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NHL Rank: Predictions for the top 100 players for 2026-27

ByESPN Staff ESPN logo

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 10:12AM

It takes more than one elite player to win the Stanley Cup. Last year's finalists -- the Carolina Hurricanes and theVegas Golden Knights -- had four and three such players, respectively, in our 2025-26 player rankings.

We asked a panel of ESPN broadcasters, analysts, reporters and editors to rate players based on how good they will be this season as compared with their peers. Emphasis was placed on their value for this coming season, which explains why players who are out injured (but expected to return) might be lower than if they were healthy now.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens lead the way with six players apiece in this year's top 100. Three teams -- the Calgary Flames, Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks -- didn't land anyone on the list.

As for individuals, Connor McDavid continued his reign as the top vote-getter, holding down the No. 1 spot again, as he did for 2025-26 and 2024-25 and 2023-24 and 2022-23 and 2021-22 and ... . You get the idea.

Here's the 1-100 list for 2026-27, featuring write-ups for the top 50 courtesy of ESPN reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton, Greg Wyshynski and editorial staff.

1. Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers

2025-26 rank: 1

Age: 29

There will come a day when someone overtakes McDavid as the NHL's best player. But until then, all eyes remain on the Oilers' superstar captain who is coming off his ninth 100-point season. Last season McDavid captured his sixth Art Ross as the NHL points leader, and his fifth Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player as voted upon by his peers. -- Clark

2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche

2025-26 rank: 3

Age: 31

If not for McDavid, MacKinnon -- who led the NHL in goals last season -- could be considered the most dangerous individual talent in the NHL -- and there are those who argue he might be the most terrifying figure on skates. MacKinnon's pace, power and ability to frequently generate scoring chances has made him one of the best players of his generation. -- Clark

3. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning

2025-26 rank: 5

Age: 33

Kucherov won the second Hart Trophy of his career after another 100-plus point season in which he attacked opponents in different ways. The 500-goal club is within reach in the coming seasons as he began the campaign at 401; his 86 assists in 2025-26 marked his fourth straight season of more than 80 helpers. -- Clark

4. Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks

2025-26 rank: 51

Age: 20

Celebrini is living up to being the No. 1 pick and franchise cornerstone for San Jose. He scored 45 goals and finished with 115 points in his second NHL season while also handling the defensive demands of being a top-line center. Now the aim for Celebrini in his first season as Sharks captain is to guide his team to the playoffs. -- Clark

5. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche

2025-26 rank: 2

Age: 27

Cale Makar is everything that teams are seeking in today's game as it relates to a defenseman. He can log heavy minutes in every sequence. He can create for himself and others while doing it with the sort of skating that few throughout the game can rival. This is why he signed a contract extension this offseason that will make him the highest-paid player in the game at $20.4 million annually starting in 2027-28. -- Clark

6. Leon Draisaitl, C, Edmonton Oilers

2025-26 rank: 4

Age: 31

Draisaitl is the definition of a "complete package" -- he has the size (6-foot-2) and strength of a premier puck-protecting power forward, with the speed, playmaking ability and lethal one-timer that makes him a veritable superstar in every corner of the ice. The Oilers might have McDavid too, but Draisaitl is otherworldly in his own ways, and his contributions give Edmonton the perfect one-two punch with a pair of elite talents to run the offense. -- Shilton

7. Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets

2025-26 rank: 41

Age: 29

Werenski's first Norris Trophy in 2026 was a long time coming. Columbus' cornerstone defenseman excels in all situations, from carrying the Blue Jackets at even strength to quarterbacking their power play. His talents include elite skating and puck-moving ability, with top-tier offensive production (including 80-plus points the past two seasons). Werenski is a multidimensional blueliner who can break seamlessly out of his own zone and transition right into doing his damage at the other end. -- Shilton

8. David Pastrnak, RW, Boston Bruins

2025-26 rank: 11

Age: 30

The Bruins' new captain is a foundational piece of their offensive attack for all the right reasons. Pastrnak's versatility as both an electrifying playmaker and first-rate sniper (with arguably one of the league's best wrist shots) makes him a dynamic threat up front. He has generated four straight 100-point seasons, and his 71 assists in 70 games last season show how vital Pastrnak is in setting up his teammates too. -- Shilton

9. Quinn Hughes, D, Minnesota Wild

2025-26 rank: 7

Age: 27

Attention follows Hughes, and last season was no different. There was the blockbuster trade to the Wild. That was followed by his exploits at the Olympics, helping the U.S. win its first men's ice hockey gold since 1980. He followed that up by helping the Wild advance to the second round of the playoffs. Amid ongoing speculation about his future, he's a big part of why Minnesota is challenging the West's top powers. -- Clark

