75 Even on the ripe outdated age of 38, Kopitar makes the lower as a result of he’s nonetheless a really efficient two-way heart. A few of the five-on-five numbers have dropped off, as is to be anticipated at this stage of Kopitar’s profession, however the plus-17 purpose differential remains to be eye-popping. Couple that with 67 factors, and Kopitar nonetheless has fuel in his tank. — Austin Nivison 74 Hutson was a revelation all through the 2024-25 season as he burst onto the scene to win the Calder Trophy because the NHL’s prime rookie. The Canadiens defenseman is a implausible skater and puck mover that may go coast-to-coast with ease. Hutson turned simply the fourth defenseman to steer NHL rookies in scoring within the NHL’s trendy period (since 1943-44). He shortly has established himself as Montreal’s prime defenseman and is clearly a key piece of the franchise’s future. — Chris Bengel 73 Accidents restricted Barzal to simply 30 video games final season, however he’s able to being an elite playmaker when totally wholesome. Look no additional than his 80-point marketing campaign in 2023-24 for proof of that. If the Islanders are going to bounce again this season, Barzal has to seek out that type as soon as once more. His ceiling is way greater than his present place on this record. — Austin Nivison 72 The Hurricanes star could solely have 4 years of NHL expertise below his belt, however he is racked up back-to-back 30-goal campaigns to steer the offensive assault in Carolina. Jarvis is the kind of ahead that may snipe a shot previous the goaltender from nearly any angle on the ice. He ought to be capable of take his sport to the following stage this coming season contemplating he’ll seemingly be skating on a line with Sebastian Aho and offseason signee Nikolaj Ehlers. — Chris Bengel 71 Age is however a quantity in Los Angeles as Doughty is about to run it again for his 18th season. Doughty, 35, remains to be able to being a really efficient top-pairing defenseman. Nevertheless, there are extra questions than standard forward of the 2025-26 marketing campaign. Doughy missed 52 video games with an ankle damage final season. Can he return to his elite shutdown type after a full summer time to get well? — Austin Nivison 70 Maybe Tavares is not fairly the deadly ahead that he was, however the veteran heart nonetheless brings lots to the desk. Tavares signed a four-year contract extension to stay with the Maple Leafs this previous offseason after tallying 74 factors in 2024-25. The gifted heart has a formidable pair of fingers and actually makes his residing across the internet. Tavares nonetheless has 40-goal upside at 35 years outdated and stays a key top-six asset for Toronto. — Chris Bengel 69 Caufield took an enormous step ahead within the goal-scoring division final season, and it was an enormous purpose the Canadiens broke by way of for a playoff berth. The 24-year-old winger scored 37 targets whereas taking pictures 15.5%, which can be unsustainable for some gamers, however Caufield has an elite shot. The following step for him shall be tightening up his defensive sport a bit. — Austin Nivison 68 Sanderson has developed right into a spectacular left-handed-shooting defenseman since arriving on the scene in 2022-23. The Senators blue-liner is a sensational shooter from the purpose, which he confirmed by registering double-digit targets every of the final two seasons. Sanderson showcased an enormous leap in his offensive numbers in 2024-25 as he tallied a career-high in assists (57). It is no shock Ottawa shortly signed Sanderson to a lofty contract extension after his rookie yr as he is developed right into a premier blue-liner. — Chris Bengel 67 Dobson’s offensive output tumbled from 70 factors in 2023-24 to 39 factors in 2024-25, however he was nonetheless a star for the Islanders. His 54.4% anticipated targets share was one of many highest marks on the group, and Dobson’s offense could be poised to rebound on a Canadiens group suffering from youth and talent. I am excited to observe Dobson and Hutson on the Montreal blue line. — Austin Nivison 66 The Flyers winger is an especially well-rounded ahead that thrives on the offensive finish of the ice. Konecny is a strong playmaker that excels at organising his teammates and even recorded a career-best 52 assists in 2024-25. He is also an above-average shooter that will get himself into nice taking pictures lanes. There is a purpose why the Flyers by no means parted methods with Konecny regardless that the franchise is within the midst of a rebuild below basic supervisor Danny Briere. — Chris Bengel 65 Maybe essentially the most