NHL: Top 100 Players 2025-26, McDavid Tops the List

Winning the Stanley Cup requires more than an elite player. The current champions, the Florida Panthers, continue to demonstrate this truth, and the results of the NHL Rank survey for the 2025-26 season confirm it. A panel of commentators, analysts, reporters, and editors from Alofoke Deportes evaluated the players based on their projected performance for this season compared to their peers. Their value for the upcoming season was emphasized, which explains why injured players (but expected to return) might be lower on the list. In the case of the Panthers, this placed Matthew Tkachuk a bit lower than usual, while Aleksander Barkov (who is expected to miss the regular season, if not more) did not enter the top 100. Despite this, the defending champions placed six players in the top 100, just behind the seven of the Dallas Stars, who had the most players on the list. As for individuals, Connor McDavid continued his reign as the most-voted player, maintaining the number 1 position, as he did in the 2024-25, 2023-24, 2022-22, and 2021-22 seasons.

List from 1 to 100 for the 2025-26 season

Here’s the list from 1 to 100 for the 2025-26 season, with descriptions courtesy of Alofoke Deportes reporters.

1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

Classification 2024-25: 1 Age: 28 In a nutshell, McDavid is the best player on the planet, the best player of his generation, and could end his career as one of the best to ever touch a puck. McDavid, an eight-time 100-point scorer, has captained the Oilers to consecutive Stanley Cup Finals; this season, the goal is for Edmonton to win its first title since 1990.

2. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche

Ranking 2024-25: 4 Age: 26 Many types of players are needed to win in the NHL. Among them, a defenseman who moves the puck and can be relied upon to play many minutes in every situation. Makar is exactly that, as the two-time winner of the Norris Trophy (awarded to the best defenseman in the NHL) is relied upon to drive the play in every situation.

3. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

Ranking 2024-25: 3 Age: 30

The Avalanche? The Canadian team? It doesn’t matter. Any team that has MacKinnon will pose a serious threat to win every night. His combination of control, power, speed, and unpredictability has made him one of the best in the world. Like McDavid, he has the opportunity to win a gold medal and the Stanley Cup in the same season. Unlike McDavid, the Cup would be his second after the Avs’ victory in 2022.

4. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers

Ranking 2024-25: 9 Age: 30 Since 2022-23, Draisaitl is second in goals scored (146) and goals per game (0.63). He is a dominant offensive star who long ago buried the idea that he was simply a product of his teammate, Connor McDavid.

5. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

Classification 2024-25: 2 Age: 32 Kucherov led the NHL in points for the second consecutive season and for the third time since 2019. He can score goals or create them for his teammates, which has been fundamental to the Lightning winning two titles during his time with the only club he has known.

6. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets

Classification 2024-25: 31 Age: 32

Only four goalies in the NHL expansion era (since 1967) have won the Hart Trophy as league MVP; Hellebuyck joined the fraternity in 2025, taking his place with Carey Price, Jose Theodore, and Dominik Hasek. Can Hellebuyck join Hasek as the only goalies to achieve the feat two years in a row?

7. Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks

Classification 2024-25: 12 Age: 26 Suggesting that Hughes can do everything asked of a contemporary defenseman is not an exaggeration. The consistency he has shown in every scenario has made him one of the best players in the game, and someone who could be fundamental in the United States’ quest for a gold medal at the Olympics.

8. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Ranking 2024-25: 6 Age: 28 There aren’t many pure goalscorers like Matthews, who possesses the type of shot that every player craves. He has scored more than 30 goals in every season of his career, despite injuries, and does it all for the Leafs as a standout 200-foot center.

9. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights

Ranking 2024-25: 16 Age: 29 The talent has never been the question with Eichel. But last season, he unlocked aspects of his game that have made him one of the most complete centers in hockey. He will help his team capture their second title since 2023, while also helping the United States in its quest for the Olympic gold medal.

10. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Dallas Stars

Ranking 2024-25: 8 Age: 29

Could his first full season in Dallas be the one that sees the Stars win the Stanley Cup that has eluded them in recent years? Rantanen left Colorado in the biggest trade of the NHL last season and then returned to the Central Division in a later deal. But with a long-term pact in hand, he will be a key player for the Stars in the foreseeable future.

11. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

Ranking 2024-25: 11 Age: 29 Pastrnak has scored more than 40 goals in four consecutive seasons. Given his career total with the Bruins (391 at the start of this season), he could move up to third place in franchise history if he scores another 40 goals in 2025-26.

12. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning

Ranking 2024-25: 27 Age: 31

Some might have assumed Vasilevskiy was heading for a decline based on 2023-24, when his save percentage fell to .900 after seven straight seasons at .915 or better. The 2024-25 campaign ended that conversation, as he posted a .921 mark along with a 2.18 GAA and 38 wins. The “Big Cat” can still roar.