10. Kirill Kaprizov, LW, Minnesota Wild

2025-26 rank: 15

Age: 29

The Wild winger might not have the NHL's most expensive cap hit anymore, but he has proved his worth with four 40-goal campaigns in the past five seasons. -- Wyshynski

11. Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

2025-26 rank: 8

Age: 29

The Leafs' captain has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, and that has taken one of the NHL's truly A-list centers out of action. Matthews is a formidable two-way skater wielding his 6-3 frame to say strong on pucks -- and get shots off with a devastatingly quick wrister. He's a 60-goal scoring, multiaward-winning player, with the vision and defensive assets to be an all-around contributor on the Leafs' offensive front. -- Shilton

12. Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights

2025-26 rank: 9

Age: 30

While Eichel lost a power-play partner in new Rangers winger Pavel Dorofeyev, he remains an elite point-producing center in the West with a still-underrated defensive game. -- Wyshynski

13. Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils

2025-26 rank: 36

Age: 25

Hughes is undeniably dynamic in every facet of his game. His skating and east-west mobility helps drive the Devils' attack, he has the creativity to avoid pressure and find the back of the net, and he can draw opponents in to open up the ice for his linemates. Whether ducking as a decoy or doing the dirty work himself, Hughes is the game-breaking talent every team hopes to have on its top line. -- Shilton

14. Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning

2025-26 rank: 12

Age: 32

Several items have led to Vasilevskiy being one of the greatest players of his generation. Consistency is the primary one, as he recorded his ninth straight season of more than 30 wins in 2025-26. Those performances helped earn the Lightning another playoff berth and helped him win the second Vezina Trophy of his career. -- Clark

15. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Dallas Stars

2025-26 rank: 10

Age: 30

Injuries hampered Rantanen's 2025-26 campaign, which was likely a contributing factor to him falling outside the top 10. But when healthy? The hulking playmaking winger is one of the best in the game. -- Clark

16. Matthew Schaefer, D, New York Islanders

2025-26 rank: Not ranked

Age: 19

Too much, too soon? The rookie of the year breaking into the top 20 might be controversial to some, but it speaks directly to the scoring impact Schaefer had last season and will have this season for the Isles. -- Wyshynski

17. Matt Boldy, LW, Minnesota Wild

2025-26 rank: 53

Age: 25

Boldy is a true chameleon. His intimidating size is complemented by smooth skating and slick hands that helped him score 42 goals and 85 points in 76 games last season. Boldly is intelligent, creative and as comfortable making plays as he is lighting the lamp. There's a shiftiness to Boldy's game that's underrated, and his sneaky-good release can easily fool even the most established goaltenders.-- Shilton

18. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres

2025-26 rank: 60

Age: 26

Dahlin is a prototypical two-way defenseman that every team in the league wants on its top pairing. In his own end, Dahlin quickly retrieves pucks, orchestrates breakouts and reduces chances against to get Buffalo going back the other way. And he'll be in the mix when they get there -- he's the Sabres' best playmaker from the blue line, and his controlled entries consistently set Buffalo up for success. Plus, Dahlin is not afraid to throw his body around, either. -- Shilton

19. Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens

2025-26 rank: 70

Age: 27

There is no shortage of factors when it comes to why the Canadiens look as if they can be the East's next great long-standing power. Suzuki is one of them. His status as a two-way star was further elevated after he finished with his first 100-point season while winning the Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward. -- Clark

20. Jason Robertson, LW, Dallas Stars

2025-26 rank: 19

Age: 27

Whether it's at even strength or on the power play, Robertson is going to get his goals or make sure a teammate does. His 45-goal, 51-assist season in 2025-26 reaffirmed his place as a dynamic winger who can cause problems in a variety of ways. -- Clark

21. Mitch Marner, RW, Vegas Golden Knights

2025-26 rank: 18

Age: 29

Blink and you risk missing Marner skate right on through toward the net. That's where Vegas' top-line winger is usually headed, puck on his stick, ready to use his superior playmaking to tee up a teammate with the perfect tape-to-tape pass. Marner's vision lets him see what others miss and that's pockets of open space to shoot from, passes to break up and rushes to interrupt. Marner is frequently in the Selke conversation because of how good he is on the attack and in defensive zone protection.-- Shilton

22. Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets

2025-26 rank: 6

Age: 33

Hellebuyck had a mixed year in 2025-26. The then-reigning Hart and Vezina winner guided the U.S. men's team to an Olympic gold. But he finished the NHL season with the lowest save percentage of his career, at .895. Now there are questions about his future as Hellebuyck didn't show for training camp after he publicly declaring he wants to leave Winnipeg. -- Clark

23. Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins

2025-26 rank: 21

Age: 39

Forever known as "The Kid," Crosby has continued to be a two-way ageless wonder who sets a standard many centers continue to follow today. This might be the easiest way to describe just how strong Crosby still is at this stage of his career. -- Clark

24. Martin Necas, C, Colorado Avalanche

2025-26 rank: 63

Age: 27

Necas signed an eight-year extension last October then cooked with the first 100-point season of his career, including a career-high 38 goals. The Avs expect more of the same this season. -- Wyshynski

25. Cole Caufield, RW, Montreal Canadiens

2025-26 rank: 39

Age: 25

Caufield plays with the fearlessness of a player twice his size. At5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, he is elusive, fast and built for high-pressure moments. Every time Caufield corrals a puck, there's an opportunity to do damage. The Canadiens' winger doesn't need much time or space to light up a goaltender; he is devious from down low and gets the puck off his stick with speed from tight quarters. Caufield will continue to be a cornerstone of Montreal's offensive success. -- Shilton

26. Mark Scheifele, C, Winnipeg Jets

2025-26 rank: 43

Age: 33

Scheifele's rise up the rankings was powered by another increase in his production. After scoring a career-high 87 points in 2024-25, he broke through for his first 100-point campaign, finishing last season with 103. -- Clark

27. Ilya Sorokin, G, New York Islanders

2025-26 rank: 66

Age: 31

It's rare for a goaltender to be his team's best player year after year. But that's Sorokin for the Islanders. He is New York's backbone and its undisputed No. 1, with 50-plus starts -- and an above-.906 save percentage -- in each of the past five seasons. Sorokin's precision makes him dangerous, with quick reflexes and recovery ability to challenge even the league's best goal scorers to find twine. Sorokin is calm and fluid and works the angles well, which helped him record the most shutouts of any goaltender last season with seven. -- Shilton

28. Kyle Connor, LW, Winnipeg Jets

2025-26 rank: 20

Age: 29

Connor finished last season with more than 90 points for the third time in his career, which was crucial to a Jets team that struggled to find depth scoring. He was one of three Winnipeg players who accounted for 46% of the team's goals. -- Clark

29. Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers

2025-26 rank: 55

Age: 26

Bouchard paced all NHL blueliners in points last season with a staggering 95-point effort. He has a strong first pass that frequently finds the Oilers' stars -- namely McDavid or Draisaitl -- on the fly and opens up rush chances for the group. His textbook stick work and puck control are assets, as well, and help balance some of the risk-reward nature that comes from the guy wielding the "Bouch Bomb" that Edmonton fans have come to love. -- Shilton

30. William Nylander, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

2025-26 rank: 26

Age: 30

They don't call him "Willy Styles" for nothing. Nylander has a unique approach on the ice that's made him a point-per-game contributor. He boasts high-end speed and elite vision, and his ability to create odd-man rushes and capitalize on them is exceptional to watch. If there's an opening to light the lamp, trust Nylander to find it or create chances for the guys out there with him. -- Shilton

31. Tage Thompson, C, Buffalo Sabres

2025-26 rank: 30

Age: 28

At 6-foot-6, Thompson is one of the most unique forwards the game has seen over the past decade. He reached the 40-goal mark for the third time in the past four seasons -- and it was instrumental in the Sabres advancing to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. -- Clark

32. Wyatt Johnston, C, Dallas Stars

2025-26 rank: 61

Age: 23

Johnston's 2025-26 campaign was the fourth straight season in which his production increased. It's possible he could make a push for the 100-point mark in 2026-27, which will be a pivotal one for the Stars. -- Clark

33. Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers

2025-26 rank: 72

Age: 28

The league's best agitating power forward practically owns Sunrise, Florida, by now. Tkachuk has been a statement-making player for the Panthers since his arrival in 2022, leaning on his signature grit and edge that can't overshadow his broad offensive talents. Tkachuk has great hands that make him dangerous in tight, and he's exceptional when the stakes are highest. Whether Florida needs a goal, a fight or a just a great pass, count of Tkachuk to be up for providing it. -- Shilton

34. Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens

2025-26 rank: 77

Age: 22

Huston is the Canadiens' No. 1 defender of the present and the future. He is deceptive with the puck, can practically see through the competition to find space to set up teammates, collapses play well in front of the net and uses an active stick to break up chances through the neutral zone. He also is a pillar on the power play, which is no surprise given how well-rounded his game has quickly become. -- Shilton

