Matthew Schaefer (Brad Penner / Imagn Images)
Less than a month remains until the beginning of the National Hockey League regular season. As anticipation continues to build until the cathartic release of nightly NHL hockey, it seemed like the ideal time to delve back into the subtle science and exact art of player rankings.
I must again preface this article with a handful of caveats. Assigning players to numerical rankings on a league wide basis is an incredibly arbitrary project, one that could be completely different if a different person were to take on this endeavour. I have my own biases from a player profile perspective that I freely acknowledge. For instance, I place a high value on driving play among forwards and defensemen alike, which may supersede any player's supreme skill in a vacuum. I attempted to account for particularly friendly and unfriendly team environments in my ranking as well, because systems are remarkably transformative for a player's outward performance in any given season.
Again, I managed to include goalies in the top 100, though it is once again an imperfect creation. Goalies, by the inherent nature of the sport, are vastly more valuable than any individual skater, so this list ought to be posited as a ranking of ability and impact rather than value.
Finally, this article will aim to be somewhat prescient with regards to young hotshots on the cusp of breaking out, I will not disproportionately augment younger skaters nor will I underrate older veterans that may be commencing a decline in performance.
1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers (Last Year: 1)
McDavid is still the cream of the crop in the league. Nobody can control his highest gear when he activates it. Blessed with world-class passing, agility, puck handling, and shooting, there is not a player alive that can wreak the havoc nor invoke panic among the opposition like the Oilers' crown jewel.
2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche (Last Year: 3)
After a domineering season as the superstar of the league-best Avalanche, I had no choice but to knock MacKinnon up a notch. MacKinnon's ability to barrel down the center of the ice and dominate off the rush has always been evident, but he demonstrated an innate ability to prolong offensive zone sequences last year through improvements in playmaking to go along with his deadly one-timer.
3. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers (Last Year: 2)
I am historically very high on Leon Draisaitl and I had no temptation to drop him below the third spot on this list. Draisaitl might be the most accurate shooter in the league: from any spot on the ice, he can rip it through traffic into inch-thin windows. His puck control in tight spaces is still supreme, which he employs well to generate advantages for his teammates.
4. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (Last Year: 7)
Kucherov was arguably the most potent offensive weapon in the NHL last year, carrying the decimated Lightning through the regular season. The Russian winger is certainly the league's best passer, as he is able to diagnose weaknesses in a defensive structure and rifle a pass through the seams. Defensemen are constantly unable to deal with his shiftiness.
5. Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks (Last Year: 42)
Macklin Celebrini (Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
In my 2025 article, I predicted that Celebrini would cement himself as a definitive top-20 player following his sophomore year. He one-upped my extravagantly high expectations with an MVP-calibre year. Celebrini has a lethal shot and is incredibly adept at manufacturing space to unleash it. In addition to his offensive gifts, Celebrini is a master of puck pursuit, constantly forcing the issue by pressuring defensemen with his signature dog-on-the-bone mentality.
6. Quinn Hughes, D, Minnesota Wild (Last Year: 5)
As always, I flip-flopped between Hughes and Makar for the top defenseman slot, but eventually settled on Hughes. Hughes is surgical, floating between the zones and dominating the puck possession game. His ability to drive play from the blue line is genuinely generational. While he doesn't get engaged physically on the other end, he very rarely has to defend given how often he has the puck on a string.
7. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche (Last Year: 4)
While I dropped Makar slightly from last year, it was truly neck-and-neck between him and Hughes as my favoured blueliner. Makar is one of the league's best skaters, a transition monster that doesn't need many puck touches to make a huge difference on a nightly basis. His hockey IQ is under-appreciated; in a Gretzky-esque manner, he always seems to go where the puck will go next.
8. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins (Last Year: 10)
Formerly known as a world-class scorer (which he still is), Pastrnak has quickly become one of the NHL's greatest passers in addition to his shooting chops. Due to the fact that opponents have to respect his shot, he can create opportunities for his teammates with a combination of absurd puck handling and precise playmaking.
9. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres (Last Year: 21)
The vast majority of pundits likely don't have Dahlin as high as I do, but he suits exactly what I seek in a modern NHL defenseman. Dahlin has unreal puck handling abilities, especially off the rush, where he consistently challenges defenders. However, he is equally a solid play killer who challenges shooters, shuts down passing angles, and is active on breakouts.
10. Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets (Last Year: 20)
Zach Werenski (Nathan Ray Seebeck / Imagn Images)
Add a Norris Trophy to Zach Werenski's cabinet. After a career-best offensive season, Werenski warranted a top-10 slot on this list. On his day, he rivals Hughes and Makar as offensive D-men. He's an extremely aggressive, attack-minded player who pounces on any chance to rip the puck at the net. His somewhat unrefined defensive game was the factor that kept him below Dahlin in my books.
11. Aleksander Barkov, C, Florida Panthers (Last Year: 8)
We haven't seen Barkov suit up in the NHL in over a year, so his continued high placement on my list is a testament to the two-way excellence that he has demonstrated for the greater part of a decade. In man-on-man coverage, there is no player that can bring hell upon his marker like Barkov, who is a legitimate cheat code in matchup situations.
12. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights (Last Year: 12)
Eichel is one of the most consistently excellent players in the league, as proven by his consecutive 12th placed finishes in my articles. The Vegas pivot is a powerful skater who creates a lot off the rush, but is a particularly strong in-zone attacker as he uses his frame to shoulder off checks. He's a wonderful two-way player as well, one that isn't afraid to kill plays with his strong motor.
13. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild (Last Year: 9)
Kaprizov is a playmaking ace that can get a crowd on its feet with a quick move through the zone. The man that they affectionally dub "the Thrill" has unmatched confidence; he always tries wacky stuff to funnel pucks to the net and they work more often than not. While he may not be the quickest player in terms of foot speed, his method of manipulating defenders is special.
14. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs (Last Year: 6)
There are many Matthews skeptics in the media today after consecutive down-seasons, but there are still signs that Matthews at his best is a game-changing player. Despite debilitating injuries, very few players can rip the puck at a standstill like the Leafs superstar. He's one of the smartest players around as well, as evidenced by his ability to find soft spots in coverage. Hopefully the shackles will come off in an injury-free season.
15. Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils (Last Year: 13)
Jack Hughes (Getty Images)
There are not many players in the league that I would call "gamebreaking," but Hughes fits that bill. With the puck at his stick, he is absolutely magical, capable of weaving through the ice in transition or attracting eyes and defensive attention as an in-zone attacker. Unlike others in this range, Hughes offers a fairly weak 'B' game, but his best abilities are worthy of a top-15 spot.
16. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars (Last Year: 19)
There may not be a player more valuable to his team than Miro Heiskanen. Heiskanen is responsible for the puck-moving and defending roles on a lacklustre Stars defensive corps, but he takes on every assignment with gusto. He dominates in puck battles and has a Barkov-esque ability to suffocate his marker.
17. Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens (Last Year: 39)
On an exciting young Canadiens team, there is nobody that would deny that Suzuki is the engine. The reigning Selke winner is a wholly unique play-driving talent. He is great with his stick and his body at shutting down plays in his own zone, but he took huge strides last year as an offensive weapon, becoming more deceptive with his distribution and daring with his shot.
18. Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights (Last Year: 17)
Marner is another ruthlessly consistent player that has continued to cement his spot among the league's elite. He's not a burner, but Marner moves through the zones as well as anybody with his signature mix of tactical nous and elite close control. His postseason goal explosion showed off a skill that he has kept hidden for most of his career: his underrated release.
19. Adam Fox, D, New York Rangers (Last Year: 24)
Fox is one of the most perennially underrated players in hockey, because he dominates in ways that are not indicative of the traditional franchise rearguards of the league. While he is neither the biggest nor the quickest, Fox is potentially the league's smartest player. He is a breakout machine that tilts the ice significantly for his team whenever he hits the ice.
20. Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars (Last Year: 40)
Robertson had a much-needed bounce back year in 2026, firmly establishing himself as a premier winger in the NHL. Despite being a slow skater, Robertson targets open spots on the ice as his workshop, where he uses his world-class shot and playmaking instincts to provide a true threat.
21. Moritz Seider, D, Detroit Red Wings (Last Year: 69)
Moritz Seider (Getty Images)
This might be my most controversial placement of the top-20 in this article. While most fans will tip their cap to the excellent season that Moritz Seider enjoyed as Detroit's #1 D, many do not understand the sheer scale of his greatness last year. Against heavy competition, Seider was a shutdown machine who dominated puck battles against star forwards, while taking massive strides as an offensive defenseman.
22. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets (Last Year: 11)
It was a poor season for Hellebuyck, but one can't remove the context of the team that surrounded him. The Jets were a brutal defensive environment for a netminder. At the Olympics, Hellebuyck proved that he is still the best goalie of his generation with a miraculous performance in the gold medal game.
23. Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens (Last Year: 66)
Even the most primitive minds cannot deny the sheer excellence of Lane Hutson. On an upstart Habs team, Hutson shouldered an immensely heavy load, yet still contributed significantly on both sides of the puck. His fluidity and deception as a puck carrier is clear to anybody with functional eyes, but he has also taken major leaps as a rush defender.
24. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Dallas Stars (Last Year: 15)
There are very few players that can hold a candle to the inherent gifts that Mikko Rantanen possesses. With his huge frame, playmaking chops, and lethal shot, he is the perfect offensive player. However, Rantanen's weaknesses were on display at times this year, as his inability to move the puck off the rush in Glen Gulutzan's system led to some ugly xGF% numbers on the whole.
25. Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders (Last Year: NR)
This might be a bit nuts, but after one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time, I believe that Schaefer is fully deserving of this gaudy placement. The youngster moves like the wind, has one of the best releases among blueliners in the league, and breaks plays up well with his league-best acceleration.
26. Matt Boldy, LW, Minnesota Wild (Last Year: 41)
Matt Boldy (Matt Blewett / Imagn Images)
I have maintained for a couple of years that Boldy is one of the league's most underrated forwards, a title that he is starting to shed. His big body and special hands make him one of the most difficult forwards to dispossess in the NHL, a skill that grants him time to let off a lethal shot. He equally excels as a forechecker that can create chaos for even the most composed defensemen.
27. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last Year: 14)
At 39 years of age, it beggars belief that Crosby is still such an effective center at the NHL level. His defensive game and foot speed have regressed in his old age, but he still has extreme core strength, a world-class playmaking arsenal, and a willingness to play in the gritty areas that most superstars tend to avoid.
28. Igor Shesterkin, G, New York Rangers (Last Year: 26)
Finding consistently great goaltending is a real luxury in the NHL, so Igor Shesterkin is an immensely valuable asset for the Rangers. Faced with a truly horrific defensive environment in Manhattan this past year, Shesterkin was still great. His imposing frame and athletic traits shine through regularly.
29. Matthew Tkachuk, RW, Florida Panthers (Last Year: 16)
Despite missing large portions of last season, the elder Tkachuk came back to show the league what they were missing. The Florida superstar is a spectacular playmaker who willingly uses his frame to shield the puck and find gaps in traffic. While he is well-known as an enforcer that stirs the pot after the whistle, Tkachuk's smarts and offensive weapons will serve him well as he aims to lead the Cats back to the summit.
30. Ilya Sorokin, G, New York Islanders (Last Year: 59)
Ilya Sorokin (Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images)
I've always been a big believer of Ilya Sorokin, so I was thrilled when he put it all together with a historic season in 2025-26. He doesn't have the same consistency as the other three goalies in this tier, but when he's on his game, there is no player that can steal a game quite like Sorokin.
31. William Nylander, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (Last Year: 23)
It is admittedly hard to judge the potential Leafs candidates for this list, as ex-coach Craig Berube's offensive system was such a nightmare that regression to the mean is reasonable to expect. Nevertheless, even on a terrible Leafs team, Nylander was an excellent performer last year, flashing his skillset of awe-inspiring puck control, a filthy shot, and patient playmaking.
32. Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators (Last Year: 56)
Sanderson may not have the enticing offensive potential of others in this range, but he is unequivocally a world-class #1 D. One of the best skaters in the league, he thrives in puck retrieval and 50-50 battles with bigger players. Although less outwardly physical than guys like Heiskanen, he is similarly a suffocating defensive presence, albeit one that must become more offensively inclined to cement his spot as a top-20 player.
33. Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers (Last Year: 36)
Nearly the opposite player to Sanderson, Bouchard is the perfect complement for his fellow superstars in Edmonton. In a league where shooting talent is at an all-time high, Bouchard still stands out as somebody that can beat a goalie clean from any angle. His ability to carry the puck through layers of traffic lend to some gaudy play-driving numbers. However, his defensive coverage and play killing abilities are quite weak.
