Just like you saw with our top 30 defensemen, check out how our team ranks the top 30 wingers in the NHL entering the 2025-26 season. Along with the rankings, we will provide a brief explanation and reasoning for why and where each player is slotted in.
Once again, before we dive into our list, let’s start with some honorable mentions who just missed the cut. Brad Marchand, Alex DeBrincat, Alex Tuch, Timo Meier, and Bryan Rust all drew serious consideration for a spot in the top 30 but ultimately landed as runners-up. Also… Matthew Knies, Dylan Guenther, William Eklund, Aliaksei Protas, and Matvei Michkov are some up-and-coming young studs who we’re keeping an eye on to contend for a spot on this list in a year’s time. Now onto those who made it!
30. COL: Martin Necas
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | CAR/COL | 79 | 27 | 56 | 83 | +5 | 194 | 62 | 23 |
| 2023-24 | CAR | 77 | 24 | 29 | 53 | -9 | 231 | 77 | 31 |
Admittedly so, we aren’t the highest on Martin Necas. Despite that, there’s no denying he’s a very talented player and deserving of a spot as a top 30 winger in the NHL. The 2024-25 campaign was eventful for Necas, who racked up a career-high 83 points while being dealt from Carolina to Colorado midseason. He rode a red-hot start all the way through to the finish line and will look to build on his chemistry with Nathan MacKinnon in 2025-26. The speed and skill are evident the moment you lay eyes on Necas, though it’s the consistency that’s been lacking. Is he a point-per-game player or a 60-point player? Or maybe somewhere in between? Let’s see what next season brings.
29. STL: Jordan Kyrou
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | STL | 82 | 36 | 34 | 70 | +23 | 239 | 50 | 36 |
| 2023-24 | STL | 82 | 31 | 36 | 67 | -12 | 251 | 26 | 32 |
Coming in at number 29 is Blues winger Jordan Kyrou. The 27-year-old was in a lot of trade rumors this offseason but looks to be staying in St. Louis after all. Kyrou has played at a star level for four consecutive seasons, piling up 70+ points in three of them while adding 67 in the other. Like Necas, he’s one of the fastest skaters in the world, making him a threat to break open a game at any moment. Kyrou then has the hands, hockey IQ, and a sneaky good shot to go with his elite skating. His play away from the puck improved quite a bit in 2024-25, so continuing that along with consistent production should keep his name among the best wingers in hockey.
28. MTL: Cole Caufield
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | MTL | 82 | 37 | 33 | 70 | +9 | 239 | 66 | 31 |
| 2023-24 | MTL | 82 | 28 | 37 | 65 | -4 | 314 | 56 | 22 |
Next up is one of the more fun young players in the game, Cole Caufield. The Habs sniper put together the most consistent and productive season of his career in 2024-25, potting highs in goals (37) and points (70). He was a key cog in the Canadiens’ late-season turnaround to bring playoff hockey back to Montreal. Caufield is of course known for his goal-scoring ability and release, though he can really impact all facets of the game offensively. At 5’8″ and 175 pounds, Caufield is always going to be one of the smallest guys on the ice, but for that size, he competes hard and doesn’t shy away from battles. PPG production in 2025-26 is certainly within the realm of possibilities.
27. WSH: Tom Wilson
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | WSH | 81 | 33 | 32 | 65 | +20 | 169 | 233 | 71 |
| 2023-24 | WSH | 74 | 18 | 17 | 35 | -19 | 169 | 228 | 74 |
Whether you love him or hate him, Tom Wilson is a very good hockey player. There may not be a more intimidating presence in the league, and at the same time he’s turned himself into one of the premier power forwards in hockey. Wilson was fantastic in 2024-25, tallying career highs in goals (33) and points (65). For such a big guy, Wilson can fly and has underrated hands and hockey IQ to make and finish plays. He’s also become super dependable with the ability to play in all situations (PP, PK, 5v5). And of course, we know the 6’4″, 225-pound winger can handle anybody physically; his hit on Alex Carrier completely shifted their first-round series against Montreal.
