15-Year-Old Canadian Player Maddox Schultz Compared to NHL Legend Sidney Crosby

The future of the NHL could not be possible without the contributions made by U-18 leagues to provide on-the-ice preparation for the next generation of hockey players.

However, sometimes it seems some young athletes go above and beyond these teams' expectations, paving their way to becoming the next Hall of Fame-level player to hit the big games.

By and large, the biggest rising name is 15-year-old forward Maddox Schultz, playing in Saskatchewan's U-18 AAA Hockey League.

At just 13-years-old, he was called on by his U-15 team to play a game at the next level, going on to score a goal and an assist in five games during the 2023-24 season.

The following season, he was given permission to play the full season in the U-18 team, and currently leads in goals (43), assists (50), putting him 18 points ahead of the second-place scorer in the league.

Though it seems clear that Schultz is well on his way to be a major piece in the 2028 NHL Draft and a future force to be reckoned with, one WHL scout gave him a huge compliment, with even bigger shoes to fill.

Longtime Western Hockey League Scout Todd Ripplinger, now working with the Moose Jaw Warriors, compared the 5'10" forward to one of the biggest legends in the league: Pittsburgh Penguins veteran Sidney Crosby.

With such high skill at his age, there is no doubt that Schultz is on his way to be a powerful NHL-level player.

However, comparing his development to a three-time Stanley Cup Champion and top ten all-time scorer with a 20-year tenure could set expectations too high too soon.

Yet, with a supportive community and clear career strategy set ahead for him, this early association may not matter in the end.