If there’s one thing we truly enjoy doing here at Bleacher Report, it’s diving into the exciting realm of ranking. Whether it’s players, teams, jerseys, or logos, we’re always on the quest to declare something as the absolute best, sparking lively debates online and in sports bars far and wide. So, today, we’re taking on a big challenge – unveiling our rankings for the top 10 players in the NHL for this season.
“But wait, how can you possibly do this so early in the season? We’re just getting started!”
Rest assured, we have a strategic approach in place. We’re considering the players’ track records significantly, much like your favorite players trying to break out of a slump. Our aim is to keep it simple, avoid overthinking, and go straight for the goal.
Furthermore, we’re steering clear of breaking it down by position to ensure we don’t inadvertently overlook deserving players simply because they might be ranked lower due to their position. These rankings are all about excellence, pure and simple. The key question is, would you want this player on your team regardless of any constraints? If money were no object, these are the 10 players you’d be passionately urging your team’s GM to sign without hesitation. Disagree with our picks? Join the conversation in the comments section below.
10. Ilya Sorokin, Goalie, New York Islanders
Watching Ilya Sorokin’s emergence in goal for the New York Islanders has truly been a sight to behold. Coming all the way from Russia with an impressive résumé, Sorokin quickly proved to the Islanders’ faithful that the buzz surrounding him was not just hype – it was an understatement of his talent between the pipes.
As he enters his fourth season with the team, Sorokin’s performance speaks volumes. With an impressive 17 shutouts and a stellar .923 save percentage over 144 games, his stats are nothing short of remarkable. These numbers harken back to a time when goaltenders reigned supreme in an era of low-scoring games.
In today’s NHL, where offense is more prevalent than ever, Sorokin’s ability to thwart opposing shooters is truly exceptional. He has solidified his role as the Islanders’ undisputed number one goalie, a position he is likely to hold for the foreseeable future. Having a player of Sorokin’s caliber guarding the net undoubtedly eases the minds of the team’s management and coaching staff, knowing they have one of the league’s elite goalies as their last line of defense.
9. Juuse Saros, Goalie, Nashville Predators
What’s truly remarkable about Saros’ ascent in Nashville is the seamless transition he made following the retirement of the renowned Predators goalie, Pekka Rinne. Many players would have found it daunting to emerge from Rinne’s shadow, but Saros not only stepped up but excelled in the starting role.
Transforming from a top-tier backup in the NHL to an elite-level starter seemed effortless for Saros. Throughout his career, he has maintained a remarkable .919 save percentage and secured 21 shutouts in nearly 300 games played. Impressively, in the last three years, he clinched sixth, third, and fourth place in Vezina voting, with his latest season possibly marking his most outstanding performance yet.
Saros played a pivotal role in steering the Predators back into the playoff contention amid significant setbacks from injuries and trades. His record-breaking 33-23-7, paired with a .919 save percentage, while facing the highest number of shots in the league, underscored his resilience and skill on the ice. At 28 years old, considering the goalie aging curve, it’s evident that Saros is just scratching the surface of his potential as one of the league’s top players.
8. Mitch Marner, Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs
Every player who wears the blue and white jersey in Toronto faces an immense amount of scrutiny, but Mitchell Marner has encountered it in a unique way. Despite the pressure, he has excelled to become one of the NHL’s top scorers and a standout defender.
With a career scoring rate of 1.1 points per game, Marner has honed his goal-scoring abilities over the last two seasons to complement his exceptional playmaking skills. Achieving over 90 points in three of the last five seasons, even during the pandemic-affected years, he amassed impressive totals of 67 points in both 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. Notably, his 65 goals in the past two seasons demonstrate his growing confidence in his shooting abilities, although playing alongside Auston Matthews means competition for goal-scoring opportunities.
Marner’s evolution into a stellar two-way player sets him apart in the league. Players who can score 90 points while effectively shutting down opposing top scorers are a rarity in the NHL, solidifying Marner’s status as one of the league’s best players.
7. Leon Draisaitl, Forward, Edmonton Oilers
People absolutely love goals, and let’s talk about Draisaitl – he’s a pro at scoring and creating them. The Oilers having two top-tier offensive weapons might seem unfair, especially with Draisaitl’s power play prowess. Seriously, opponents dread taking a penalty against them!
Draisaitl scored a whopping 107 goals in the last two seasons, with 56 on the power play – including an incredible 32 last season alone. The fact that he scored way more on power plays than at even strength (19) is mind-blowing. But hey, Draisaitl isn’t just about power plays – he’s a force to be reckoned with on the ice. He’s hit 100 points four times in his career, reaching a high of 128 last season, right behind his teammate Connor McDavid in the scoring race.
Players like Draisaitl are seriously rare gems, especially in today’s high-scoring NHL.
6. David Pastrnak, Forward, Boston Bruins
When it comes to goal scorers, Pastrnak has turned putting the puck in the net into an art form in Boston! Since 2016-2017, he’s been the goal-scoring powerhouse the Bruins have craved.
Over the past seven seasons, Pastrnak has notched 34+ goals in six of them, hitting 40+ twice. His career-high 61 goals last season only trailed McDavid’s 64 for the Rocket Richard Trophy.
Pastrnak’s goal-scoring finesse landed him second in MVP voting last season, propelling the Bruins to the Presidents’ Trophy. His knack for finding the back of the net isn’t just for show; he’s a team player, racking up 119 points last year. Players like Pastrnak are rare gems, with his consistent goal-scoring ability setting him apart in the league.
