Fantasy Hockey Outlooks for Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini After their Hat Tricks

Two hat tricks, one night. Two players, one similarity. I think it's safe to say that the kids are taking over the league.

We are going to break down each of these young studs, and dive into why if you're in a league with keepers, or in a dynasty league, these players are a must target in trade, or why you need to lock them down for the next decade.

From Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin, who are still breaking NHL records, to the next generation. Ladies and gentlemen, we have officially arrived to the new era, and the kids are kicking down the door.

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Two Hat Tricks, One Night

Connor Bedard of the Chicago Blackhawks, and Macklin Celebrini of the San Jose Sharks: you may enter stage right.

No. 2 and 4 in points, respectively, both went from 10 goals to 13 each the other night in a night of matching hat tricks. Again, are we getting Crosby vs. Ovechkin vibes? Because I am.

On Tuesday night against the Calgary Flames, Bedard scored a hat trick to bring the surging Blackhawks up 5-2 for the win.

Meanwhile in San Jose, the Sharks beat the Utah Mammoth in overtime, where Celebrini got the OT winner, completing his hat trick and winning the game. Oh, he also scored every Sharks goal that game.

Bet on Bedard

We've talked about it before, and the media has beat it like a dead horse, but it's no secret that last season there was a lot of doubt in Bedard's projections. Many thought the scouts were wrong, and that the hype and pressure were too much for the former Regina Pat to handle. 

The No. 1 overall pick by the Blackhawks was looking like a bust, but Bedard is now putting his nose to the grindstone and is taking on the role of a leader, and the franchise player he was expected to be and leading them back into a dynasty era.

What is surprising is the difference in both confidence, and production year over year. Comparing this season's start to last season as a whole, it is a night and day difference for the junior season of Bedard in the NHL. He is commanding the ice, scoring at will, and surprisingly doing it with little to no help.

Bedard still does not have top tier or elite linemates he can rely on, and has had Andre Burakovsky and Tyler Bertuzzi (when healthy) on his wings. No disrespect to either, but they aren't on the top line on many other teams around the league.

Bedard's stock fell during the offseason, and he was left off of several keeper lists this season, which is proving to be a huge mistake. Fantasy wise, there is not a more valuable long-term investment in the league currently. Even if his current pace is not sustainable (which I believe it is), he is proving doubters wrong by producing and at times, league leading production rate with third liners on his wings.

If that doesn't give you confidence in targeting him in trade then moving him to your keeper list and parking him there forever, then I don't know what will.

I know we've discussed it before and until it happens it's going to be a hot topic for discussion, but Chicago really does need to get him some help. It's possible for the Blackhawks to get back to their dynasty status, but again even Jonathan Toews didn't do it without Patrick Kane.

Bedard has 13 goals, 16 assists, and nine powerplay points in 19 games played as a forward. He also has 65 shots on goal, six hits, and eight blocked shots.

Celebrate for Celebrini

With that said, Celebrini already has his linemate for life (we hope). Roommates, linemates, they are partners in crime both on and off the ice. Heck, they even interview together! Celebrini and Will Smith are a duo created by the hockey gods for our entertainment, and Sharks fans' answer to their prayers.

Gone are the days of boring games in the SAP Center (shoutout to all my SAP users out there!) AKA the “Shark tank”, and back are the days of meaningful hockey. While they may not be winning as many games as the Blackhawks, they are certainly more entertaining to watch. And where the Hawks might be missing their second stud, the Sharks are coming out every night with a one-two punch!

Celebrini is on fire. He has six goals and six assists in only his last seven games. Plus, even for a Sharks' team which is in the bottom third of the league standings, his +/- rating is an impressive +4. Not bad considering the team he is on, and how their defense and goaltending have been.

If this young player can maintain his momentum, he is going to be a phenom among the league. This is only his second year in the league, and he already put up 63 points last year in 70 games. A rookie at an almost point per game pace taking a step forward, with the help of a best friend linemate who is also taking a step forward from his 45 point-effort last campaign. Now that is a recipe for success, and for many years to come.

Celebrini is a dynamic player who should be on the keeper list in every league moving forward. If you missed the boat, it's not too late to make a trade after the hat trick value spike dips slightly. If and when you get him, celebrate!

Celebrini has 10 goals, 14 assists, and seven powerplay points in 16 games played as a forward. He also has 49 shots on goal, 13 hits, and 10 blocked shots.

Conclusion

Again, it's safe to say that the kids have arrived, and the future of the NHL is in capable hands. Both of these players are on the rise, and are likely to stay there. They should be at the top of your list now in not only redraft leagues, but keeper leagues, and dynasty leagues (in that order).

Dynasty leagues are just that, dynasties. Not just in the NHL, but in fantasy too. You can build your own dynasty with either of these players for years to come, and dominate your opponents in scoring production. Build around them, they are worth it.

If you happen to have both, then the hockey gods have truly smiled upon you, and I tip my hat (trick) to you! 

The moral of today's editorial is that all fantasy league managers should bet on Bedard, and celebrate with Celebrini - dynasty, keeper, and redraft, alike.