Leon Draisaitl (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
It's been a significant amount of time since I last deigned to engage in the primitive art of player rankings. In 2023, I wrote an article with the purpose of outlining the top 50 players in the National Hockey League. Now that the busy camp summer has wrapped up and the school semester is yet to kick into high gear, I figured it would be a worthy exercise to revisit my old article and provide some much-needed updates to the list.
While I acknowledge the vast number of fun narratives that could be derived from a Sincere Sports player ranking, I don't mince my words when I call this a "primitive art." In actuality, separating the most talented hockey players on the planet by mere numbers is frankly incapable of doing justice to their extreme ability. Truthfully, a tier-based system would be more accurate for encapsulating the various nuances of splitting hairs between a dynamic right winger and a steady goaltender, but I've opted for the simpler numerical format, for one crucial reason: laziness.
The level of talent in today's NHL is unbelievable. I set out to make a top 50 list, as I had done over three years ago, and was astonished by the players that failed to make my cut. As a result of my disappointment, I extended the list to a top 100, which will allow me to provide my thoughts on a more extensive list of skaters. From the 51st player onward, my justifications for the placement will be condensed to a phrase or two, rather than the fully-fledged explanations for players 1-50.
To the best of my ability, I managed to include goaltenders with the players this time. I've always considered direct comparisons between netminders and skaters a futile endeavour. To be fair, I'm still quite skeptical that you can judge the value of a goalie in relation to a player, but to fulfill the title of the article more accurately, I decided to combine the lists. This must be met with a disclaimer: goalies are inherently always more valuable than players, so this list will not be judging value per se.
My criteria is very broad and entirely subjective, naturally. I wanted to rank players on relative impact, considering position. Although this list will be somewhat forward-looking for the 2025-26 season, I will not be disproportionately favouring younger players on the verge of a breakout or punishing older players set for a decline.
1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers
After a shaky season by his meteoric standards, the usually overwhelming chasm between McDavid and the league's #2 has shrunk, but he is still easily the most dominant player in the game today. While his stats would sufficiently quantify his enormous impact, McDavid's true genius comes from the gravity with which he plays hockey. Nobody can match his top speed, his handling, or his playmaking. McDavid truly stands in a tier of his own at the top of the list.
2. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers
Draisaitl, in my opinion, firmly established himself as the league's second best player with arguably his best season in the NHL to date. Draisaitl was a dominant, cerebral force, even when McDavid missed time with injuries. Draisaitl is the most consistent goal scorer out there, as evidenced by breaking the 50-goal barrier in three of the past four seasons. "Drai" was also a premier two-way centre after years of questionable defensive play. He's clearly the Robin to McDavid's Batman, but he's making his own case to be #2 on the list.
3. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche
MacKinnon is the only player on the planet that can dream of outskating McDavid in a straight line. MacKinnon is a borderline bull in a china shop, an absolute game-breaker with intense energy and power backed by his elite skating. Despite the changing conditions in Colorado, MacKinnon has remained a staple at the top of the league's scoring charts.
4. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche
Despite claiming a top 5 spot, as he did in 2023, Makar's record from yesteryear is not free of blemishes. While I acknowledge his dynamic skill and skating ability, Makar's play-driving numbers have suffered in minutes without MacKinnon. Nevertheless, there is no player that elevates existing skill more than Makar. He has gradually taken on a tougher defensive load and has not sacrificed his generational offensive talent from the back end.
5. Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks
Quinn Hughes (Bob Frid/Imagn Images)
It's only fair to have Hughes directly behind Makar in the overall ranking. There is very little separating these two defensemen and I would gladly hear a case for Hughes in the #4 spot. Hughes controls the pace of play with robotic precision. His ability to dance through tight squeezes on the blueline is magical. On an underwhelming Canucks squad, Hughes established himself as a one-man team, dramatically elevating Vancouver's level every time he touched the ice.
6. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
I will never stop believing that Matthews is fully capable of reaching the insane heights that he found in his Hart Trophy season. At his best, he's the best goalscorer in hockey by a considerable distance. He dominates play in difficult minutes with an intelligent defensive stick and a relentless motor. He seems to be fully healthy for the first time in a while, which should make up for the fact that he lost his long-time running mate, Mitch Marner, in the offseason.
7. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov has unmatched vision. Nobody in the world, not even McDavid, can find his teammates with clockwork precision like Kucherov. The Lightning's ace cuts open his opponents. While he may not match the pure power in skating of the man atop this list, "Kuch" is unbelievably shifty in open ice. Regrettably, limited defensive value and two consecutive goalless postseasons kept him from ranking higher.
8. Aleksander Barkov, C, Florida Panthers
Calling Barkov an elite defensive centre almost does him a disservice at this rate. We're approaching prime Patrice Bergeron levels of shutdown play on the highest stage for many years. Though Barkov's offensive ceiling doesn't match that of the players above him, he nevertheless flirts with the point-per-game mark every season in addition to his suffocating shutdown play.
9. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild
If the rumours are true, Kaprizov is about to get paid an ungodly sum of money at an average annual value, but his best hockey suggests it might be worth it. Similar to his countryman Kucherov, Kaprizov is pure magic on the puck, deadly at all angles because of his rapid change of direction and premier playmaking. Health has held him back in recent seasons, but a reason for optimism would be Kaprizov's off-puck play. He has developed into a legitimately dangerous option without the puck and has improved his defensive game.
10. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins
David Pastrnak (Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
On a putrid Bruins team, Pastrnak was unpredictably fantastic, breaking the 100-point mark again. With no adequate offensive support, Pastrnak maintained his incisive skill and deadly shot en route to a borderline MVP season. Pastrnak might be limited by personnel as Boston prepares to enter a retool phase, but it's clear that he will continue to be one of the NHL's best scorers as long as he still has legs.
11. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets
Hellebuyck is easily the best goalie in the game, though it was still very difficult to compare him to the skaters in this tier. However, Hellebuyck is an enigma not simply because he is a goalie. After a Hart Trophy-worthy regular season, Hellebuyck collapsed in the playoffs once again. His track record of disappointing postseason numbers is impossible to ignore. Perhaps his workload is too large?
12. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights
Eichel is a true franchise centre. Elite as a rush attacker and a power-play weapon, he constantly posts some of the most impressive 5v5 analytics in the game. Eichel's defensive game has been steadily improving to the point of it being a genuine strength. I truly believe a team could win the Cup with Eichel as its best player, something I would only argue about a handful of players below him.
13. Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils
Although health concerns are incredibly valid, in my opinion, Hughes has always proven to be one of the most offensively gifted players in the world. Under Sheldon Keefe, Hughes showed flashes of improved defensive play, which would be a crucial tool to accrue to help separate him from the pack. On the rush, there are very few players that can match Hughes’ puck handling at speed.
14. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
At age 38, Crosby is easily the oldest player in the top 50, a stunning testament to his relentless work ethic and timeless style. Even as his teammate quality has dropped off a cliff and his foot speed has waned, Crosby is a dominant offensive force that can hang with the young guns of tomorrow to this day. The defense is not a strength, but he makes up for it with unprecedented consistency in his counting stats.
15. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Dallas Stars
After finally escaping the shadow of Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, Rantanen struggled to maintain his Colorado scoring pace. In Carolina, his shooting percentage fell off a cliff. In Dallas, he started to pot points again, but his even strength play-driving analytics were ugly. Nevertheless, Rantanen proved his status as an elite game-changer with a legendary Game 7 hat trick against his former team in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. No player below Rantanen on this list can grab a game by the scruff of its neck like he can.
16. Matthew Tkachuk, RW, Florida Panthers
Matthew Tkachuk (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Tkachuk's swagger and two-way excellence have become hallmarks of the Panthers' repeated postseason success, regardless of his slight drop in even strength production. Tkachuk's 90 points in the regular season still warrants praise, but his ceiling isn't as high as those above him. Nevertheless, when heavy hockey emerges in the playoffs, Tkachuk always seems to stand out.
17. Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
As much as I'd love to dock Marner even more than I already have for his shockingly poor playoff numbers, he remains a valuable player. Marner is a safe bet for Selke-calibre defense and 90+ points in the regular season. He controls the pace of play at even strength and is a legitimate positive on both special teams. Whether his inability to step up his game in the playoffs was related to his lack of mental fortitude or not will be answered in the far more forgiving environment of Vegas.
18. Brayden Point, C, Tampa Bay Lightning
Point might genuinely be the most consistently great player in the league. In 2023, I ranked him two spots lower than his current ranking. You can always count on him for 40+ goals and 80+ points. At the 4 Nations tournament, Point proved himself to be one of Canada's top threats. I genuinely forgot just how fast Point can skate when he reaches his top speed. That blistering pace and renowned shot are key traits for any elite scorer.
19. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars
Similarly to Rasmus Dahlin, Heiskanen does everything well for a modern NHL rearguard. Although he has failed to develop his offensive dynamism throughout his career, Heiskanen remains a world-class puck-mover. His defensive analytics remain excellent. It was especially worth noting how Dallas' team shot suppression drastically fell off after Miro was injured in the regular season.
20. Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Werenski has been held back by injuries over the past few years, but he truly established himself as a franchise cornerstone in 24-25. As Columbus' primary offensive quarterback, Werenski was a revelation, playing at a point-per-game pace, while challenging for the league lead in power-play points by a defenseman. Although he's not exactly a complete defenseman in the vein of Heiskanen and Rasmus Dahlin, he improved defensively last year in a highly taxing role.
21. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres
I can't quite determine whether Dahlin stands out disproportionately on a weak Sabres defensive corps or if the lack of talent around him is holding him back. While we have yet to see Buffalo take the long-awaited leap, Dahlin has gotten better with each passing season. He has arguably surpassed Heiskanen as the NHL's consistently excellent defenseman. Dahlin is good at everything: he moves the puck well, he skates rapidly, and he plays a punishing defensive game. Now, I'd like to see it in the playoffs before he can go any higher (not that it's Dahlin's fault).
22. Sam Reinhart, RW, Florida Panthers
It was difficult to pin a spot for Reinhart on this list. He isn't a game-breaking offensive talent, but he's nevertheless scored at a 40-goal pace for the past two seasons in addition to providing excellent defense and positional versatility. I might be underestimating his ability, because his game always translates perfectly to a postseason setting, but I do argue that he benefits from playing on a stacked Florida team where he can't be targeted as easily.
23. William Nylander, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Only four players have scored 40 goals in three straight seasons and William Nylander is one of those players. Even in changing conditions in Toronto, it's hard to presume that Nylander will struggle to match those previous highs. A fantastic skater and stickhandler, Nylander took on a greater offensive load during Auston Matthews' injury woes last season and he was rewarded with a career year.
24. Adam Fox, D, New York Rangers
Given a highly disappointing 4 Nations Face off, in which Fox looked completely off the pace, it would be easy to overreact to a down year and send him further down this list. However, I'm not ready to declare that Fox has lost his place among the elites. In a tumultuous environment with the Rangers, Fox had sparkling chance creation and chance suppression statistics, while still potting a solid 72-point campaign. His foot speed, which was never a calling card, might cause him to fall off earlier than his peers, but he remains a fantastic blueliner.
25. Jaccob Slavin, D, Carolina Hurricanes
Jaccob Slavin (Josh Lavallee/Getty Images)
This was the year that Jaccob Slavin finally got his flowers from the entire hockey community. He might never be Makar or Werenski in the point production department, but he's the best defensive defenseman in the game with strong puck-moving tendencies. Always willing to sacrifice the body with a block or a hit, Slavin is the epitome of a plug-and-play defenseman. Every team in the NHL would kill for a player that can deny zone entries like Slavin.
26. Igor Shesterkin, G, New York Rangers
As with Adam Fox, the Rangers' complete lack of a functional defensive scheme didn't do Shesterkin any favours this past season. On paper, his stats were a far cry from his former highs, but he faced the most difficult workload of his career by some distance in 2024-25. I don't consider him to be in the same tier as Hellebuyck, despite Hellebuyck's playoff woes, but Shesterkin is clearly a top-3 goaltender in hockey.
27. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning
There was very little separating the two Russian goalies on this list, so I decided to place them back-to-back. Shesterkin is probably the more trusted goalie at this rate, but pedigree can't be ignored with netminders, considering their general unpredictability. At 31 years of age with a hefty workload in his rear mirror, Vasilevskiy would have been forgiven for fading away. However, he posted a fantastic .921 save percentage last season, proving to his detractors that he is still at the top of his game.
28. Artemi Panarin, LW, New York Rangers
It would be easy to lump Panarin in with Fox and Shesterkin as members of the Rangers that were unfairly bumped down because of the team's shocking season. However, I don't think Panarin is quite as blameless for New York's disastrous 2025. Defensively, the lack of engagement was evident. New York's power play took a step back, as its best playmaker stagnated to a certain extent. Panarin is still a fantastic passer and an impactful transition player, but at 33 years old, this might be the beginning of the end.
29. Sebastian Aho, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Aho has always been an analytical darling, but this also rings true for most of Carolina's less lauded players. Despite his ruthless consistency, last year seemed like a step back in several departments for the Finn. He failed to crack the 80-point barrier and his defensive impacts took a dip. He is still an excellent two-way 1C, but Slavin's impact on the Hurricanes is even greater in my opinion, so Aho warranted a slight drop on the list.
30. Nico Hischier, C, New Jersey Devils
I'd be very open to hearing a case for Hischier above Aho, but given Hischier's privileged position as New Jersey's second-line centre, I opted for Aho at 28. Regardless, Hischier fits the same mould: an elite defensive centre that doesn't sacrifice any offensive impact. He leads by example and is an elite contributor on the PP and PK. If the Devils are to make the playoffs this season, Hischier will undoubtedly be a driving force and might command a higher position on next year's list.
31. Josh Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets
Josh Morrissey (Darcy Finley/Getty Images)
Josh Morrissey's late career surge has been a treat to watch. Over the past three seasons, Morrissey has firmly established himself as one of the league's most potent puck-moving defensemen. Alongside the stabilizing force of Dylan DeMelo, Morrissey posted an impressive 62 points for the President's Trophy-winning Jets team. His role on Winnipeg's deadly power play cannot be understated either. He may not be a prototypical shutdown D-man, but he took major strides in shot suppression metrics this year.
32. Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues
Selecting Thomas over more celebrated players like Kyle Connor might be my most controversial take on the entire list, but I've always believed the Blues' ace is one of the most underappeciated players in hockey. Under Jim Montgomery, Thomas was firmly one of the best players in the NHL. With a revitalized commitment to defensive hockey, Thomas' even strength impacts were the best of his career. He might not be the best goalscorer in the world, but I'd argue Thomas is a top 5 pure passer in hockey.
33. Jake Guentzel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Guentzel is one of my favourite complementary players in hockey. When surrounded by other talent, he is one of the NHL's most dangerous players. At the 4 Nations, I thought Guentzel was arguably the USA's best forward. For Tampa, he obviously benefits from playing alongside Point and Kucherov, both of whom rank above him on the list, but his two-way impacts and synergistic skillset should not be taken for granted.
34. Tage Thompson, C, Buffalo Sabres
Tage Thompson is an absolute unicorn in the modern NHL. He's a complete offensive wizard that plays up to his 6'6 height. He led the league in even strength goals last season, which is an astonishing feat given Buffalo's poor record. Thompson has been gradually transitioning to more shifts on the wing, given his limited defensive game. It's difficult to rank Tage in the context of this list, given his lack of playoff success, but he doesn't warrant any blame for that, like Dahlin.
35. Gustav Forsling, D, Florida Panthers
Gustav Forsling (Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Two consecutive Stanley Cups runs have convincingly removed Forsling's "underrated" tag. He is, without a doubt, one of the league's most steady defensemen. His active defensive stick is rivalled only by Slavin and he remains one of the most mobile blueliners out there. In the defensive zone, I would consider Forsling to be a top 3 safety blanket in the NHL.
36. Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers
Bouchard is probably the most limited player so far. I don't believe that Bouchard is truly reliant on McDavid. It takes a special player to score 81 points in 75 career playoff games as a defenseman, but his sheltered role can't be ignored. Similarly to Makar, Bouchard has a high gear that can unlock the best of the talented players around him. However, unlike Makar, Bouchard is a genuine defensive liability at times. His lack of commitment can be tough to watch. I've always compared him to another talented, but flawed D-man from the previous generation, Kris Letang.
37. Kyle Connor, LW, Winnipeg Jets
I've considered Connor to be overrated for a few years now, but he escalated his defensive game and remained a lethal shooter from the flanks during a career-best year in 24-25. Everybody expects Connor to flirt with the 40-goal mark on a seasonal basis, but to see his two-way game flourish was a welcome surprise. I still don't love his defensive effort on some shifts, but he probably deserves a spot in the same tier as Bouchard, given I have a lot of similar concerns for the two players.
38. Brandon Hagel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Brandon Hagel (Jeff Curry/USA Today)
Hagel is one of the most ruthlessly aggressive players in the NHL. Calling Hagel a product of his work ethic alone would do a disservice to his excellent finishing ability and penalty killing prowess. Yet, my reason for placing Hagel this high was his dog-on-the-bone mentality on a nightly basis. Very few players work as hard as he does. The results (32 even strength goals in 24-25) speak for themselves.
39. Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens
Suzuki proved himself to be a legitimate 1C in the league with one of the most impressive breakout seasons in recent memory. After justified skepticism arose regarding his overall impact in the previous season, Suzuki puts the doubters to rest with an 89-point season as the Canadiens' captain. It's very feasible that Suzuki could enter the Aho-Hischier tier, but I'd like to see him replicate his MVP-calibre impacts for another season before I make that jump.
40. Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars
While this may seem low for Jason Robertson, especially given I ranked him at #11 in 2023, when I compared him to his fellow American left wingers in this approximate tier (there's a pretty shocking run of them), he didn't clearly separate himself from the pack. His skating is a legitimate concern and he hasn't lived up to my admittedly lofty expectations for the past two seasons. Regardless, he is a brilliant playmaker with great hockey IQ, even if his dynamism has fallen off a cliff.
41. Matt Boldy, LW, Minnesota Wild
Like Guentzel, Boldy possesses the perfect complementary skillset for a modern NHL winger. With underrated silky mitts in tight areas and a strong frame for holding off checks, Boldy is a constant scoring threat. His brilliance in tight spaces and physical game states is perfectly suited for playoff hockey, as evidenced by his excellent performance against Vegas and his play during the 4 Nations tourney.
42. Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks
Consider me all in on the Celebrini hype. By most advanced metrics, Celebrini is already one of the most threatening forwards in the league. With a slightly better team around him and another year of development, Celebrini stocks are going to the moon. I'd hardly be surprised if he was a unanimous top 20 player at this point next year.
43. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Ottawa Senators
Brady Tkachuk (Getty Images)
Despite marking just 32 even strength points last season, I never considered ranking Tkachuk much lower than this. His first taste of playoff experience and his dominant First Nations run proved to the world that he shares his brother's clutch gene. In tight, physical games, Tkachuk steps up to the plate, but he needs to establish a more prolonged period of consistent production before he flies up this list.
44. Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston Bruins
Charlie McAvoy (Ashley Potts/Getty Images)
McAvoy fits the bill as a traditional shutdown defensemen. His ceiling has always been held back by his underwhelming 5v4 production, but McAvoy is a defensive guru. This might be hard to tell with a lacklustre defensive corps surrounding him in Boston for the next few years, but the American possesses the competitiveness and hockey IQ to consistently make a positive difference from the back end.
45. Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
Hedman is still a fantastic NHL defenseman that will regularly challenge for Norris Trophy attention at the ripe age of 34. However, as Father Time creeps up on the Swede, Hedman will certainly lose some effectiveness. With 66 points in 79 games last season, there are still very few D-men that can match his offensive gifts, but Hedman can't deal with oncoming pressure with his former composure.
46. Clayton Keller, LW, Utah Mammoth
I'm not Keller's most ardent admirer, but he proved me wrong with a career year in 24-25. Establishing himself as Utah's leader in a convincing way, he posted 90 points for the first time. A move to the wing alongside the dynamic Logan Cooley was highly conducive to his skillset. Only 17 players have scored 30+ goals in the past three years; Keller is one of them.
