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Multiple scouts compared projected No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini to Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Sidney Crosby ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft, according to The Athletic's Corey Pronman.
"I came into the season thinking at worst he could be Nico Hischier," one scout said, per Pronman. "He's much better than Hischier though. I'm not saying he's Crosby, but he could be Sidney Crosby-lite."
Another scout said Celebrini will be a high-caliber top pick in the range of Rocket Richard winner Auston Matthews and Calder finalist Connor Bedard, rather than Devils center Jack Hughes or Buffalo Sabres' defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.