26. CAR: Seth Jarvis
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | CAR | 73 | 32 | 35 | 67 | +12 | 204 | 93 | 51 |
| 2023-24 | CAR | 81 | 33 | 34 | 67 | +23 | 176 | 115 | 52 |
Seth Jarvis is a coach’s dream. The 23-year-old has shown improvements in all four of his NHL seasons thus far, tallying 67 points in back-to-back years despite playing 8 fewer games in 2024-25. He does absolutely everything for Rod Brind’Amour and the Carolina Hurricanes. Jarvis has tremendous skill and offensive instincts, which he pairs with nonstop effort and a responsible two-way game. He and Sebastian Aho combine to be one of the best PK duos in hockey, always a threat to take it back the other way. Jarvis’ abilities were recognized by being selected to play for Canada at the 4 Nations, and he’ll surely be in the running to represent again at the Olympics in February.
25. EDM: Zach Hyman
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | EDM | 73 | 27 | 17 | 44 | +9 | 210 | 59 | 24 |
| 2023-24 | EDM | 80 | 54 | 23 | 77 | +36 | 290 | 87 | 37 |
Everyone needs to stop disrespecting Zach Hyman. Yes, he started extremely slow this season, and the final numbers reflect that, but it’s one down year; let’s not get carried away and forget about the 77 and 83 points prior. People think it’s easy to play with Connor McDavid, but it’s really not. Hyman complements McDavid perfectly with his forechecking, ability to win puck battles, and net-front presence. Not to mention, he can really wheel when he gets going, allowing him to keep up with 97 off the rush and finish plays with his sneaky good hands in and around the net. The Oilers were nowhere near the same without Hyman in the playoffs, especially in the Stanley Cup Finals.
24. PHI: Travis Konecny
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | PHI | 82 | 24 | 52 | 76 | -17 | 188 | 94 | 42 |
| 2023-24 | PHI | 76 | 33 | 35 | 68 | +4 | 244 | 90 | 32 |
At 24th on our list is Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny. What a player Konecny has become, particularly over the last three years, where he’s taken his game to another level. He’s always brought a snarl and competitive edge to get under his opponents’ skin, and now he’s added the point production to be a true top-line forward. We love what Konecny brings to the table, but his skill set has even surprised us at times. The vision, hands, and overall offensive IQ are elite, and it allows him to thrive with top talent like Nathan MacKinnon, as we saw at the World Championships. He and Matvei Michkov could be a special pairing to watch in Philly moving forward.
23. MIN: Matt Boldy
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | MIN | 82 | 27 | 46 | 73 | +1 | 271 | 52 | 69 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 75 | 29 | 40 | 69 | +5 | 227 | 33 | 32 |
The Minnesota Wild have themselves a young stud in Matt Boldy. Since entering the NHL in 2021-22 as a 21-year-old, all Boldy has done is produce at a 60-70 point rate—not too shabby. This guy is smooth as butter out there, with an effortless glide, nifty hands, and a creative hockey mind to make plays. What’s even more impressive is that Boldy doesn’t play with Kirill Kaprizov all that much at 5v5 and is often relied upon to drive his own line offensively. It’s weird to say for a player who’s scored 27, 29, and 31 goals over the last three seasons, but if Boldy’s finishing ticks up a notch, he could skyrocket even higher up this list in the years to come.
22. LAK: Kevin Fiala
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | LAK | 81 | 35 | 25 | 60 | -7 | 244 | 63 | 22 |
| 2023-24 | LAK | 82 | 29 | 44 | 73 | +1 | 225 | 67 | 28 |
One of our favorites, Kevin Fiala, comes in at number 22 on the list. While he’s certainly viewed as an elite winger around the league, we believe Fiala doesn’t get enough recognition for how good he truly is. In terms of pure skill and ability, this guy can hang with the best of them. He does everything with speed, has very quick hands, is smart, and has an underrated shot that can beat goalies clean. Every time Kevin Fiala touches the puck or is buzzing around the offensive zone, he’s a threat to break open the game. Like any player, Fiala has had some ups and downs in production, but when on his game, there’s no doubt in our minds that this guy is a point-per-game winger.