47. Tim Stutzle, C, Ottawa Senators
Stutzle was a driving force behind Ottawa's vast improvement last season, as he was the Sens' best player en route to breaking their playoff drought. Whether you approve of his diving antics or not, nobody can overlook his electric pace in transition or his blossoming playmaking ability on the flanks of Ottawa's much-improved top power play unit. His consistency on a night-to-night basis doesn't quite match the players above him, which holds Stutzle back on my list.
48. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers
Goaltender is a position that comes with plenty of variance, so Bobrovsky's topsy-turvy save percentage numbers recently shouldn't be seen as gospel. Although there may be other more impressive regular season goalies, "Bob" has backstopped the Cats to two straight Cup victories with admirable play between the pipes. He's closing in on 37 years of age, so regression should be anticipated, but Bobrovksy remains an athletic freak in the crease.
49. Thomas Harley, D, Dallas Stars
Thomas Harley has been a great defender at the NHL level for two years now, but his big breakout party came at the 4 Nations tournament, when his on-puck composure wowed Canadian fans. Harley has developed a maturity in all three zones beyond his years and he effectively shouldered a taxing burden when Heiskanen went down with an injury in the later stages of the 2025 campaign.
50. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators
The last time we saw a fully healthy Roman Josi, he looked like an unstoppable force of nature and a top 3 defenseman in the league. Unfortunately, the Swiss blueliner hasn't been at his best since the late stages of 2024. While battling head injuries and organizational incompetence, he played as well as can be expected last season. He's still a possible health risk and he isn't getting any younger, but Josi remains one of the premier puck-movers in hockey.
51. Jesper Bratt, LW, New Jersey Devils
One of the fastest skaters in the league and a crucial part of New Jersey's transition threat.
52. Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings
Still has not managed to show his skills in the playoffs, but his 4 Nations performance cemented Larkin as someone that belongs at the highest level.
53. Seth Jarvis, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
The epitome of utility. He can play a variety of roles, while still being a legitimate offensive threat.
54. Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars
"Otter" has been one of the most consistent goalies in the league, despite never reaching the insane peaks of his more celebrated peers.
55. Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets
After a career-best season on the impressive Jets, he eased a lot of concerns, specifically regarding his defensive game and lack of explosive ability.
56. Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators
A super smart and smooth skater, Sanderson (alliteration!) failed to really stamp his mark as a top 50 player during his first taste of postseason action.
57. Elias Pettersson, C, Vancouver Canucks
I'm a huge Pettersson fan, but I think the average NHL fan underestimates just how bad he was in Vancouver this past season. It would take a non-insignificant bounce back for him to reach his previous heights.
58. Filip Forsberg, LW, Nashville Predators
In a miserable environment in Nashville, Forsberg remains a needle mover. His inconsistency in recent seasons capped his place on this list.
59. Ilya Sorokin, G, New York Islanders
Ilya Sorokin (Amy Irvin/The Hockey Writers)
Although I'm not exactly a goalie whisperer, Sorokin's fundamentals astonish me whenever I watch the Isles. Still, his declining statistics shouldn't be ignored.
60. Devon Toews, D, Colorado Avalanche
The perfect modern defenseman and the perfect D partner for the rampaging Cale Makar. It feels like everybody knows Toews' value to the Avs at this rate.
61. Shea Theodore, D, Vegas Golden Knights
I feel like I'm below consensus on Theodore for whatever reason. He's very skilled and is decent defensively, but I always feel as if the tools don't add up to the sum of their parts. As Vegas' undisputed #1 defenseman in 25-26, he'll have a plethora of chances to prove me wrong.
62. Wyatt Johnston, C, Dallas Stars
Johnston has been really good in his young NHL career, but I have a feeling that we're about to witness an explosion that launches him into the top 50 of this list.
63. Roope Hintz, C, Dallas Stars
Once considered to be the league's most underrated forward, a shaky 24-25 season must be erased from memory before I put him back in the top 50.