underrated participant within the NHL — however possibly not for for much longer — Ehlers has pace to burn and talent for days. Final season, Ehlers produced factors at the next fee than Auston Matthews and Sidney Crosby. If the Hurricanes use Ehlers greater than the Jets did, look out. He could fly previous his profession excessive of 64 factors. — Austin Nivison 64 Johnston is a very quick skater, however has an amazing quantity of hockey sense. The Stars ahead is a hard-worker that excels at releasing the puck, whereas having no drawback placing the puck into the online. In spite of everything, Johnston has tallied back-to-back 30-goal seasons on a group that has a large quantity of scoring depth. He is a powerful second-line heart that has loads of room to nonetheless develop on the NHL stage. — Chris Bengel 63 Exterior of Connor Hellebuyck, there’s a good case to be made that Morrissey is a very powerful participant in Winnipeg. Morrissey is a superb puck mover, and the Jets management play when he is on the ice. On a group that is not precisely loaded with star energy up entrance, having a defenseman who can drive offense from the again finish (207 factors within the final three seasons) is essential. — Austin Nivison 62 After spending the primary two seasons of his NHL profession with the Islanders, Toews has actually developed into an above-average defenseman with the Avalanche. Toews is a really sturdy skater that excels at carrying the puck. The Avalanche blue-liner is not on the extent of teammate Cale Makar, however definitely has a knack for placing the puck within the internet due to an amazing shot. He’s a fringe 50-point producer and stabilizes the group’s prime defensive pairing. — Chris Bengel 61 Bobrovsky continues to age like a superb wine. The Panthers goaltender remains to be one of many prime gamers at his place even at 37 years outdated. Bobrovsky has registered sub-2.50 goals-against-average performances in every of the final two seasons, whereas additionally being an enormous a part of the Panthers’ consecutive Stanley Cup-winning groups. He’s nonetheless one of many extra athletic goalies that the league has to supply and has seemingly already cemented his Corridor of Fame standing. — Chris Bengel 60 Ovechkin was one of many hardest gamers to put as a result of, fairly frankly, no matter defensive sport he had has crumbled within the latter a part of his profession. Having stated that, scoring targets is essential to successful hockey video games, and few are higher at that than Ovechkin. Final season, Ovechkin scored at a 55-goal tempo, and he notched 14 energy play targets. Ovi remains to be a weapon, even when he is not a very elite participant anymore. — Austin Nivison 59 Shesterkin has but to recapture the heights of his 2022 Vezina Trophy season during which he saved 44.8 targets above common. His 42.4 targets saved above common since 2022-23 rank seventh within the NHL, and his .827 high-danger save proportion additionally stands out amongst his friends. We all know Shesterkin has one other gear. Can he hit it with New York seeking to rebound this season? — Austin Nivison 58 For the reason that begin of the 2022 season, Kempe has scored 104 targets. Just one different Kings participant, Kevin Fiala, has greater than 75. On a group not identified for its offensive output, Kempe has been terrific. When Kempe works up a head of steam by way of the impartial zone, he may be electrifying, and the Kings will want each little bit of that once more in 2025-26. — Austin Nivison 57 Regardless of being a part of a rebuild in Chicago, Bedard has proven glimpses of simply how harmful he may be with the puck on his stick. The Blackhawks star is an elite offensive expertise that’s an absolute sniper relating to taking pictures the puck. Bedard’s playmaking expertise are simply as spectacular as he is led the Blackhawks in assists in every of his two NHL seasons. The sky is the restrict for simply how good Bedard shall be within the prime of his profession. — Chris Bengel 56 Suzuki continues to enhance his sport offensively, whereas utilizing his model of physicality to impose his will on the defensive finish of the ice. The Canadiens captain has improved by double-digit factors in every of the previous three seasons and tallied 166 factors over the previous two seasons. The Montreal star is now a darkish horse contender for the Selke Trophy on a yearly foundation and is a key constructing block for the franchise. — Chris Bengel 55 Ekholm is probably not essentially the most flashy defenseman within the NHL, however he is one of many extra full gamers at his