NHL Rank 2025-26: Connor McDavid Leads ESPN's Top 100 Players List

Connor McDavid continues his dominance as the NHL's premier player, securing the No. 1 spot in ESPN's 2025-26 player rankings for the fifth consecutive season. The Edmonton Oilers captain remains the undisputed best player in the world, according to the comprehensive evaluation by ESPN's panel of hockey experts. The rankings, which assess players based on their projected performance for the upcoming season, reveal a mix of established superstars and emerging talent across the league's 32 teams.

The Unquestioned Leader

McDavid's position at the top comes as no surprise to hockey observers. The 28-year-old center has established himself as "the best player on the planet, the best player of his generation, and could finish his career as one of the best to ever touch a puck," according to ESPN's analysis. His eight 100-point seasons and consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances with the Oilers demonstrate his consistent excellence and leadership. McDavid's objective for the 2025-26 season remains clear: leading Edmonton to its first championship since 1990.

Top Contenders and Rising Stars

Following McDavid in the rankings are Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar at No. 2 and his teammate Nathan MacKinnon at No. 3. Makar, the two-time Norris Trophy winner, is recognized as a complete defenseman trusted "to drive play in every scenario." MacKinnon, meanwhile, brings a unique combination of "control, power, speed and unpredictability" that makes any team he plays for a serious threat. Both players have the opportunity to achieve rare feats this season, with potential gold medals at the Olympics and Stanley Cup championships on the line.

Team Representation and Trends

The Dallas Stars lead all organizations with seven players in the top 100, showcasing their depth and championship-caliber roster. The defending champion Florida Panthers placed six players despite facing significant injuries, including captain Aleksander Barkov, who is expected to miss most of the regular season. The rankings also highlight the continued excellence of veteran players like Sidney Crosby (No. 21) and Alex Ovechkin (No. 29), who continue to perform at elite levels despite their advanced ages.

The evaluation process placed emphasis on players' value for the coming season, which explains why some injured players ranked lower than they might otherwise. This approach provides a more accurate reflection of each player's immediate impact on their team's success. The panel considered factors including offensive production, defensive responsibility, leadership, and overall impact on game outcomes.

Olympic Implications

With the 2026 Winter Olympics approaching, several top-ranked players will be crucial to their national teams' medal hopes. American stars like Quinn Hughes (No. 7), Jack Eichel (No. 9), and Brady Tkachuk (No. 16) are expected to play significant roles for Team USA. Canadian players, including McDavid and MacKinnon, will be central to Canada's pursuit of gold. The international stage provides an additional motivation for many of these elite athletes as they prepare for the NHL season.

The complete ESPN NHL Rank list provides comprehensive coverage of all 100 players, with detailed analysis of each individual's strengths, weaknesses, and projected impact for the 2025-26 season. As the NHL season progresses, these rankings will serve as a benchmark for evaluating player performance and team success throughout what promises to be an exciting campaign featuring both Stanley Cup and Olympic aspirations.