21. DET: Lucas Raymond
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | DET | 82 | 27 | 53 | 80 | -15 | 192 | 42 | 34 |
| 2023-24 | DET | 82 | 31 | 41 | 72 | -12 | 163 | 69 | 27 |
Falling one spot shy of our top 20 is Lucas Raymond. After a really difficult sophomore season, Raymond has taken off in the two years to follow and emerged as one of the best wingers in hockey. Very few are close to point-per-game production at 22 and 23 years old, respectively, and this doesn’t feel like his ceiling at all. Raymond is extremely talented and just gifted offensively with all of the tools you can ask for: hands, poise, vision, shot. He’s one of those players that is just relentless in the offensive zone and hard to keep off the scoresheet, especially on the PP, where he’s a wizard. When/if Detroit starts to right the ship, Lucas Raymond will be at the center of it.
20. LAK: Adrian Kempe
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | LAK | 81 | 35 | 38 | 73 | +22 | 237 | 100 | 36 |
| 2023-24 | LAK | 77 | 28 | 47 | 75 | +13 | 246 | 112 | 32 |
The second LA King to crack our top 30 wingers is Adrian Kempe. Like his teammate Fiala, Kempe is elite and has reached new heights over the last three years. The shot and release stands out as Kempe’s biggest weapon, with the ability to pick corners from anywhere on the ice. Along with that, he can absolutely fly and has become a true power forward that uses his 6’2″, 200-pound frame to his advantage. Another element of Kempe’s game that we love is the competitive edge he plays with, which shows up come playoff time, where he thrives. The Edmonton Oilers have had no answer for this guy who’s tried to single-handedly drag the Kings by them into round 2.
19. VGK: Mark Stone
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | VGK | 66 | 19 | 48 | 67 | +22 | 131 | 32 | 42 |
| 2023-24 | VGK | 56 | 16 | 37 | 53 | +1 | 117 | 34 | 40 |
Just cracking our top 20 is the veteran Mark Stone. At 33 years old, Stone is still one of the best two-way players in the game; all that holds him back is health. The 66 games played in 2024-25 were actually the most he’s been available for in a season since 2018-19. When in the lineup, Stone provides all of the same elements we’ve known him for throughout his career. His stick is a magnet to the puck on both ends of the ice, allowing him to create offense through his defense. The skating has never been pretty, but that doesn’t stop Mark Stone from consistently being a point-per-game player, in large part thanks to his tremendous hockey IQ and knowledge of the game.
18. WSH: Alex Ovechkin
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | WSH | 65 | 44 | 29 | 73 | +15 | 237 | 110 | 13 |
| 2023-24 | WSH | 79 | 31 | 34 | 65 | -22 | 272 | 162 | 27 |
Let’s give some love to the Great 8, Alex Ovechkin. What an unbelievable year he just had at 39 years old. 44 goals in just 65 games, leading the Capitals to the number one seed in the East, and of course breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record. It was a season that can be described as nothing short of special. Ovechkin’s 2023-24 campaign had many wondering if he’d even catch Gretzky at all, but he made us look foolish. Ovi still possesses the most dangerous shot in the league, which he just puts through goalies who are helpless in trying to stop it. It was incredible to witness, and we hope there are many more years to come for Alex Ovechkin.
17. TBL: Brandon Hagel
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | TBL | 82 | 35 | 55 | 90 | +33 | 228 | 59 | 60 |
| 2023-24 | TBL | 82 | 26 | 49 | 75 | +1 | 184 | 55 | 45 |
Not many burst onto the scene this year the way Brandon Hagel did. It’s starting to make sense why Julian BriseBois was willing to give up two 1sts to bring him to Tampa Bay. Hagel is a heart-and-soul player that has a non-stop motor. He does whatever it takes to win, as we saw when he stood toe-to-toe with Matthew Tkachuk at the 4 Nations. Pair that with a skill set that continues to evolve, and you’ve got a tremendous all-around winger. Jon Cooper can rely on Hagel in any situation (PP, PK, 5v5) because of his elite hockey sense and work ethic. Nobody could have forecasted a 90-point season from Brandon Hagel, though it feels like there may be more to come.
16. TBL: Jake Guentzel
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | TBL | 80 | 41 | 39 | 80 | +18 | 217 | 28 | 52 |
| 2023-24 | PIT/CAR | 67 | 30 | 47 | 77 | +25 | 238 | 48 | 28 |
Looking for consistent point-per-game production and 30+ goals every season? Jake Guentzel’s your guy. There’s nothing too flashy about the way he does it, but man, is it effective. Whoever thought Guentzel was solely a product of Sidney Crosby has been proven completely wrong, as he’s put up as good if not better numbers in Carolina and Tampa Bay. He’s got a sneaky release, smooth hands, and elite hockey IQ for a complete offensive skill set. For someone that’s just 5’11” and 178 pounds, Guentzel is unafraid of going to the dirty areas and gets rewarded for it. And most importantly, Jake Guentzel is clutch, ALWAYS scoring in the biggest games and moments.