place. The Oilers defenseman is an amazing puck mover and possesses an intimidating shot. Ekholm additionally has been an distinctive asset on Edmonton’s penalty kill in recent times. He is not going to wow anyone together with his offensive acumen however not often makes errors on both finish of the ice. — Chris Bengel 54 Since coming over to the Oilers, Hyman has actually taken his sport to the following stage. Hyman by no means scored greater than 21 targets in a season throughout his six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, however he as managed to prime the 35-goal mark in two of his 4 seasons in Edmonton, together with a 54-goal marketing campaign in 2023-24. Clearly, skating on a line with a playmaker of Connor McDavid’s caliber will elevate anybody’s sport. Nonetheless, Hyman is a relentless employee all around the ice and will get himself into prime taking pictures alternatives. — Chris Bengel 53 Thomas is a terrific distributor who most likely would not get the respect he deserves. He is produced 1.09 factors per sport during the last two seasons, and he boasted a plus-21 five-on-five purpose differential final season. Together with his first full season below coach Jim Montgomery coming, I would not be stunned to see Thomas among the many 2026 Selke Trophy finalists. — Austin Nivison 52 During the last two seasons, Larkin has been within the unenviable place of attempting to tug a non-playoff roster to the playoffs whereas the Pink Wings’ rebuild has stalled. Larkin has been unable to finish Detroit’s playoff drought, nevertheless it hasn’t been for lack of attempting. He is develop into an annual 30-goal scorer, and his five-on-five impacts are head and shoulders above most of his teammates. — Austin Nivison 51 Oettinger has asserted himself as among the best younger goaltenders within the league, and at simply 26 years outdated, his greatest days are most likely forward of him. Within the final three seasons, solely 5 goalies have recorded extra targets saved above common than Oettinger, and he is had some sturdy playoff performances too. Can he add some {hardware} with a Vezina Trophy within the coming years? — Austin Nivison 50 Pettersson is coming off a wildly disappointing 2024-25 season, however we will give him the good thing about the doubt to a sure diploma. That is as a result of the highs are extraordinarily excessive for Petersson. In 2022-23, he hit 102 factors whereas garnering Hart Trophy and Selke Trophy votes. On the age of 26, there isn’t any purpose he cannot come near reaching that stage once more. — Austin Nivison 49 Boldy has made super strides in every of his first 4 skilled seasons. The younger winger is a big asset to the Wild’s offensive assault and even led the group in factors (73) in 24-25. Boldy is an especially affected person participant with the puck on his stick and thrives on the group’s prime power-play unit with not less than 21 power-play factors in three of his previous 4 campaigns. He continues to develop his goal-scoring prowess as he enters the prime of his profession and ranks among the many extra gifted wingers within the NHL. — Chris Bengel 48 The times of Hedman being an elite defenseman are most likely previously, however he is nonetheless one of many higher blue-liners throughout the NHL. Hedman remains to be an elite skater and his measurement helps him be bodily on each ends of the ice. The Lightning star remains to be a sensational passer and has tallied not less than 50 assists in three of the final 4 seasons. Hedman is a darkish horse contender for the Norris Trophy on a yearly foundation, making him among the many league’s greatest on the place. — Chris Bengel 47 Necas’ numbers will not blow anybody away however he has spectacular playmaking means, and that actually confirmed after he was traded to the Avs final season. Necas put up 28 factors in 30 video games with Colorado, and he posted a 60.6% anticipated targets share in that span. These numbers may actually take off in Necas’ first full season with the Avalanche. — Austin Nivison 46 Stutzle is a gifted younger ahead that has developed into an offensive weapon for the Senators. The previous No. 3 general decide is an above-average skater and one of many extra spectacular playmakers round. Whereas identified for his means as an elite facilitator, Stutzle has netted not less than 22 targets in three of his final 4 seasons, together with a 39-goal marketing campaign in 2022-23. Stutzle has cemented his place because the group’s top-line heart and continues to raise his sport because the Senators try and make one other playoff push this coming season. — Chris