34. Brandon Hagel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning (Last Year: 38)
I'm one of the biggest Hagel fans around. He's a player that significantly impacts winning in any situation. His unbelievable forechecking motor and tendency to create havoc at the net likely won't earn him the credit that he deserves, so he has compensated by becoming a legitimate goalscorer, capable of filling the net 40 times over a year.
35. Jaccob Slavin, D, Carolina Hurricanes (Last Year: 25)
While Slavin deserves a mountain of credit for helping the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup, his shutdown abilities in 2025-26 did not match his previous peaks. Nevertheless, he was, as usual, a matchup nightmare charged with shutting down other teams' superstars, a job that he fulfills with his willingness to block shots and his otherworldly defensive stick positioning.
36. Tage Thompson, RW, Buffalo Sabres (Last Year: 34)
Tage Thompson (Timothy T. Ludwig / Imagn Images)
The Sabres finally shattered their embarrassing playoff drought in convincing fashion and Thompson was at the heart of that effort. His unicorn package of size, skill, and shooting talent makes Thompson one of the most thrilling players in the league. He has, at the very least, shaken Auston Matthews' crown as the best even strength scorer in the game.
37. Mark Stone, RW, Vegas Golden Knights (Last Year: 75)
Last year, I predicted a gradual, yet respectable, decline for Stone as old age caught up with him. However, Stone defeated Father Time handily, establishing himself as one of the most effective players in hockey on a per game basis. Stone was utterly critical to Vegas' methodical offensive approach, both at 5-on-5 and on the power play. Stone makes everybody around him better with masterful playmaking and a lauded pickpocket game.
38. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning (Last Year: 27)
Vasilevskiy continues to age gracefully after adding another Vezina to his trophy cabinet during this past season. He is admittedly the benefactor of a friendly defensive environment under Jon Cooper in Tampa, but his ability to consistently play at an above-average level regardless of personnel is admirable.
39. Sam Reinhart, RW, Florida Panthers (Last Year: 22)
After holding down the fort for the bruised Panthers in 2025, Reinhart is difficult to judge. We're not too far off his unforgettable playoff runs, where he established himself as one of the best net front scorers in hockey as well as an outrageously good player in defensive coverage. However, Reinhart isn't a player that jumps off the page with his pure skill and he has struggled to make an impact in best-on-best competition.
40. Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks (Last Year: NR)
Leo Carlsson ( Getty Images)
I was fairly surprised that I didn't even rank Carlsson in the top-100 last season, but he absolutely proved me wrong with a true breakout year, firmly establishing himself as a superstar 1C in the league. Carlsson has become a truly great skater who can bulldoze his way through the neutral zone. In addition to his aggressiveness, he is a smart attacker who positions himself well in coverage to funnel the puck to dangerous areas.
41. Cole Caufield, LW, Montreal Canadiens (Last Year: 93)
Caufield has always been a superstar goalscorer, but the rest of his game lacked polish in previous seasons. This changed in 2025-26, as the diminutive winger contrasted perfectly with Nick Suzuki at the helm of the most formidable play-driving line in hockey. His improvements on the playmaking front were noticeable, but his calling card will always be that dangerous wrist shot.
42. Tim Stützle, C, Ottawa Senators (Last Year: 47)
As much as it pains me to admit, Stützle is an electric player with fantastic acceleration and elite puck control. He is a very courageous player who goes after defenders with relish. He still shies away from physical confrontation, but he has become a more opportunistic puck thief and a stronger shooter, two areas where I suggested needed improvement last year.
43. Wyatt Johnston, C, Dallas Stars (Last Year: 62)
As the centrepiece of one of the best power plays in NHL history, Johnston cemented himself as a premier goalscorer in the league. In the slot, there are few better at finishing plays. His special hands in tight and his rapid release are terrifying weapons at even strength and with the man advantage.
44. Martin Necas, RW, Colorado Avalanche (Last Year: 70)
It would be easy to attribute Necas' success to MacKinnon and Makar, but he is a prominent aspect of Colorado's three-headed monster. He flies through the zone with speed and special puck handling. He improvises well against coverage to win more space and to create shooting opportunities. While he inevitably benefits from his Avalanche linemates, Necas is a big part of the team's even-strength supremacy.
