NHL · 1 hour ago

NHL Power Rankings: The Top 15 Players Right Now (Dec. 23)

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

15. Mark Scheifele
Team: Winnipeg Jets | Position: Left Wing | Age: 32

2025-26 Stats: 35 GP | 17 G | 26 A | 43 P | +9

Scheifele remains one of the league’s most consistent scorers, providing 17 goals and 43 points for a Winnipeg team that thrives on his leadership. His hockey IQ and ability to finish in tight spaces are among the league's best.
Introduction
The 2025–26 NHL season is rolling, and the stars are shining. Here’s my take on the league's top 15 players right now!

Disclaimer: These rankings reflect performance so far this season. As a result, some elite players, such as Connor McDavid, may appear lower than their typical career standards or overall reputation would suggest.
1. Nathan MacKinnon
Team: Colorado Avalanche | Position: Center | Age: 30

2025-26 Stats: 35 GP | 30 G | 31 A | 61 P | +45

MacKinnon has solidified his status as the Hart Trophy frontrunner, leading an overwhelming Colorado attack that features a potent partnership with Martin Necas. His 61 points are fueled by a relentless transition game where his speed bursts and zone entries continue to rank in the 99th percentile league-wide.
2. Connor McDavid
Team: Edmonton Oilers | Position: Center | Age: 28

2025-26 Stats: 37 GP | 23 G | 39 A | 62 P | 0

Despite a team-wide "flat" start that saw the Oilers struggle for consistency early in the campaign, McDavid has surged back to the top of the scoring charts with 62 points. He recently helped stabilize Edmonton's season with a ten-game point streak, proving he remains the league's premier offensive engine even when the team's defense falters.
3. Macklin Celebrini
Team: San Jose Sharks | Position: Center | Age: 19

2025-26 Stats: 36 GP | 18 G | 36 A | 54 P | +12

Celebrini has completely revitalized hockey in San Jose, sitting third in league scoring as a teenager. His vision and maturity on the ice are well beyond his 19 years, making him a legitimate Hart Trophy candidate.
4. Cale Makar
Team: Colorado Avalanche | Position: Defenseman | Age: 27

2025-26 Stats: 35 GP | 11 G | 32 A | 43 P | +32

The early favorite for the Norris Trophy, Makar is operating at a near 100-point pace while acting as a fourth forward for the league-leading Avalanche. His skating metrics remain untouchable, ranking in the 99th percentile for max speed, as he continues to drive play with high-danger chances from the blue line.
5. Connor Bedard
Team: Chicago Blackhawks | Position: Center | Age: 20

2025-26 Stats: 31 GP | 19 G | 25 A | 44 P | +8

At just 20 years old, Bedard has firmly transitioned from "rising star" to "established superstar." The British Columbia native leads the Blackhawks' attack with 19 goals, using his deceptive "push-pull" shot mechanics to beat goaltenders from angles that seemingly shouldn't exist.

Note: Bedard is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury and is not expected to return until the calendar flips to 2026.
6. Leon Draisaitl
Team: Edmonton Oilers | Position: Center/Wing | Age: 30

2025-26 Stats: 37 GP | 17 G | 35 A | 52 P | +9

Draisaitl recently celebrated his 1,000th career point, remaining a pillar of consistency for Edmonton with 52 points despite the team's defensive woes. He remains lethal from the "Rockstar Zone" at the bottom of the circle, punishing teams on a power play that is clicking at a near-historic 33.3% rate.
7. Nikita Kucherov
Team: Tampa Bay Lightning | Position: Right Wing | Age: 32

2025-26 Stats: 32 GP | 13 G | 32 A | 45 P | +9

Kucherov is arguably the league's most cerebral player. Slowing the game down to his own pace, the veteran finds lanes that other players don't see. Even as the Lightning roster evolves, Kucherov's production remains a constant.
8. Mikko Rantanen
Team: Dallas Stars | Position: Right Wing | Age: 29

2025-26 Stats: 36 GP | 14 G | 35 A | 49 P | 0

Now playing his first full year in Big D, Rantanen has taken over as the Stars' offensive leader with 49 points and a physical edge that sees him rank second in the league in penalty minutes.

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9. Martin Necas
Team: Colorado Avalanche | Position: Right Wing | Age: 26

2025-26 Stats: 35 GP | 16 G | 31 A | 47 P | +34

Playing alongside Nathan MacKinnon has allowed Necas's speed and creativity to flourish. He has quickly become the ultimate "complementary superstar" for the Avs.
10. Logan Thompson
Team: Washington Capitals | Position: Goalie | Age: 28

2025-26 Stats: 25 GP | 14 W | 2 SO | 2.09 GAA | .924 SV%

Where would the Capitals be if not for Thompson's brilliance? The Calgary native has faced the ninth-most shots in the league this season, yet is still posting Vezina-caliber numbers. He is the undisputed favorite to be between the pipes for Team Canada in Milan.
11. Mark Stone
Team: Vegas Golden Knights | Position: Right Wing | Age: 33

2025-26 Stats: 18 GP | 7 G | 20 A | 27 P | +5

When he's on the ice, there isn't a better two-way winger in the game. Stone's 27 points in just 18 games represent a scoring pace that would put him near the top of the league if not for an early-season injury.
12. Jesper Wallstedt
Team: Minnesota Wild | Position: Goalie | Age: 23

2025-26 Stats: 14 GP | 10 W | 4 SO | 2.10 GAA | .933 SV%

The "Great Wall of St. Paul" has officially arrived. Wallstedt is putting up historic rookie numbers, including a league-high four shutouts in only 14 starts. He plays with a calm, technical precision that makes a .933 save percentage look almost routine.
13. Zach Werenski
Team: Columbus Blue Jackets | Position: Right Wing | Age: 28

2025-26 Stats: 35 GP | 14 G | 26 A | 40 P | +6

Werenski is playing the best hockey of his career, leading the Blue Jackets in scoring and ice time. His 40 points rank second among defensemen, trailing only Cale Makar, and place him inside the top 20 league-wide.
14. Jack Eichel
Team: Vegas Golden Knights | Position: Center | Age: 29

2025-26 Stats: 31 GP | 12 G | 29 A | 41 P | +6

Eichel continues to be the model of a modern No. 1 center. His ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and create high-danger chances is essential for Vegas. With 41 points in 31 games, he is the engine behind the Golden Knights' push for another deep playoff run.

Note: Eichel is currently day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
15. Mark Scheifele
Team: Winnipeg Jets | Position: Left Wing | Age: 32

2025-26 Stats: 35 GP | 17 G | 26 A | 43 P | +9

Scheifele remains one of the league’s most consistent scorers, providing 17 goals and 43 points for a Winnipeg team that thrives on his leadership. His hockey IQ and ability to finish in tight spaces are among the league's best.
Introduction
The 2025–26 NHL season is rolling, and the stars are shining. Here’s my take on the league's top 15 players right now!

Disclaimer: These rankings reflect performance so far this season. As a result, some elite players, such as Connor McDavid, may appear lower than their typical career standards or overall reputation would suggest.

NHL Power Rankings: The Top 15 Players Right Now (Dec. 23)

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