Bengel 45 Now 27 years outdated, Keller shall be tasked with serving to the younger Mammoth core take one other step towards playoff competition. Keller proved he was able to that final season when he set profession highs in assists (60) and factors (90). Essentially the most encouraging a part of Keller’s 2024-25 marketing campaign was the advance in his five-on-five numbers, which was a much-needed enhance for him and the group. — Austin Nivison 44 Slavin is among the extra underrated defensemen the NHL has to supply. The Hurricanes blue-liner is the true definition of a shutdown defenseman and has some of the lively sticks you may ever see. He does all that with out being overtly bodily. Slavin even bought an opportunity to showcase his defensive prowess on the worldwide stage on the 4 Nations Face-Off final February. Whereas his offensive sport is probably not elite, he possesses sturdy puck-handling expertise and may lead the push at occasions. — Chris Bengel 43 Forsling has actually discovered himself since being traded to the Panthers in 2019. The veteran defenseman has an especially lively stick on the defensive finish whereas being an underrated offensive performer. Forsling is an above-average passer and may uncork a scorching shot when he is in the correct place. The 29-year-old helps to anchor Florida’s prime 4 and has been an enormous purpose the Panthers have gained back-to-back Stanley Cups. — Chris Bengel 42 Final season was a catastrophe throughout the board in Nashville, and Forsberg wasn’t immune. Having stated that, if a 31-goal and 76-point season is taken into account a step again, it is a testomony to the expertise of the participant in query. Simply a few seasons in the past, Forsberg sniffed 50 targets and notched 94 factors. He most likely will not get again to these heights in 2025-26, however he is nonetheless among the best energy forwards within the league. — Austin Nivison 41 On prime of the aforementioned mess in Nashville, a head damage restricted Josi to 53 video games final season. When he was on the ice, Josi was nonetheless extraordinarily efficient with a 53.3% anticipated targets share at five-on-five. Now 35 years outdated, there is a query about how Josi’s well being will maintain up over an 82-game season. When totally wholesome, Josi is an electrical skater and and playmaker on the blue line. — Austin Nivison 40 I am conflicted about Connor as a result of he can fill the online with the perfect of them, and scoring targets is fairly vital relating to successful hockey video games. Connor’s 153 targets because the begin of the 2021-22 season rank thirteenth within the NHL. Then again, Connor tends to present most of that manufacturing again within the defensive finish. Ultimately, Connor’s elite offensive means is well worth the lapses on protection. — Austin Nivison 39 Sorokin has had a pair of down years in comparison with how he started the primary few seasons of his NHL profession. Even with a 2.71 goals-against-average and a .907 save proportion, the Islanders netminder remains to be one of many prime goalies throughout the league. Sorokin is an athletic goaltender that may flat-out win video games for his group when he is on the prime of his sport. He is completed in among the many prime eight in Vezina Trophy voting every of the previous 4 seasons and is the Islanders’ franchise cornerstone. — Chris Bengel 38 The Jets star is as gifted of an offensive heart that there’s across the league. Scheifele has an amazing hockey IQ and makes use of his measurement to get into essentially the most worthwhile scoring areas on the ice. He has been the usual bearer for the Jets throughout his profession as he ranks first in franchise historical past in each factors (804) and targets (336). Scheifele facilities Winnipeg’s prime line and reveals no signal of slowing down anytime quickly as he approaches his mid-30s. — Chris Bengel 37 Hintz’s pace makes him some of the enjoyable gamers to observe within the league — and one of many hardest to defend. In keeping with NHL Edge, Hintz had 393 pace bursts of 20 mph or extra final season, which put him within the 99% percentile. That makes him particularly efficient off the push, the place Hintz does most of his injury. The one purpose he is not greater is due to a dip in his under-the-hood on-ice numbers. — Austin Nivison 36 Hischier is the definition of what it means to be an entire heart on the NHL stage. The Devils captain oozes offensive firepower as he possesses super ice imaginative and prescient whereas additionally having fairly a formidable shot. Hischier has registered not less than 67 factors