15-year-old Canadian hockey prodigy arises as next Sidney Crosby in the NHL!

15-year-old Regina Pat Canadians forward Maddox Schultz might be new to the spotlight, but he better get used to it. You better memorize that name because he is expected to become an incredible player in the NHL in the coming years. Especially after he was just recently compared to Pittsburgh Penguins legend Sidney Crosby.

The biggest rising star in the U-18 leagues is Schultz, who is playing in Saskatchewan and despite turning 15 just four days ago, he’s already making headlines for what he’s pulling off on the ice.

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

At 14, Hockey Saskatchewan gave him special permission to play with the Pat Canadians, where Schultz currently leads in goals (43), assists (50), putting him 18 points ahead of the second-place scorer in the league.

Schultz will be eligible for the NHL Draft in 2028, but could pply for exceptional status during the 2025-26 WHL season, following the path of superstars Landon Dupont and Connor Bedard.

Earlier this week, one WHL scout gave him a huge compliment, which comes with even bigger shoes to fill.
Longtime WHL scout Todd Ripplinger, now working with the Moose Jaw Warriors, compared the teenager to Crosby:

“He’s built like Crosby, he can score like Crosby, gets in tight around the net. His shot is so, so hard and strong already for a 14-year-old, but his biggest attribute is his skating.”

While this is a huge compliment for the kid, it could also set expectations too high too soon. I mean, he is being called the next Crosby, a a three-time Stanley Cup Champion and top ten all-time scorer with a 20-year tenure in the NHL.

Schultz better focus on the present. His Pat Canadians at the top of the regular season standings at the moment and are aiming to win the league title and qualify for the Telus Cup.

Let’s keep watching Schultz to see what he can do, but also seeing him enjoying his development, that’s what’s important!