13. Sam Reinhart, C, Florida Panthers

Ranking 2024-25: 30 Age: 29 The Panthers achieved a unique feat last season, placing two players in the top two spots in the Selke Trophy voting. Florida captain Aleksander Barkov, who won the award, will likely be out until April (or later), meaning Reinhart and others will have to make up for the lack on both ends of the court. The scoring part won’t be a problem, as Reinhart has 127 goals in the last three combined seasons.

14. Igor Shesterkin, G, New York Rangers

Classification 2024-25: 26 Age: 29 Winner of the Vezina Trophy once (so far), Shesterkin is easily the best player selected at 118th in NHL history. If the Rangers fail to make the postseason again, it won’t be the fault of their star goalie.

15. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild

Ranking 2024-25: 17 Age: 28

Everything someone needs to know about Kaprizov and his value could be seen last season. Before getting injured, he was among the favorites for the Hart Trophy, and the Wild looked like they could win the Central. But an injury meant that Kaprizov only played in 41 regular season games. The Wild struggled to score goals in his absence before his eventual return helped them capture a wild card spot.

16. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ottawa Senators

Ranking 2024-25: 25 Age: 26 Brady Tkachuk captained the Senators in their first Stanley Cup playoffs qualification since 2017. His goal scoring and physicality will be vital not only for Ottawa in the NHL, but also for Team USA in the 2026 Olympic Games.

17. Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning

Classification 2024-25: 23 Age: 34 The 6-7 defender remains a dominant presence on both ends of the court: 66 points in 79 games last season, while using his physique and considerable wingspan to disrupt opponents in their own zone.

18. Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights

Ranking 2024-25: 14 Age: 28 Marner is the unique skater who dominates individually and, at the same time, literally elevates any linemate he is paired with. A force on special teams, his penalty killing is particularly good, Marner is more likely to try to set up a goal than to try to score one himself. And the Golden Knights are counting on his game to carry them for years.

19. Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars

Ranking 2024-25: 35 Age: 26 Part of the legendary 2017 Stars draft class (with Miro Heiskanen and Jake Oettinger), Robertson has 269 points in 246 games in the last three regular seasons. His line with Roope Hintz and Mikko Rantanen will be one of the most dangerous in the NHL this season.

20. Kyle Connor, LW, Winnipeg Jets

2024-25 Ranking: 58 Age: 28 The Michigan native eliminated any feeling of uncertainty for next summer by signing a record contract extension for the $96 million team on the eve of the season, then opened the campaign with a hat trick against the Stars. He will also be a key player for the United States in the Olympics.

21. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

Ranking 2024-25: 13 Age: 38

Is time relentless? Crosby apparently has never heard of it. The Penguins captain is playing as well now as he has throughout a legendary career that kept Pittsburgh a contender for nearly two decades. And Crosby shows no signs of wanting to slow down.

22. Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles Kings

Ranking 2024-25: 55 Age: 38 The number 20 season will be the last in the NHL for Kopitar, by far the best hockey player from Slovenia: he has surpassed Jan Mursak, who is in second place, by 1281-4 heading into this season.

23. Nico Hischier, C, New Jersey Devils

Ranking 2024-25: 63 Age: 26 The Devils’ captain presented another solid case for the Selke Trophy in 2024-25 and finished fourth in voting, earning 11 first-place votes. Another standout season could see him land in the circle of finalists.

24. Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings

Ranking 2024-25: 49 Age: 29 The heart and soul of the Red Wings, Larkin drew attention with his excellent two-way play during the 4 Nations Face-Off. Can he lead the Red Wings back to the postseason?

25. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars

Ranking 2024-25: 22 Age: 26 There are sitcoms that have episodes with less runtime than Heiskanen’s average in a game. He is often in the discussion for the league’s best shutdown defenseman, and would receive even more acclaim if he had offensive numbers similar to some of his teammates.

26. William Nylander, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Ranking 2024-25: 32 Age: 29 With Mitch Marner now plying his trade for the Golden Knights, the Leafs will need continued production from the remaining elite scorers, and Nylander is certainly one of them, with 125 goals in the last three combined seasons.

27. Filip Forsberg, LW, Nashville Predators

Ranking 2024-25: 34 Age: 31 Forsberg wasn’t immune to what plagued the Predators in 2024-25, as his 76 points were a sharp drop from the 94 of the previous season. Will 2025-26 be a rebound for him personally and for his team?

28. Sebastian Aho, C, Carolina Hurricanes

2024-25 Ranking: 19 Age: 28 The Hurricanes’ top center, Aho is an offensive player per game whose defensive game fits Carolina’s tradition of two-way play.

29. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals

Ranking 2024-25: 62 Age: 40 The all-time leading scorer in NHL history began the 2025-26 campaign with 897 career goals. How many will he add to his total this season, and will it be his last in the NHL?

30. Tage Thompson, C, Buffalo Sabres

Classification 2024-25: 64 Age: 27

One of the snubs from the United States’ 4 Nations Face-Off roster, Thompson, 27, has extra motivation to get off to a fast start to put his name in the running for the Olympics. Getting on a pace for 40+ goals (as he has done twice in his young career) would be a good start.

31. Roope Hintz, C, Dallas Stars

Ranking 2024-25: 39 Age: 28 Part of the “Finnish Mafia” of the Stars, Hintz’s 200-foot game means opponents have to build their game plan around him.

32. Brayden Point, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

Ranking 2024-25: 21 Age: 29 Point has always been a dangerous offensive player, but his goal scoring has skyrocketed in the last three seasons (139 goals) while receiving passes from former league MVP Nikita Kucherov on his wing.

33. Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks

Classification 2024-25: 24 Age: 26

Does Elias Pettersson still belong among the top 25 players in the NHL? That’s what the Canucks star is trying to prove in 2025-26 after injuries and locker room drama contributed to the worst offensive season of his career.

34. Jake Guentzel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning

Ranking 2024-25: 18 Age: 31 Jake Guentzel has earned the opportunity to skate with the greats. He was Sidney Crosby’s linemate for eight seasons in Pittsburgh. Last season, his first with the Lightning, he scored a career-high 41 goals on a line with Nikita Kucherov.

35. Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars

Ranking 2024-25: 33 Age: 26 The man they call “Otter” has been everything the Stars wanted after selecting him 26th overall in the 2017 draft, including 151 career wins in 253 games and a 2.54 GAA.

36. Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils

Ranking 2024-25: 15 Age: 24 When Jack Hughes is in the lineup, he is one of the most talented playmakers in the NHL, averaging 1.13 points per game last season. The trick has been staying in the lineup, as Hughes has played more than 70 games only once in the last four seasons with the Devils.

37. J.T. Miller, C, New York Rangers

Ranking 2024-25: 28 Age: 32 The Rangers’ newest captain was hired to set a new tone, as the Blueshirts hope their absence from the playoffs last season was an aberration.

38. Artemi Panarin, LW, New York Rangers

Ranking 2024-25: 7 Age: 33 The Rangers have had their ups and downs. Panarin has been a spark plug in their offense throughout. His speed, vision, and playmaking skills are top-notch, and when he contributes consistently, New York can seem unstoppable up front.

39. Cole Caufield, RW, Montreal Canadiens

Classification 2024-25: NR Age: 24 The 5-8 scoring machine has earned praise on social media from his fellow Wisconsin native J.J. Watt and is looking to break the 40-goal benchmark after scoring 37 last season.

40. Clayton Keller, C, Utah Mammoth

Ranking 2024-25: 50 Age: 27 The native of Chesterfield, Missouri, is one of the NHL’s underrated scorers, with 90 points in 81 games last season. That will change if the Mammoth qualify for the postseason this spring.

41. Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets

Ranking 2024-25: 74 Age: 28 Perhaps no player increased their value more during the 4 Nations Face-Off than Werenski, who is possibly Columbus’s most important player.

42. Seth Jarvis, C, Carolina Hurricanes

Classification 2024-25: NR Age: 23 A rising star for the Hurricanes and Team Canada, and on “FaceOff: Inside the NHL”, Jarvis will be a key player in Carolina’s quest for their first Cup since 2006.

43. Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets

Ranking 2024-25: 57 Age: 32 The first player drafted by the Jets 2.0 franchise after moving from Atlanta, Scheifele continues to fill the stat sheet as a scorer and playmaker.

44. Jesper Bratt, LW, New Jersey Devils

Ranking 2024-25: 79 Age: 27 Whether or not Jack Hughes is in the lineup, Bratt continues to drive the Devils’ offense, with 171 points in 163 games over the last two regular seasons.

45. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators

Ranking 2024-25: 20 Age: 35 What makes him the best hockey player Switzerland has ever seen is consistency. A threat to reach double-digit figures in goals, Josi is equally effective in the defensive zone, having anchored the Preds’ defensive setup for over a decade.

46. Adrian Kempe, C, Los Angeles Kings

Classification 2024-25: 85 Age: 29 Kings fans have known Kempe’s scoring prowess for many seasons, and the Alofoke Deportes voting panel has finally caught up. As the Kings transition from the Kopitar era starting next season, Kempe will continue to be a key player.