every of his final three campaigns, together with registering 35 targets and 34 assists in 2024-25. The Devils top-line heart has developed into every thing the group envisioned once they chosen him with the No. 1 decide within the 2017 NHL Draft. — Chris Bengel 35 Thompson rebounded final season — maybe to not the heights of his 2022-23 season — nevertheless it was an amazing bounce again effort from the Buffalo star. Thompson netted 44 targets, the second greatest complete of his profession, and his five-on-five manufacturing recovered properly. If the Sabres are going to finish their interminable postseason drought, Thompson must be the man driving the bus up entrance. — Austin Nivison 34 Relating to NHL defensemen, it will be laborious to discover a higher puck mover than Heiskanen. Heiskanen has no drawback discovering the again of the online and may leap into the push at a second’s discover. The Stars blue-liner would not want to attain a ton of targets given the group’s ridiculous steady of purpose scorers, however nonetheless has that means on prime of captaining the Dallas energy play. Heiskanen additionally thrives within the defensive zone as he is registered not less than 85 blocked photographs every of the previous 4 campaigns. Whereas he is not the sexiest title on the place, Heiskanen might be essentially the most well-rounded on the blue line. — Chris Bengel 33 All of the nerds like me who expressed concern over the Lightning signing a 29-year-old Guentzel to an enormous contract final summer time had been silenced slightly shortly. Because it seems, once you encompass an amazing participant with extra nice gamers, it really works. Typically it is simply that easy. Guentzel posted a profession excessive 41 targets in his first season with the Bolts, and he most likely has extra in retailer for 2025-26. — Austin Nivison 32 McAvoy has remodeled into an elite defenseman that excels on each ends of the ice. The Bruins defenseman would not put up astounding offensive numbers, however he definitely has no drawback placing the puck on internet. On the defensive finish, McAvoy is a rugged participant that is not afraid to put the physique when the chance presents itself. At 27 years outdated, McAvoy is persistently within the Norris Trophy dialog as he enters the prime of his profession. — Chris Bengel 31 Tkachuk is an fascinating case examine right here as a result of his conventional counting stats dipped, however his on-ice impacts remained sturdy. Tkachuk tallied 55 factors in 72 video games, however Ottawa persistently managed the sport when he was on the ice. It simply goes to point out that time totals do not all the time inform the complete story. — Austin Nivison 30 Werenski has developed into one of many league’s prime two-way defensemen over the previous few seasons, and the Blue Jackets blue-liner has loved a return to type by way of his offensive numbers. Werenski has scored 34 targets over the previous two seasons and completed second in Norris Trophy voting in 2024-25. He possesses an absolute cannon of a shot and continues to cement his standing among the many league’s greatest on the place. — Chris Bengel 29 As a result of he performs on a group with an annual custom of exiting the playoff race by Christmas, Dahlin most likely would not get the respect he deserves. Over the previous couple of years, Dahlin has developed right into a celebrity on the blue line. Final season, whereas placing up 68 factors on an aggressively mediocre group, Dahlin boasted a 54.7% anticipated targets share at five-on-five. — Austin Nivison 28 Hagel is not your run-of-the-mill forwards that merely places the puck within the internet. He’s a really gritty winger that is not afraid to put the physique when the chance presents itself. Hagel definitely does have a scorching shot that may idiot any goaltender. The acquisition of Hagel was one of many largest strikes by Julien BriseBois since taking on because the Lightning basic supervisor in 2018. Hagel is probably going a constant 60-70-point participant and he could not have even reached his ceiling simply but. — Chris Bengel 27 The knock on Bouchard is that he’s inclined to creating huge errors on the worst attainable time. He definitely had a few these moments in final yr’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, however these are likely to get overblown. Bouchard is an elite defenseman who can put up some gaudy numbers on the offensive finish whereas additionally controlling the sport defensively. His emergence is a significant purpose why Edmonton has come inside spitting distance of a Cup in back-to-back