15. NSH: Filip Forsberg
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | NSH | 82 | 31 | 45 | 76 | -27 | 281 | 151 | 52 |
| 2023-24 | NSH | 82 | 48 | 46 | 94 | +16 | 347 | 141 | 44 |
Coming in at number 15 on our list is Filip Forsberg. We love Filip Forsberg, which made it tough not to rank him any higher, but there are just so many good wingers in this league. Forsberg has always been super talented and productive, but injuries plagued him throughout the middle part of his career. He’s been much more durable in recent years, and it’s resulted in big-time numbers. The Swede is best known for his shot and goal-scoring ability, but he’s also a tremendous playmaker and a true power forward. He stuffs the stat sheet every night with shots, hits, and points, always having an impact on the game. If you play fantasy hockey, draft Filip Forsberg.
14. NJD: Jesper Bratt
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | NJD | 81 | 21 | 67 | 88 | +5 | 180 | 96 | 42 |
| 2023-24 | NJD | 82 | 27 | 56 | 83 | -6 | 248 | 66 | 33 |
How was Jesper Bratt a sixth-round draft pick? The 162nd overall pick back in 2016 is an absolute stud that just keeps getting better. Bratt is dynamic and so dangerous with the puck on his stick. The hands, vision, and creativity have paired perfectly with Jack Hughes, although let’s be clear, this guy can play with anyone; he shows it every time Hughes is out. Bratt is also a great skater who is quick and shifty on his edges, which allows him to generate tons of odd-man rushes and breakaways. Speaking of breakaways, he might have the best assortment of moves in the league that make goalies look silly. He’s even added some physicality into his game of late; you gotta love it!
13. OTT: Brady Tkachuk
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | OTT | 72 | 29 | 26 | 55 | 0 | 296 | 228 | 33 |
| 2023-24 | OTT | 81 | 37 | 37 | 74 | +1 | 357 | 294 | 34 |
Brady Tkachuk can be a pretty polarizing player around the hockey world. He’s a total throwback that hits everything in sight and drops the gloves with anyone but at the same time is very skilled and productive. Opponents must hate to face the Ottawa Senators because they know they’ll have this wrecking ball coming after them all game long. With experience, he’s become a leader and great captain in the process, leading the turnaround in Ottawa. For such a big and physical player, Tkachuk has soft hands, is a beast in front of the net, and has a heavy shot that’s really hard to handle. If you think you’re a power forward, watch Brady Tkachuk and think again.
12. DAL: Jason Robertson
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | DAL | 82 | 35 | 45 | 80 | +10 | 211 | 60 | 45 |
| 2023-24 | DAL | 82 | 29 | 51 | 80 | +19 | 231 | 77 | 31 |
Despite back-to-back somewhat underwhelming seasons, Jason Robertson is still a top winger in hockey. His massive 109-point 2022-23 campaign feels pretty far removed now, but that’s ok. Everything went right for Robertson that year, and his scorching hot start was certainly helpful. We never thought he was truly a 100-point player, because very few are. However, we definitely believe he’s a point-per-game winger that plays a sound two-way game, which is exactly what he’s shown in every other year of his career. When you watch Robertson play, it’s nothing earth-shattering, but he just does everything well, which is rare to find, so that’s a huge compliment.
11. UTA: Clayton Keller
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | UTA | 81 | 30 | 60 | 90 | -12 | 218 | 11 | 30 |
| 2023-24 | ARI | 78 | 33 | 43 | 76 | -20 | 228 | 20 | 30 |
Clayton Keller is one of the most underrated players in hockey. He stuck with the Coyotes through thick and thin in Arizona and is now leading the way in Utah on an emerging young team. Because of all of those dark years during the rebuild in Arizona, Keller’s game and production would fly under the radar. Even now that they’re more competitive and in the spotlight, he still doesn’t get recognized enough. This guy is extremely gifted with just pure skill. He’s smart, shifty, has unreal vision, and silky smooth hands. The point totals over the last three seasons have reflected how good Clayton Keller is; don’t be surprised if he hits 100 sometime in the near future.