64. Nikolaj Ehlers, RW, Carolina Hurricanes
It wouldn't be a Sincere Sports list without an egregiously high Nik Ehlers ranking. I'm eager to see if the Canes can turn him into the true top-of-the-lineup talent that I believe he will prove to be.
65. Sam Bennett, C, Florida Panthers
The Conn Smythe winner doesn't blow you away with his regular season stats, but he turns the dial up to 100 when the games get meaningful.
66. Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens
Undersized defensemen have posted impressive rookie seasons and then fallen off the map when the league figures out how to deal with their deception and skill. Hutson is not one of those players. He'll fly up this list, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
67. Adrian Kempe, RW, Los Angeles Kings
One of the most lethal transition players in the league, Kempe is an elite goalscorer that has gradually improved his overall play in recent seasons.
68. Lucas Raymond, LW, Detroit Red Wings
In a way, Raymond's speed and skill is reminiscent of Kempe, but the elder Swede's experience gives him the slight edge here.
69. Moritz Seider, D, Detroit Red Wings
The prototypical do-it-all blueliner. Seider is still just 24 and munches some of the most demanding minutes in the league.
70. Martin Necas, RW, Colorado Avalanche
Martin Necas (Sergei Belski)
While playing with Nathan MacKinnon is an enviable task, Necas is one of the few that can keep up with him. His off-puck play is patchy, but Necas is more dynamic than any other player in this tier.
71. Mathew Barzal, C, New York Islanders
I'm close to giving up on Barzal. Frankly, I'm unsure if he can actually take over a game and be a strong offensive 1C. His underlying numbers were sparkling last year, but he is still several years removed from a truly impressive full season. That doesn't mean the fleet-footed centreman is not a great player; quite the opposite, in fact.
72. Connor Bedard, C, Chicago Blackhawks
Although I'm not trying to stake a definitive claim to a side of the Bedard-Celebrini debate, there were some concerning habits that entered Bedard's game last year. On the bright side, he can still rip the puck like nobody else.
73. Travis Konecny, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
Konecny has continued to put up impressive goalscoring numbers on a poor Flyers team. With the tides changing in Philly, I'm excited to see if he can take another step.
74. Quinton Byfield, C, Los Angeles Kings
Byfield looked like an absolute menace in the second half of last season. He was arguably the Kings' most dangerous forward every night. Keeping that consistency is important, as he's fully capable of breaking into the top 50 next year.
75. Mark Stone, RW, Vegas Golden Knights
Though a gradual decline makes sense for somebody of Stone's age, he's still a premier defensive winger that plays at a point-per-game pace. Injuries are probably the biggest constraining factor.
76. Mackenzie Weegar, D, Calgary Flames
Perennially underrated, Weegar has excellent numbers in all situations, considering he plays for Calgary. However, as he gets older, it's fair to expect his foot speed to fall off a bit.
77. Juuse Saros, G, Nashville Predators
Saros is a difficult case study. He's had two difficult years consecutively, but the Preds don't exactly have a great defensive foundation. I'll put my trust in his historical excellence, but this is definitely a pedigree pick.
78. Anthony Cirelli, C, Tampa Bay Lightning
Anthony Cirelli (Scott Audette/Getty Images)
You know exactly what you'll get with Cirelli, which must be reassuring as a coach. He's a fantastic shutdown centre that can add some points. He won't exactly drive his own line, but he's the perfect player to surround with talent.
79. Logan Cooley, C, Utah Mammoth
There are very few players around the league that excite me as much as Logan Cooley. In his third NHL season, Jack Hughes exploded and played at a 94-point pace. I could fully envision Cooley reaching that number in his third season as well.
80. Brock Faber, D, Minnesota Wild
Faber is firmly entrenched in the class of steady defensive defensemen. His retrieval ability and defensive stick are insanely impressive for a 23-year-old. However, he's not exactly an offensive dynamo.
81. Dylan Guenther, RW, Utah Mammoth
My chips are all-in for a Guenther breakout next season. Utah has surrounded their young talent with quality players and Guenther should be a big beneficiary. His shot and zone entry numbers are highly promising.
