List of the Best NHL Top 30 Players – Ranked
The NHL Network has revealed its highly anticipated rankings of the top 50 players, showcasing the elite talent shaping the league right now. In this article, we look at those ranked 30 through 1, highlighting the biggest stars who define the modern game. From veteran legends to young superstars, these names are at the very top of hockey’s hierarchy.
30. J.T. Miller – Vancouver Canucks
J.T. Miller reached the 100-point milestone for the first time in his career at age 31, proving his late prime is something special. With 103 points and key playoff contributions, he has become the heartbeat of Vancouver’s offense.
29. William Nylander – Toronto Maple Leafs
William Nylander cemented his reputation as a reliable scorer with another 40-goal, near-100 point season. His consistency, especially on the power play, has made him one of Toronto’s most important weapons.
28. Elias Pettersson – Vancouver Canucks
Elias Pettersson combined offensive excellence with improved physical play, producing 89 points and a career-best 125 hits. After signing an eight-year extension, he remains the Canucks’ franchise cornerstone.
Read also: The 35 Greatest Central Midfielders in Football Since 1990 - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
27. Adam Fox – New York Rangers
Adam Fox once again proved his elite status with 73 points from the blue line while playing heavy minutes in all situations. A former Norris winner, he continues to rank among the game’s top defensemen.
26. Charlie McAvoy – Boston Bruins
Charlie McAvoy excelled as Boston’s defensive leader, setting career highs in blocked shots and hits while averaging nearly 25 minutes per game. His two-way reliability makes him one of the NHL’s most complete defensemen.
25. Kirill Kaprizov – Minnesota Wild
Kirill Kaprizov dazzled once again, posting 96 points with 46 goals. His creativity and scoring touch have given Minnesota its first true superstar in years, with three straight 40-goal seasons.
24. Andrei Vasilevskiy – Tampa Bay Lightning
Andrei Vasilevskiy bounced back from back surgery to post another 30-win season. The former Vezina winner and Conn Smythe recipient remains the backbone of Tampa Bay’s championship core.
Read also: List of the Highest-Paid XI in Europe Right Now
23. Jason Robertson – Dallas Stars
Jason Robertson’s 80-point season may have been a step down from his previous year, but he still led Dallas in assists and shots. His playoff impact showed he remains one of the Stars’ top offensive threats.
22. Connor Hellebuyck – Winnipeg Jets
Connor Hellebuyck reaffirmed his place as one of the league’s premier goaltenders by winning 37 games with a .921 save percentage. His steady play helped Winnipeg finish with the NHL’s best defensive record.
21. Gustav Forsling – Florida Panthers
Gustav Forsling became a key figure for the Stanley Cup–winning Panthers, finishing with the league’s best plus/minus at plus-56. His shutdown ability and playoff consistency elevated him into stardom.
20. Jack Hughes – New Jersey Devils
Jack Hughes battled injuries but still managed 74 points in just 62 games. His creativity and speed make him the Devils’ offensive engine, and a healthy Hughes looks poised for even greater success.
Read also: The 50 Most Valuable Football Clubs in the World in 2025 - Ranked from Lowest to Highest
19. Miro Heiskanen – Dallas Stars
Miro Heiskanen showed once again why he is among the league’s top defensemen, averaging over 24 minutes a game and producing 54 points. His steady play in the postseason highlighted his all-around excellence.
18. Roman Josi – Nashville Predators
Roman Josi led all defensemen in goals with 23 and ranked near the top in points with 85. The 2019-20 Norris winner remains one of the most dynamic and reliable blueliners in the NHL.
17. Jack Eichel – Vegas Golden Knights
Jack Eichel delivered another strong season with 68 points and added playoff production for Vegas. After winning the Stanley Cup in 2023, he continues to be the centerpiece of the Golden Knights’ attack.
16. Brayden Point – Tampa Bay Lightning
Brayden Point scored 46 goals and 90 points, proving once again his consistency as an elite center. With two Stanley Cups to his name, he continues to thrive as one of Tampa Bay’s top scorers.
Read also: List of the Biggest Transfers This Summer - Ranked
15. Artemi Panarin – New York Rangers
Artemi Panarin had a career year with 49 goals and 120 points, elevating his scoring game to new heights. Known for his playmaking, he now stands as one of the league’s most complete forwards.
14. David Pastrnak – Boston Bruins
David Pastrnak followed up a 61-goal season with 47 goals and 110 points. A constant offensive threat, he remains Boston’s most dangerous forward and one of the NHL’s top goal scorers.
13. Mikko Rantanen – Colorado Avalanche
Mikko Rantanen continued his dominant scoring run with 42 goals and 104 points. His combination of size and skill makes him one of the toughest forwards in the league to defend.
12. Victor Hedman – Tampa Bay Lightning
Victor Hedman quietly delivered 76 points while logging heavy minutes at age 33. A former Norris and Conn Smythe winner, he remains the backbone of Tampa’s blue line.
Read also: Ranked: The 10 Greatest Red Bull Drivers in Formula 1 History
11. Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins
At 37, Sidney Crosby continues to defy age with a 94-point season. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest of all time, he remains the face of Pittsburgh hockey.
10. Quinn Hughes – Vancouver Canucks
Quinn Hughes led all NHL defensemen with 92 points in his first year as Vancouver’s captain. His elite skating and vision have transformed him into one of the league’s best blueliners.
9. Matthew Tkachuk – Florida Panthers
Matthew Tkachuk powered Florida to back-to-back Cup Final appearances, finishing with 88 points and 22 more in the playoffs. His gritty yet skillful game makes him a perfect playoff performer.
8. Aleksander Barkov – Florida Panthers
Aleksander Barkov became the first Finnish captain to lift the Stanley Cup, adding to his legacy as Florida’s all-time great. His two-way dominance and leadership were vital in the Panthers’ first championship.
7. Nikita Kucherov – Tampa Bay Lightning
Nikita Kucherov lit up the league with a career-high 144 points, leading the NHL in scoring. With 100 assists, he joined legends like Wayne Gretzky in rewriting the record books.
6. Igor Shesterkin – New York Rangers
Igor Shesterkin stood tall with 36 wins and an impressive postseason performance. The 2022 Vezina winner has quickly established himself as the best goaltender in the game.
5. Leon Draisaitl – Edmonton Oilers
Leon Draisaitl scored 106 points in the regular season and another 31 in the playoffs. A consistent powerhouse, he ranks among the league’s top scorers year after year.
4. Cale Makar – Colorado Avalanche
Cale Makar posted 90 points as a defenseman, showcasing his rare blend of offense and defensive reliability. Already a Norris and Conn Smythe winner, he is redefining what a defenseman can be.
3. Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs
Auston Matthews became the first player since Mario Lemieux to score 69 goals in a season. With two 60-goal campaigns under his belt, he is the NHL’s premier goal scorer.
2. Nathan MacKinnon – Colorado Avalanche
Nathan MacKinnon captured the Hart Trophy with 140 points, including a historic 35-game home point streak. His speed, power, and leadership continue to push Colorado toward greatness.
1. Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid finished with 132 points and led the playoffs with 42 more, winning the Conn Smythe despite falling in the Final. The best player in hockey today, his unmatched vision and speed keep him in a league of his own.
