Who’s ready for some hockey action and the biggest hockey players? As the air turns cooler and crisper, the ice is about to heat up—the NHL regular season kicks off this week! All 32 teams are gearing up to chase the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup.
Last season was one for the history books. Fans witnessed the Vegas Golden Knights claim their first-ever championship, while records were shattered, careers reignited, and rising stars took the spotlight. The league’s younger talents—like Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, and Jason Robertson—are leading the charge, while superstar Connor McDavid continues to leave jaws on the floor with his mind-blowing performances.
This season, the competition is fiercer than ever, with plenty of roster shakeups among the league’s top players. So, where does your favorite star rank heading into 2023-24? Let’s dive into the NHL’s Top biggest hockey players!
NHL’s Top Biggest Hockey Players
1. Connor McDavid, C, Oilers
There’s no debate—McDavid is on another planet. He’s the best player in the world, and it’s not even close. Last year, he stunned everyone with 60 goals and 150 points, becoming the first player in 27 years to hit that milestone. And honestly? No one would be surprised if he somehow tops it this season.
2. Nathan MacKinnon, C, Avalanche
Nobody brings the fire like Nate Dogg. MacKinnon has the speed, shot, silky hands, and unmatched intensity that make him a thrill to watch. Fresh off a career-best 111 points last season, he’s poised for another massive year. Imagine what he’ll do at full health—he’s been delivering point-per-game performances for six straight seasons!
3. Cale Makar, D, Avalanche
Cale Makar is redefining what it means to be an elite defenseman. If not for injuries that kept him out of 22 games last year, he might’ve been a back-to-back Norris Trophy winner. Even so, Makar enters the season as the league’s best defenseman, racking up 66 points and a rare point-per-game average (1.10) for a blue-liner. When healthy, his dominance is unmatched.
Hockey fans—buckle up. It’s going to be an electrifying season!
4. Leon Draisaitl, C, Oilers
The ultimate sidekick to McDavid’s superhero, Draisaitl is far more than just “Robin.” On 30 other teams, he’d be the star. The German dynamo lit up the league last season with 52 goals and a career-best 128 points, marking his third 50-goal season and fourth 100-point campaign. Known as the NHL’s best passer, Draisaitl’s playmaking is pure magic, dishing out assists with a slickness that keeps defenders guessing.
5. Auston Matthews, C, Maple Leafs
From the league’s best passer to its best pure sniper, Matthews is a lethal goal-scoring machine. While last season saw him drop from 60 goals to 40 and 106 points to 85, don’t let that fool you—his release remains unmatched, making him a scoring threat from anywhere. On top of his offense, Matthews has stepped up defensively and at the faceoff dot, evolving into a complete superstar for Toronto.
6. David Pastrnak, RW, Bruins
When it comes to rivaling Matthews and McDavid for the Rocket Richard Trophy, Pastrnak is right there. “Pasta” cooked up an incredible 61-goal, 113-point season in 2022-23, proving he doesn’t need help from linemates like Marchand or Bergeron to shine. His deadly one-timer from the circle is one of the most feared weapons in hockey, making him one of the league’s most electrifying goal scorers.
7. Nikita Kucherov, RW, Lightning
Kucherov reminded everyone last season why he’s one of the league’s elite playmakers. With 113 points and 83 assists, the Lightning star was one of only two players to notch 80+ helpers (the other being McDavid). His vision and passing put him consistently among the NHL’s assist leaders, making him a cornerstone of Tampa Bay’s offensive engine.
8. Matthew Tkachuk, LW, Panthers
Tkachuk is hockey’s unicorn. He blends size, grit, and swagger with some of the smoothest hands in the NHL. After joining the Panthers last summer, he became the heart and soul of the franchise, racking up his second straight 100-point season. And let’s not forget his clutch playoff heroics, which cemented his status as one of the league’s most unique and impactful players.
9. Sidney Crosby, C, Penguins
Has Crosby become underrated? In a league brimming with young stars, the Penguins’ captain remains one of the most reliable performers in the game. Fully healthy last season, the 36-year-old posted 93 points and proved he’s still an elite two-way force. After missing the playoffs for the first time since his rookie year, expect a hungry—and dangerous—Crosby to lead Pittsburgh this season.
10. Mikko Rantanen, RW, Avalanche
With Colorado’s stars dropping like flies last season, Rantanen carried the load and then some. The Finnish power forward exploded for 55 goals and 105 points, his first 50-goal and 100-point season, keeping the Avalanche afloat during a tough year. Sixth in MVP voting? Honestly, that didn’t do justice to his incredible performance.
11. Jack Hughes, C, Devils
Hughes is the NHL’s next superstar—if he’s not there already. The 2019 No. 1 pick came into his own last season, finishing just shy of 100 points while leading the Devils to a surprising second-place finish in the Metro. At just 22 years old, his poise, dazzling hands, and elite skating make him one of the most exciting players to watch.
12. Jason Robertson, LW, Stars
Robertson still doesn’t get the credit he deserves for dominating with the Stars. The 24-year-old followed up his first 40-goal season with another, cracking the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. Alongside Roope Hintz and Joe Pavelski, Robertson is part of the most dangerous forward line in hockey, blending speed, smarts, and skill with ease.
13. Adam Fox, D, Rangers
Fox is a masterclass in all-around defense. A shutdown force on the Rangers’ blue line, he’s also an elite passer with a sky-high hockey IQ. The 2021 Norris Trophy winner finished second in voting for the award last season, but it’s hard to imagine he won’t claim another before his career ends. Fox does it all, and he does it with brilliance.