45. Jake Guentzel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning (Last Year: 33)
Although Hagel surpassed him this past season, Guentzel remains a perfect complementary winger for other skillful players on a roster that is chock-full of them. He is a lethal shooter that operates very well off the cycle to finish off dirty plays. Unlike others in the top-50, Guentzel is not very puck-dominant whatsoever, but he doesn't need lots of touches to make a huge impact on the game.
46. Sebastian Aho, C, Carolina Hurricanes (Last Year: 29)
Sebastian Ahi (James Guillory / Imagn Images)
Like Slavin, it would make sense if Aho finally got the credit that he has long deserved after the Canes won the Cup, but it feels relevant that he wasn't the primary architect of the Carolina offense. Aho is nevertheless a two-way beast that excels as a playmaker and in puck pursuit. He can play with an array of linemates because of his cleverness and responsible defensive habits.
47. Artemi Panarin, LW, Los Angeles Kings (Last Year: 28)
On a miserable Kings offense, it was clear after Panarin was acquired that he injected a spark to the team, illustrating the fact that he remains a potent offensive weapon. The Russian is a creative force who employs his trademark manipulative puck handling and his Kucherov-esque patience to spread the puck around the zone. His defensive game is a weak spot, but there are still very few players who can dissect a defensive structure like Panarin.
48. Jackson LaCombe, D, Anaheim Ducks (Last Year: HM)
The main story of the Edmonton-Anaheim playoff series was the disappointing performance of the Oilers' stars, which meant that very little attention was given to LaCombe's breakout party. Similarly to Sanderson, LaCombe's foot speed and suffocating gap control are spectacular assets for a D-man. Unlike Sanderson, LaCombe is also a physical menace who isn't afraid to assert himself on the game.
49. Robert Thomas, C, St. Louis Blues (Last Year: 32)
Robert Thomas (Bob Frid / Imagn Images)
Thomas is a conundrum in these rankings. On the whole, he is probably placed in the right spot, alongside players who are difference-makers, but likely couldn't lead a Cup-contending team. However, during his hot streaks, there are hints of a top-30 player here. Thomas is one of the league's elite passers, whether by patiently dissecting structure in zone or off the rush. He also puts up excellent play-driving numbers regularly, thanks to an underrated two-way element to his game.
50. Lucas Raymond, RW, Detroit Red Wings (Last Year: 68)
As you can probably tell from this placement, I am a huge believer in Lucas Raymond's current ability and his potential. Blessed with supreme skill in tight areas, the Swede plays a game that platforms well against other elite players, because he is so adept at getting to dangerous spots in the offensive zone and making good things happen. He has the skilled hands, quick release, and natural passing instincts to become a top-30 player in the NHL sooner than later.
51. Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets (Last Year: 55)
Scheifele set a career-high in points last year, breaking the 100-point mark, in a year that proved that he still has plenty of playmaking and scoring juice remaining in the tank.
52. Gustav Forsling, D, Florida Panthers (Last Year: 35)
As the Panthers' Cup runs proved, not even Connor McDavid can separate from Forsling, an utter shutdown maestro.
53. Connor Bedard, C, Chicago Blackhawks (Last Year: 72)
In a pretty tragic environment, Bedard still flashes the kind of tantalizing skill that leaves plenty of optimism for his future trajectory.
54. Seth Jarvis, RW, Carolina Hurricanes (Last Year: 53)
The prototypical Swiss Army knife, Jarvis is a player that all teams would kill to have given his proficiency in every area of the game.
55. Brayden Point, C, Tampa Bay Lightning (Last Year: 18)
An injury took Point out of action for large parts of last season, so there's major bounce back potential here, but it is possible that he is no longer the consistent 40-goal scorer that he was in the past.
56. Erik Karlsson, D, Pittsburgh Penguins (Last Year: NR)
Karlsson was fantastic as Pittsburgh's top defenseman last year, controlling play very well in Dan Muse's system.
57. Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston Bruins (Last Year: 44)
McAvoy was predictably solid on a resurgent Bruins team and he'll be counted on for heavy minutes again going into this season.
58. Logan Thompson, G, Washington Capitals (Last Year: NR)
Over the past few seasons, Thompson ranks as the league's best goalie by goals saved above expected.
59. Dylan Larkin, C, Detroit Red Wings (Last Year: 52)
Not the most popular figure in the city of Detroit right now, but Larkin is a great two-way pivot that does everything well.