years. — Austin Nivison 26 Bratt has come into his personal in recent times. His hockey IQ is thru the roof and that makes him one of many prime facilitators within the NHL. That is evident in his 123 assists over the previous two seasons alone. Whereas he is most likely not going to be a constant 40-goal scorer, Bratt nonetheless is greater than able to scoring targets from in shut. It additionally would not harm that he performs on a line with Jack Hughes and has loads of alternatives to pile on the factors. — Chris Bengel 25 Aho is probably not the sexiest title on this record, however he’s as regular and dependable as they arrive. You’ll be able to financial institution on Aho to place up round 70 factors, at worst, whereas enjoying distinctive two-way hockey. Aho is a terrific No. 1 heart, however the one factor he really lacks is postseason {hardware}. He’ll have one other likelihood to alter that this season with the Canes wanting like among the best groups within the East. — Austin Nivison 24 Robertson has developed right into a dynamic offensive participant that peaked with a 109-point season (46 targets, 63 assists) in 2024-25. Nevertheless, it is seemingly that the Stars ahead is extra of an 80-point participant as that is the place he is completed in three of the previous 4 seasons. With that being stated, he is nonetheless one of many extra harmful purpose scorers across the league. Robertson excels when he is capable of arrange store within the slot and may rating with the perfect of them. — Chris Bengel 23 There was simply no manner that Reinhart may repeat his 2023-24 manufacturing when he scored 57 targets, and he did not. Reinhart’s purpose complete tumbled all the way in which to 39 final season. When that quantity represents a significant fall-off, you recognize a participant is on the peak of his powers. On prime of all that, Reinhart comes by way of when it issues most with 29 targets in 66 video games during the last three postseasons. — Austin Nivison 22 Within the midst of the Lightning’s dynasty run within the early 2020s, Vasilevskiy was arguably the highest goaltender the NHL needed to supply. Years later, the Lightning netminder nonetheless is among the league’s prime goaltenders on a nightly foundation. If it wasn’t for Connor Hellebuyck’s ridiculous season, Vasilevskiy would’ve taken dwelling the Vezina Trophy because the NHL’s prime goalie in 2024-25. The Russian-born netminder completed second in wins (38), fourth in goals-against-average (2.18) and fourth in save proportion (.921) in 2024-25. When Vasilevskiy is on the prime of his sport, he is a brick wall that lots of the league’s prime gamers have had points fixing. — Chris Bengel 21 Had we finished this record a yr in the past, Level most likely would have been even greater. That stated, he’s coming off a 42-goal and 82-point marketing campaign, and he stays a drive on the facility play. If there’s one space the place Level has room to rebound in 2025-26, it is his five-on-five impacts. Level boasted a plus-26 purpose differential in these conditions, however that masked fairly pedestrian anticipated targets numbers. — Austin Nivison 20 Hughes is a participant that has been oozing with potential from the second he entered the league. The largest difficulty for the Devils heart has been his means to remain wholesome. Hughes has solely logged greater than 62 video games in one in all his six seasons thus far. When he’s on the ice, Hughes is a 100-point caliber participant that’s among the many league’s greatest playmakers. Despite the fact that he is missed 44 video games over the previous three seasons, he is nonetheless managed to tally not less than 27 targets and 43 assists in every of these campaigns. — Chris Bengel 19 Fox’s shaky efficiency within the 4 Nations Face-Off could have unfairly broken his popularity, however make no mistake about it. He’s nonetheless one of many NHL’s elite defensemen. On a Rangers group that was damaged in 2024-25, Fox was one of many few issues that labored. A five-on-five monster final season, Fox posted an anticipated targets share of 55.7% and a plus-19 purpose differential. — Austin Nivison 18 It was considerably of a down yr for Panarin in 2024-25 as he registered simply 89 factors (37 targets, 52 assists). Nonetheless, the Rangers star was one of many NHL’s prime five-on-five producers and is among the extra gifted wingers round. Panarin is a sensational playmaker and an elite stick-handler within the offensive zone. His means to seek out his teammates is actually magical and nonetheless makes him harmful regardless that he’s approaching 34 years outdated. — Chris