5. Cale Makar, Defenseman, Colorado Avalanche
It speaks volumes about Makar’s exceptional skills that there was controversy surrounding his third-place finish in Norris voting last season, especially considering he missed 22 games due to injury. Despite the setback, his remarkable performance in the 60 games he did play, where he tallied 17 goals and 66 points, showcased his talent and dedication. This recognition underscores the immense respect he has garnered since his debut in the league during the 2019 playoffs.
Within his first 250 games, Makar has amassed an impressive 261 points, highlighting his consistency and impact on the ice. Two seasons ago, his remarkable achievement of 28 goals and 86 points led to his well-deserved win of the Norris Trophy. Additionally, he clinched the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs’ MVP while crucially contributing to the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup victory.
Makar’s rapid ascent in the league and his transformative effect on defensive play have been nothing short of remarkable. His skill set and abilities have reshaped the approach that teams and coaching staffs take towards defensemen, particularly in the offensive zone. Many teams now seek to replicate Makar’s success with a more aggressive defense strategy, yet the undeniable truth remains – there is only one Makar.
4. Matthew Tkachuk, Forward, Florida Panthers
Tkachuk’s not just about the points; he’s a force on and off the ice. His grit, teamwork, and game-changing plays set him apart. Scoring over 100 points in consecutive seasons and hitting 30+ goals thrice, with two 40+ goal seasons, he’s a standout. A true throwback to his father Keith’s style, he’s bold around the net, unafraid to battle for pucks and challenge opponents. Leading the Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final last year showcases his impact. Love him or hate him, he’s undeniably elite.
3. Nathan MacKinnon, Center, Colorado Avalanche
It can be oddly easy to forget about Nathan MacKinnon sometimes, and that’s really weird to say about one of the best players in the league. Over the past six seasons, MacKinnon has not only showcased his exceptional skills on the ice but has also been a driving force behind the Colorado Avalanche’s success. With 553 points amassed in 409 games, he stands out as one of the most prolific scorers in the NHL. His speed and agility make him a formidable opponent on the rink, leaving spectators in awe of his talent.
MacKinnon’s ability to make plays and score goals not only sets him apart from his peers but also elevates the performance of his teammates. His strategic moves and knack for finding the net demonstrate a level of skill that is unparalleled. Whether he’s maneuvering through defenses with lightning speed or setting up a teammate for a perfect shot, MacKinnon’s gameplay is nothing short of mesmerizing. Moreover, his physical presence and determination to dominate the game exemplify his dedication to excellence.
In the realm of the NHL, Nathan MacKinnon embodies the modern ideal of a top-tier player with his well-rounded skill set and unwavering commitment to success.
2. Auston Matthews, Center, Toronto Maple Leafs
It’s just amazing to watch Matthews play, right? But man, it’s kind of mind-boggling to see Toronto struggle in the postseason. I mean, Matthews is a total goal-scoring wizard! When he’s on his game, he’s like the most unstoppable player in the NHL.
The way he moves on the ice with his size, speed, and skills is unreal. He can shoot from anywhere and snag those loose pucks around the net. Plus, he’s got that knack for tipping shots past the goalies.
And get this – he’s never scored less than 34 goals in a season, pandemic or not. The guy has hit 40-plus goals four times, and remember when he topped the NHL with 60 goals? Last year, in the shortened season, he nailed 41 goals in just 52 games to grab the Rocket Richard. All he does is rack up those goals and points. Now that he’s 26, it feels like we’re in for some of his best years yet.
1. Connor McDavid, Center, Edmonton Oilers
Who else was going to be No. 1?
McDavid is undeniably a once-in-a-generation talent, a rare gem in a realm where such accolades are too liberally bestowed. Among the select few players whose pre-NHL hype was substantiated, his career statistics speak volumes – averaging nearly 1.5 points per game, clinching the MVP title thrice by the age of 26, and achieving the remarkable feat of scoring 100 or more points six times within his first eight seasons. The 2019-2020 season saw him narrowly miss the mark due to the pandemic-induced truncation, while an injury setback in his rookie year deprived him of the Calder trophy.
What truly sets McDavid apart is his seemingly effortless prowess on the ice, effortlessly maneuvering past opponents to create scoring opportunities. A force to be reckoned with, his mere presence on the rink often spells doom for opponents, with penalties against the Oilers almost guaranteeing a goal – a testament to his unmatched skill set. Despite facing challenges this year, McDavid’s dominance continues to soar as the game evolves, showcasing his ability to dictate the course of a match. Surpassing his own records, like the 64 goals and 153 points achieved last season, boggles the mind, hinting at even greater heights he could reach. In a league teeming with exceptional talent, McDavid’s unparalleled abilities firmly establish him in a league of his own.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced, physical world of the NHL, the players listed above have not only stood out but have redefined excellence on the ice. From Cale Makar’s reimagining of the defenseman role to Connor McDavid’s unparalleled skills and achievements, these athletes have elevated the game to new heights. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and a level of dedication that young aspiring athletes can look up to. Their impacts extend beyond just their teams, influencing the sport as a whole and setting new benchmarks for what it means to be considered among the best in hockey. The legacy they are currently forging is not just about the records they set or the trophies they win, but about inspiring the next generation to dream big, work hard, and maybe, one day, rewrite the records books themselves.