60. Josh Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets (Last Year: 31)
Morrissey is a slick skater that tilts the ice for his team, but he isn't getting younger and any decline in foot speed would impact his effectiveness severely.
61. Nico Hischier, C, New Jersey Devils (Last Year: 30)
Hischier took a non-insignificant step back last year in terms of his play-driving and defensive statistics, but mitigating circumstances, such as an injury, likely played a part.
62. Dylan Guenther, RW, Utah Mammoth (Last Year: 81)
Guenther is my wild card shout for this list; if he breaks 50 goals next year, I would not be surprised at all.
63. Kyle Connor, LW, Winnipeg Jets (Last Year: 37)
Connor is a consistently great goalscorer who can get shots off from anywhere, but that sadly isn't enough to sustain the Jets.
64. Clayton Keller, LW, Utah Mammoth (Last Year: 46)
Keller is a steady goalscoring veteran that can be counted on to pot about 30 goals and 80 points each season.
65. Logan Cooley, C, Utah Mammoth (Last Year: 79)
Cooley has an incredibly tantalizing package of skills that he hasn't applied consistently; when he pulls it off, he could easily establish himself in the Carlsson/Stützle tier of centers.
66. Shea Theodore, D, Vegas Golden Knights (Last Year: 61)
Theodore is a well-rounded defenseman that all teams would kill to have on their own squad.
67. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers (Last Year: 43)
It still seems crazy that the younger Tkachuk brother has joined the other on the Panthers, but Brady has much more to prove, as his intriguing size-skill combo hasn't historically been enough to establish himself as a true superstar.
68. Juraj Slafkovsky, LW, Montreal Canadiens (Last Year: NR)
Slafkovsky took a massive stride this past season, establishing himself as somebody capable of driving his own line while still complementing other skill players in a secondary role.
69. Filip Forsberg, LW, Nashville Predators (Last Year: 58)
Forsberg is a great bet to flirt with the 40-goal mark every season, but he's on the wrong side of 30 now and hasn't proven to be capable of impacting winning at a high level throughout his career.
70. Jesper Bratt, LW, New Jersey Devils (Last Year: 51)
Bratt is a smooth skater who can execute a highlight-reel play as well as anybody, but he's sometimes too unselfish for his own good.
71. Cutter Gauthier, LW, Anaheim Ducks (Last Year: NR)
Gauthier put forth a spectacular young power forward season, showcasing a mix of goalscoring and physicality that has intriguing potential for this coming year.
72. Brock Faber, D, Minnesota Wild (Last Year: 80)
Faber is the type of defenseman that fans love: hard-working, skilled, and big. He is the perfect complement to Quinn Hughes, but I'm skeptical that he can be a #1 guy on his own.
73. Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Carolina Hurricanes (Last Year: 64)
My favourite non-Leaf got a Cup before any of the Leafs and he was a big contributor to the champions with his playmaking expertise.
74. Kirill Marchenko, RW, Columbus Blue Jackets (Last Year: 87)
Marchenko is a bull in a china shop; he plays with an aggressiveness that is thrilling to watch every night.
75. Jeremy Swayman, G, Boston Bruins (Last Year: HM)
Swayman got back to his best form in 2025-26 and led the Bruins to an incredibly unprecedented postseason berth.
76. Jakob Chychrun, D, Washington Capitals (Last Year: NR)
Chychrun is a frightening downhill attacker with a dangerous release that he employs to great effect.
77. Mathew Barzal, C, New York Islanders (Last Year: 71)
Barzal had a solid year in 2025-26, showing off his skill, yet he only put up 72 points.
78. Alex DeBrincat, LW, Detroit Red Wings (Last Year: NR)
Like Caufield, DeBrincat is a mini dynamo that will fill the net with ease regardless of his frame.
79. Adrian Kempe, RW, Los Angeles Kings (Last Year: 67)
Kempe is an electric factory; very few players are as fun as the Swede when he bursts into stride down the wing.
80. Esa Lindell, D, Dallas Stars (Last Year: NR)
Lindell is a great shutdown defenseman that doesn't get his flowers due to a lack of eye-catching offensive numbers.
81. Roope Hintz, C, Dallas Stars (Last Year: 63)
Hintz struggled again, particularly with injuries, last year, which leaves some warranted skepticism if he can ever reach his previous high level again.