35. Igor Shesterkin, G, New York Rangers

2025-26 rank: 14

Age: 30

An all-world goalie who can carry the Rangers to the playoffs on his own, Shesterkin also was briefly tied for the team lead in goals this season. -- Wyshynski

36. Leo Carlsson, C, Anaheim Ducks

2025-26 rank: Honorable mention

Age: 21

Carlsson was on pace to set a single-season points record for the Ducks before a knee issue kept him out of the lineup -- and the Olympics for Sweden. He then made waves over the summer by signing an offer sheet with the Flyers (which the Ducks matched). Now, the two-way center is expected to have a major campaign for a team seeking a second straight playoff berth. -- Clark

37. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars

2025-26 rank: 25

Age: 27

If Heiskanen can produce points again like he did last season (63), he might finally land that Norris Trophy nomination that has eluded him. -- Wyshynski

38. Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators

2025-26 rank: 88

Age: 24

Sanderson is a do-everything D-man for Ottawa, using top-end speed and elite stick work to punish the opposition by shutting down shooting lanes, breaking up passes, getting pucks to teammates and remaining calm in every situation. It's no wonder Sanderson is on the ice so much: He makes an impact on seemingly every shift. -- Shilton

39. Clayton Keller, C, Utah Mammoth

2025-26 rank: 40

Age: 28

Keller's ability to create for himself and others is why he finished with 86-plus points in three of the past four seasons. After a playoff berth for the Mammoth last spring, what does he have in store for 2026-27? -- Clark

40. Aleksander Barkov, C, Florida Panthers

2025-26 rank: NR

Age: 31

Missing a player can be more impactful than when he is actually in the lineup. That's how last season worked for Barkov. He sustained a season-ending knee injury in the preseason and missed the entire 2025-26 campaign. A knee injury in the opening days of this campaign will keep him out for multiple weeks, and that clearly impacted his spot in these rankings. -- Clark

41. Moritz Seider, D, Detroit Red Wings

2025-26 rank: 84

Age: 25

There aren't a lot of things moving in a positive direction for Detroit, but the continued improvement of Seider as a 200-foot defenseman is one of them.-- Wyshynski

42. Tim Stutzle, LW, Ottawa Senators

2025-26 rank: 50

Age: 24

Stutzle can drive play better than anyone else with Ottawa. He has evolved into a superb two-way center by making excellent plays, thriving off the rush and generating space and chances for himself and his linemates. He powers the Senators up front with his excellent skating, smooth transitions and high-octane energy. -- Shilton

43. Connor Bedard, C, Chicago Blackhawks

2025-26 rank: 57

Age: 21

The Blackhawks' top talent is a dual threat who asserts himself in all three zones. Bedard is shifty and elusive but entirely unmissable -- not with a shot that's dangerously accurate, keen vision to find the open man and the savvy to know how and when to slow the game down and get Chicago back its edge. A shoulder injury will keep him out likely until November.-- Shilton

44. Artemi Panarin, LW, Los Angeles Kings

2025-26 rank: 38

Age: 34

Panarin will bring elements of speed and offensive creativity to a Kings roster that needs more of it. -- Wyshynski

45. Sam Reinhart, C, Florida Panthers

2025-26 rank: 13

Age: 30

Reinhart is a perennial point-per-game skater with a great one-timer and a soft-touch pass who has helped build one of the league's most consistent offensive squads. ThePanthers have a pair of Stanley Cup titles in recent years thanks in no small part to what Reinhart brings to the table. -- Shilton

46. Jake Guentzel, LW, Tampa Bay Lightning

2025-26 rank: 34

Age: 32

Whether he's rolling with Kucherov or Brandon Hagel on the other side of his line, Guentzel continues to drive offense for the Bolts. -- Wyshynski

47. Brady Tkachuk, LW, Florida Panthers

2025-26 rank: 16

Age: 27

For the first time, Tkachuk isn't burdened with being "the guy." It'll be intriguing to see how that impacts this point-per-game winger on his new team. -- Wyshynski

48. Sebastian Aho, C, Carolina Hurricanes

2025-26 rank: 28

Age: 29

Aho has been a model of consistency for the reigning Stanley Cup champs by playing around 79 games every season, mostly at a point-per-game pace. -- Wyshynski

49. Alex DeBrincat, LW, Detroit Red Wings

2025-26 rank: 59

Age: 28

The winger matched a career high with 41 goals last season. He'll be looking for more ahead of his pending free agency next summer. -- Wyshynski

50. Lucas Raymond, RW, Detroit Red Wings

2025-26 rank: 48

Age: 24

Raymond will be a key part of the next contender in Detroit, as he has scored 70-plus points across the past three seasons. And unlike some other players on the roster, it appears he likes it there too.-- ESPN Staff