82. JT Miller, C, New York Rangers
The newest captain of the Rangers seems committed to reversing New York's horrendous locker room culture. Miller played well after getting traded by Vancouver and will have lots of talent around him.
83. Brad Marchand, LW, Florida Panthers
If there's one thing his postseason run proved, it's this: unc still got it.
84. John Carlson, D, Washington Capitals
With Spencer Carbery's high-flying Capitals, Carlson was an excellent play-driver last season. However, his age is catching up to him on the defensive side of the puck.
85. Noah Dobson, D, Montreal Canadiens
Dobson's counting stats weren't eye-catching last year, but his play-driving was in the NHL's upper echelon. Let's see if he sinks or swims in the pressure cooker of Montreal.
86. Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Minnesota Wild
Similarly to Cirelli, Eriksson Ek is a tremendously valuable player to have. The Wild's inability to find a play-driving 1C has forced him into unfamiliar territory, but he remains a Swiss Army knife as a defensive weapon.
87. Kirill Marchenko, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Marchenko is a truly great goalscorer. He's got a ridiculous shot and is very potent in transition.
88. Andrei Svechnikov, LW, Carolina Hurricanes
I had no clue what to make of Svechnikov. Publications that believe in his talent package argued for him in the top 50, but on pure impact, I could argue leaving him off the list. As the ultimate pragmatist, I settled for somewhere in the middle.
89. Matthew Knies, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
A preeminent forechecker and net front scorer in today's NHL, I'd like to see Knies' playmaking instincts take a step in Marner's absence before I can send him skyrocketing up this list. I think he's fully capable (no bias, of course).
90. Mikhail Sergachev, D, Utah Mammoth
The Mammoth are expected to make waves, so they'll have more media attention this year. Pay attention to the poise and composure of Sergachev on a nightly basis.
91. Kevin Fiala, RW, Los Angeles Kings
A step backwards in the points category shouldn't cast any doubt on Fiala's status as one of the most skilled puck carriers in the NHL.
92. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
Alex Ovechkin (Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images)
Realistically, Ovechkin's defensive game is bad enough that he probably should be outside of the top 100. However, when you have the legacy of "Ovi" and the ability to still score 41 goals in a season, I keep a little grace in my heart.
93. Cole Caufield, LW, Montreal Canadiens
Maybe not the most complete player on this list, Caufield can really light the lamp, which is the most important part of the game. If Ovechkin can sneak onto this list, I can allow a spot for Caufield as well.
94. Tom Wilson, RW, Washington Capitals
Wilson has all the tools that coaches look for in a winning player. He's an agitator that succeeds at driving play. He can also crash the net with a high degree of effectiveness.
95. Dustin Wolf, G, Calgary Flames
Goalies are very unpredictable, so Wolf could fall off after a sparking rookie year, especially given his diminutive size. However, he seems like a franchise goalie that the Flames are committed to building around, which I deem to be a fair decision.
96. Seth Jones, D, Florida Panthers
Despite my skepticism surrounding the Spencer Knight trade, Jones performed in the 95th percentile of my expectations for him, while helping the Panthers win a second consecutive Stanley Cup.
97. John Tavares, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
I truly wonder when Tavares will start to decline, as I have always pictured it to be a cataclysmic fall-off. However, for now, he's still a really effective second line centreman.
98. Jordan Kyrou, RW, St. Louis Blues
Kyrou was one of the biggest beneficiaries of Jim Montgomery's defensive scheme, as it permitted him to play with a bit more freedom.
99. Pierre-Luc Dubois, C, Washington Capitals
I don't think people realize how effective PLD was as a shutdown centre in Washington last year.
100. Noah Hanifin, D, Vegas Golden Knights
Boring, steady, effective. Teams wish they could have a defenseman like Hanifin, even if he'll never jump off the page.
Honourable Mentions: C Anze Kopitar, C Bo Horvat, C Dylan Strome, LW Zach Hyman, LW Carter Verhaeghe, RW Gabe Vilardi, RW Alex Tuch, RW Matvei Michkov, D Chris Tanev, D Mattias Ekholm, D Travis Sanheim, D Colton Parayko, D Jackson LaCombe, G Anthony Stolarz, G Jeremy Swayman, G Linus Ullmark
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