Bengel 17 Marner caught quite a lot of warmth in Toronto, and most of that was unjustified. Good luck to the Maple Leafs to find one other participant able to scoring 100 factors per season. Marner’s playoff resume was removed from good, however the Leafs’ postseason struggles did not fall solely on Marner’s shoulders. Marner is a 200-foot participant who can excel in all three zones, and he might be a monster subsequent to Jack Eichel. — Austin Nivison 16 Nylander is a pure purpose scorer in each sense of the phrase. The Maple Leafs winger has tallied three consecutive 40-goal seasons and is an absolute sniper across the internet. Nylander excels within the five-on-five sport, which is not shocking contemplating he is one in all Toronto’s prime playmakers. Contemporary off a brand new career-high in targets (45), Nylander is within the prime of his profession and the perfect might be but to return with the Maple Leafs star. — Chris Bengel 15 If you wish to know the way nice Kaprizov is, comply with the cash: The Wild gave him an eight-year, $136 million contract this week. Since his rookie season in 2020-21, Kaprizov has posted 386 factors, which ranks fifteenth within the NHL over that span. So far in his profession, Kaprizov hasn’t actually performed with a real No. 1 heart, however he is nonetheless produced at a torrid tempo and is averaging 1.21 factors per sport. — Austin Nivison 14 There’s only a few gamers which have impacted the game the way in which Tkachuk has over the previous few seasons. Since touchdown with the Panthers through commerce within the 2022 offseason, Tkachuk has been the heartbeat of the group and develop into a large voice within the locker room. His gritty type of play will get below the pores and skin of the opposition and he has a nostril for the online. Tkachuk affords a well-rounded skillset that proves important again and again within the Stanley Cup Playoffs over the previous three seasons. — Chris Bengel 13 Final season was a chaotic one for Rantanen. He performed for 3 completely different groups and, as to be anticipated, his sport had some ebbs and flows. Regardless of two locale adjustments, Rantane nonetheless managed to file 32 targets and 56 assists. Past that, Rantanen had an excellent playoff efficiency, even sticking the dagger in his former group in Recreation 7 of the primary spherical. That alone deserved a top-12 spot. — Austin Nivison 12 Whereas he is been a Jekyll and Hyde act between the common season and Stanley Cup Playoffs, Hellebuyck has established himself because the league’s prime goaltender. In spite of everything, the Jets netminder has gained the Vezina Trophy because the NHL’s prime goalie in three of the final six seasons, together with successful the award every of the previous two seasons. On prime of that, he gained the Hart Trophy because the league MVP in 2024-25. When he is on the prime of his sport, Hellebuyck is an absolute brick wall that can provide the opposing group matches, which is clear in his 13 shutouts during the last two campaigns. — Chris Bengel 11 Eichel is an exceptional playmaker that possesses some super imaginative and prescient on the ice. Since arriving in Vegas, Eichel has developed into one of many stronger two-way gamers throughout the NHL. The Golden Knights star definitely has no drawback placing the puck within the internet, however his help numbers have been much more spectacular. The perfect days might be forward for Eichel. — Chris Bengel 10 The Canucks had been very underwhelming in 2024-25, however Hughes was not. Together with his 54.2% anticipated targets share and 76 factors in 68 video games, Hughes was decided to maintain Vancouver within the playoff race for so long as attainable. Few defensemen have the flexibility to hold a group, however Hughes is one in all them, and he ought to solely get higher getting into his age-26 season. — Austin Nivison 9 This was most likely essentially the most shocking rating. I knew Crosby was nonetheless nice, however after I took a deeper dive, it was clear he nonetheless has the makings of a top-10 participant on this league. All he did on the age of 37 final season was put up 33 targets and 58 assists whereas dragging that husk of a Penguins roster to competency. The questions on Crosby’s future will abound this season, and it is simple to grasp why. Crosby can nonetheless be a legit game-changer on a contender. — Austin Nivison 8 It has been downright spectacular what the Panthers have finished over the previous two seasons. Barkov has been on the forefront of that success. The Panthers captain has gained the Selke Trophy because the