I don't think he was as dominant. In the World Juniors, for example, he led Canada in scoring with 8 points in 5 games - which is nothing like what Bedard did. Celebrini has adapted better to the NHL and looks like the better player now. That doesn't change what they both accomplished prior to the NHL.