82. Tom Wilson, RW, Washington Capitals (Last Year: 94)
Wilson is a Hall-of-Fame agitator, but he has become quite good at filling the net in recent years.
83. J.J. Moser, D, Tampa Bay Lightning (Last Year: NR)
The unsung hero of the Lightning machine is Moser, an aggressive defender who swallows up difficult matchups for fun.
84. Thomas Harley, D, Dallas Stars (Last Year: 49)
It was a big regression year for Harley, a player with all the talent in the world but who can't seem to create off the rush as much as he could.
85. Anthony Cirelli, C, Tampa Bay Lightning (Last Year: 78)
The spitting image of consistency, Cirelli is one of the best defensive centers and penalty killers in the entire NHL.
86. K'Andre Miller, D, Carolina Hurricanes (Last Year: NR)
Miller was unbelievable during Carolina's Cup run, taking on difficult matchups and minutes every night.
87. Bo Horvat, C, New York Islanders (Last Year: HM)
Horvat enjoyed a great year and a well-deserved Team Canada berth, where he had the opportunity to showcase his speed and lethal shot.
88. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators (Last Year: 50)
Eventually, Josi will fall off a cliff, but for now, he is still a solid play-driving defenseman that pushes the pace of play up the ice through his passing.
89. Philip Broberg, D, St. Louis Blues (Last Year: NR)
Broberg is one of Edmonton's biggest regrets; in St. Louis, he has become a top-pairing defenseman that can chip in offensively thanks to his underrated vision.
90. Devon Toews, D, Colorado Avalanche (Last Year: 60)
The Toews-Makar pairing will be known as one of the most effective of its era, and Toews' willingness to do the dirty work for his partner is a big part of their reputation.
91. Noah Dobson, D, Montreal Canadiens (Last Year: 85)
Dobson is a flawed, albeit immensely talented, defenseman that can break open a game with his world-class shot.
92. Jake Oettinger, G, Dallas Stars (Last Year: 54)
There aren't many goalies that can guarantee consistently solid performances; Oettinger is one of the rare ones that is capable of chugging out decent numbers every season.
93. Logan Stankoven, C, Carolina Hurricanes (Last Year: NR)
Stankoven had his star turn in the playoffs, but he has realistically been a very effective player at this level for a long time before that.
94. Simon Edvinsson, D, Detroit Red Wings (Last Year: NR)
Still unsigned, Edvinsson is Seider-lite: a big, mobile defenseman with range and underrated puck-moving chops.
95. Quinton Byfield, C, Los Angeles Kings (Last Year: 74)
Byfield needs to establish himself as a star, especially after Anze Kopitar's retirement; he has the defensive nous to do so.
96. Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Minnesota Wild (Last Year: 86)
Eriksson Ek falls into a similar vein to Cirelli: predictably solid centers that take on tough minutes to help their team.
97. Brandt Clarke, D, Los Angeles Kings (Last Year: NR)
This might be fairly controversial, but Clarke is a play-driving machine that does far more good than the average fan admits, even if his harmful mistakes are sometimes a sucker-punch.
98. Ivan Demidov, RW, Montreal Canadiens (Last Year: NR)
Demidov has the playmaking ability to fly up this list as soon as next season.
99. Jesper Wallstedt, G, Minnesota Wild (Last Year: NR)
"The Wall of St. Paul" was a stud in his first season between the pipes; there's no telling what he can do with more experience.
100. Filip Hronek, D, Vancouver Canucks (Last Year: NR)
On a miserable Canucks team, Hronek deserves worlds of credit for defending well and providing a threat as the point man on the team's power play.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: LW Alexis Lafrenière (New York Rangers), LW Zach Benson (Buffalo Sabres), LW Dylan Holloway (St. Louis Blues), LW Matthew Knies (Toronto Maple Leafs), C Ryan O'Reilly (Nashville Predators), C Shane Pinto (Ottawa Senators), C Nick Schmaltz (Utah Mammoth), C Sam Bennett (Florida Panthers), C Adam Fantilli (Columbus Blue Jackets), RW Andrei Svechnikov (Carolina Hurricanes), RW Alex Tuch (Washington Capitals), RW Pavel Dorofeyev (New York Rangers), D Seth Jones (Florida Panthers), D Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning), D Darren Raddysh (Toronto Maple Leafs), G Jet Greaves (Columbus Blue Jackets), G Dustin Wolf (Calgary Flames)
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