NHL’s prime defensive ahead in three of the previous 5 seasons. Solely Patrice Bergeron (5) and Bob Gainey (4) have gained the celebrated award greater than Barkov. Barkov excels within the face-off circle, has no drawback promoting out to dam photographs, and may dish the physique with the perfect of them. Merely put, Barkov could be essentially the most full participant that the game has to supply. His availability for 2025-26 is in query, nevertheless, as he suffered a torn ACL heading into the season. — Chris Bengel 7 Pastrnak has developed into some of the dynamic playmakers the NHL has to supply. The Bruins star has vastly improved as a facilitator in recent times as he is recorded three consecutive 100-point seasons. Pastrnak led the league in five-on-five factors (66) in 2024-25, whereas additionally remaining an especially savvy purpose scorer with the fifth-most five-on-five targets (25). Boston is probably not a big-time contender within the Japanese Convention, however Pastrnak continues to make extraordinary performs on a nightly foundation. — Chris Bengel 6 The record of wingers who can drive play on their very own is comparatively quick, and you’ll find nearly all of them on this rating. The perfect of them might be Kucherov, who’s coming off one other season worthy of Hart Trophy consideration. With 37 targets and 121 factors, Kucherov was a machine, and his plus-33 purpose differential at five-on-five was outright preposterous. Between hockey IQ, imaginative and prescient and elite bodily attributes, Kucherov has each trait you may presumably need in a celebrity. — Austin Nivison 5 Makar is the true definition of a two-way defenseman. On prime of being a sensational blue-liner on the defensive finish, the Avalanche star is an offensive savant that impacts the sport in a wide range of methods. Makar is arguably essentially the most harmful puck mover at his place and possesses a spectacular shot to prime all of it off. His skating means can be second to none, which ends up in his means to arrange a bevy of scoring possibilities for his teammates. It is laborious to argue towards Makar, who has gained the Norris Trophy because the league’s prime defenseman in two of the final 4 seasons, being the highest defenseman throughout the NHL — and he is simply starting to enter the prime of his profession. — Chris Bengel 4 For the reason that begin of the 2018-19 season, Draisaitl is second within the NHL in targets (324) and factors (749), and he ranks first in energy play targets (140). In three of the final 4 seasons, Drasaitl has eclipsed 50 targets. Draisaitl has the flexibility to hold a franchise on his personal, however he simply occurs to play with the best participant of his era in Edmonton. Now, all Draisaitl and his slightly gifted operating mate want is a Stanley Cup. — Austin Nivison 3 When mentioning the NHL’s pure purpose scorers, Matthews is the cream of the crop. Matthews is the one lively NHL participant to file a number of 60-goal seasons as he is registered two such performances over the previous 4 seasons. He is merely the straw that stirs the drink relating to the Maple Leafs’ prime line and shall be counted on to provide much more within the wake of Mitch Marner’s departure. Matthews’ mixture of pace and energy make him a nightmare for opposing defensemen. — Chris Bengel 2 The phrase that involves thoughts after I consider MacKinnon is “depth.” MacKinnon solely is aware of one gear, and it is full throttle, on a regular basis. Couple that mentality with elite pace and off-the-charts talent, and you’ve got a really harmful participant. That mixture gained him a Stanley Cup in 2022, and it makes him a top-two participant on the earth now. Coming off one other stellar marketing campaign individually, you’ll be able to guess MacKinnon is much extra centered on lifting Lord Stanley a second time. — Austin Nivison 1 May or not it’s anyone else? During the last decade, Connor McDavid has established himself as essentially the most electrical participant with the puck on his stick. Whereas the record of the league’s prime purpose scorers is a protracted one, McDavid is the true definition of a playmaker. He can weave by way of a complete protection with ease because of being one of many prime stick-handlers within the sport. McDavid has no drawback organising his teammates for sensational targets time and time once more. It is laborious to think about there being an excessive amount of of a debate for the league’s prime participant after main the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Last appearances and being a human spotlight reel. — Chris Bengel