10. WPG: Kyle Connor
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | WPG | 82 | 41 | 56 | 97 | +17 | 267 | 21 | 46 |
| 2023-24 | WPG | 65 | 34 | 27 | 61 | -6 | 221 | 14 | 19 |
To begin our top 10, we’ve got Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets. He may have lost the tag of being underrated, but that’s a good thing; everyone now knows Connor is a star. Seven 30+ goal seasons over the last eight better get you some recognition. While it’s not the flashiest stuff you’ll ever see, it certainly is effective and consistent. Connor is one of those players that just has a nose for the back of the net with his accuracy, quick release, and ability to find soft spots in the O-zone. He can also really move when he turns on the jets, creating tons of action off the rush. If the 28-year-old hits free agency, there will be quite the bidding war to pry him out of Winnipeg.
9. TOR: William Nylander
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | TOR | 82 | 45 | 39 | 84 | +10 | 253 | 14 | 27 |
| 2023-24 | TOR | 82 | 40 | 58 | 98 | +1 | 316 | 32 | 29 |
William Nylander’s ascension over the last few years has been special. For a long time, Nylander was known as the fourth member of the Core 4, uber talented but not consistent enough for anyone’s liking. From the 2022-23 season onwards, he’s flipped that narrative and is the Toronto Maple Leafs’ best player on a lot of nights. The consistency has changed everything, and it reflects in his numbers… 3 straight 40+ goal, 80+ point seasons. There used to be quite a few no-show efforts from Nylander every year, but now he impacts not just every game but almost every shift. His offensive skill set (hands, shot, smarts, speed, strength) is as good as it gets and impossible to contain.
8. NYR: Artemi Panarin
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | NYR | 80 | 37 | 52 | 89 | -9 | 237 | 18 | 11 |
| 2023-24 | NYR | 82 | 49 | 71 | 120 | +18 | 303 | 18 | 15 |
The Breadman, Artemi Panarin, remains one of the best. He’s been a star since coming over to the NHL and has shown no signs of slowing down into his thirties. In fact, the last two seasons have been two of his best, combining for over 200 points in 162 games. His production as a New York Ranger has been off the charts, worth every penny of the contract they gave him as a UFA back in 2019. Panarin’s creativity, hockey sense, and passing ability are his best weapons, though he’s proven he can also rack up goals when he wants to. Unfortunately, it sometimes hasn’t translated into the postseason, which he’ll hope to change in a contract year in 2025-26.
7. FLA: Sam Reinhart
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | FLA | 79 | 39 | 42 | 81 | +6 | 213 | 103 | 62 |
| 2023-24 | FLA | 82 | 57 | 37 | 94 | +29 | 233 | 78 | 66 |
Sam Reinhart is a winner, plain and simple. It’s no coincidence how much things have changed in Florida since he and Tkachuk entered the fold. Reinhart is what a centerman dreams of having on his wing: a skilled, smart, reliable player that brings it every night. He was always very good in Buffalo; however, he’s reached his full potential of being a 2nd overall pick as a Panther. Consistent point-per-game production that gives you 30+ goals in his sleep. Is he a 57-goal scorer like in 2023-24? No, but 39 isn’t too shabby. Paul Maurice can throw him in any situation (PP, PK, 5v5), and man, going up against Sam Reinhart AND Aleksander Barkov can’t be any fun.
6. VGK: Mitch Marner
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | TOR | 81 | 27 | 75 | 102 | +18 | 173 | 49 | 40 |
| 2023-24 | TOR | 69 | 26 | 59 | 85 | +21 | 158 | 59 | 51 |
FORMER Toronto Maple Leaf Mitch Marner… still weird to say that. The breakup between the hometown kid and his childhood team was long overdue, but that shouldn’t take away from all of the amazing moments Marner had donning the Blue and White. They call him a magician for a reason; this guy is one of the best playmakers in hockey, with the vision and ability to think the game at a different level than others. His regular season production is that of a superstar, and that’s without mentioning the Selke-level defense and PK work. Things obviously haven’t panned out for Marner in the playoffs, though it wouldn’t be surprising to see that change in Vegas.
