Two players, one 20 years old and the other just 19. Making history while others their age are trying to find a career path. While both Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini continue to shock the world, questions remain about who the better hockey player is. In my eyes, the answer remains clear – Bedard clears Celebrini.

Looking into numbers and statistics, the two remain neck and neck. Both lead their teams in goals, assists and total points. On top of this, the two both currently rank in the top three among all NHL players when it comes to points.

Celebrini plays on a line with talent and a promising future. Surrounded by players looking to benefit him, he’s bound to score. On the other hand, Bedard remains stuck on the Chicago Blackhawks, where the second-highest point scorer is a 30-year-old Tyler Bertuzzi.

The success difference dates back to their time playing for Team Canada in the World Juniors. During Bedard’s time on Team Canada, he scored 23 total points in just seven games and brought a gold medal back to his home in Vancouver. Looking at Celebrini playing for the same team a year later without Bedard, he scored eight total points in five games, not winning any medals.

This goes to prove the gap between Bedard and Celebrini because international hockey requires more individual skill, poise and maturity. Bedard proved himself as one of the best players to ever play in the World Juniors, while Celebrini let his country down.

Another aspect of hockey is the physicality. Two players can have the same point totals but typically, the more physical player outplays the other, and in this case, Bedard plays way harder and more physically than Celebrini. Bedard has also paid the price for it, experiencing multiple injuries already. After these injuries, Bedard came back stronger each time, proving that he remains the next Crosby.

Both of these players will play amazing hockey and break many records. However, by the time Bedard and Celebrini retire, Bedard will set himself out as the better player.