5. FLA: Matthew Tkachuk
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | FLA | 52 | 22 | 35 | 57 | -3 | 156 | 84 | 12 |
| 2023-24 | FLA | 80 | 26 | 62 | 88 | +19 | 280 | 151 | 28 |
At number 5 we’ve got the man that’s shifted the balance of power in the NHL since arriving in Florida: Matthew Tkachuk. Three straight finals appearances and back-to-back championships after becoming a Panther—what else needs to be said? There aren’t many players we’d want on our side in a big game more than Matthew Tkachuk. He is the perfect combination of grit, skill (hands, hockey IQ), and pure pest. Multiple 100+ point seasons and over a point per game each of the last four years, all while agitating the hell out of opponents every night. Any skilled player that plays a physical style of game wants to be like Tkachuk, yet nobody else is able to do it like him.
4. DAL: Mikko Rantanen
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | CO/DAL | 82 | 32 | 56 | 88 | +13 | 212 | 48 | 44 |
| 2023-24 | COL | 80 | 42 | 62 | 104 | +19 | 271 | 53 | 49 |
What an absolute whirlwind of a year 2024-25 was for Mikko Rantanen. Who in the world could have predicted Rantanen would be on the move not once, but twice ahead of the deadline? First off, Colorado never should have traded him, but that’s another story. All of the craziness somewhat derailed his season, yet still almost had 90 points, quite the “down year.” Rantanen looked more like himself in the playoffs, a dominant force that can take over games with his size and skill. Having such soft hands and a high hockey IQ while being a 6’4″, 215-pound power forward with a rocket of a shot is just gross. Expect a big first full season in Dallas now that he’s settled in.
3. BOS: David Pastrnak
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | BOS | 82 | 43 | 63 | 106 | 0 | 319 | 58 | 24 |
| 2023-24 | BOS | 82 | 47 | 63 | 110 | +21 | 382 | 70 | 19 |
Putting David Pastrnak at number three pains us, because he is unbelievably good… there are just two guys who reign supreme. Pasta is not only a top 3 winger in the game, but a top 8 player, period. The Bruins sniper is often thought of as just a pure goal scorer who wires home goals on the power play, but he does way more than that. Pastrnak consistently drives offense and is an extremely underrated playmaker. Morgan Geekie is a solid player, but he has David Pastrnak to thank for a career-high 33 goals last season. No matter the linemates, this guy finds a way to produce massive numbers (3 straight 100+ point campaigns), and he should be recognized as a true superstar.
2. MIN: Kirill Kaprizov
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | MIN | 41 | 25 | 31 | 56 | +19 | 145 | 16 | 17 |
| 2023-24 | MIN | 75 | 46 | 50 | 96 | +11 | 277 | 55 | 38 |
One of the two wingers who edge out Pastrnak is Kirill Kaprizov. The Minnesota Wild superstar is one of our favorite players in the league. He can sometimes fly under the radar in a smaller market that isn’t full of big names, but real hockey fans know this guy is disgusting. All that’s held Kaprizov back lately is injuries, which we hope he can put behind him moving forward. He is so unique; the creativity, edgework, and pure skill are unlike anyone else’s. Oh, and have we mentioned the goal-scoring ability? 40+ goals in three of the last four seasons and was on pace for 50 in 2024-25. Minnesota has never had a player of this ilk; they better find a way to extend him.
1. TBL: Nikita Kucherov
| Season | Team | GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | SOG | HITS | BLKS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | TBL | 78 | 37 | 84 | 121 | +22 | 265 | 23 | 33 |
| 2023-24 | TBL | 81 | 44 | 100 | 144 | +8 | 306 | 45 | 35 |
This one wasn’t too difficult; Nikita Kucherov is the best winger in the NHL. Kuch is downright filthy and a joy to watch, making the game look way easier than it should. The hands, hockey IQ, and vision combine to create the best passer in hockey, and it’s not even close. The needles this guy threads and plays he makes will leave you shaking your head, particularly his wizardry on the power play. That playmaking ability, along with 30-40 goals a year, is unfair, and results in Kucherov blowing by 100 points every season. Some have criticized his recent playoff showings, and deservedly so… But look at the numbers; he’s still one of the best postseason performers ever.
The Sports Outsider 
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