Ranking the NHL’s Top 10 Players for the 2024-25 Season
Zack Cook
Host · Writer
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1. Connor McDavid (Edmonton)
There's simply no one in the NHL that can compare to Connor McDavid at the moment. McDavid's elite speed, playmaking, and goal scoring combine to make him one of the most unique players to suit up in the league.
2. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado)
With his competitive spirit, elite skating, and high-end skill, few bring as much to the table as Nathan MacKinnon does for the Colorado Avalanche. After tallying 140 points last year, MacKinnon captured the Hart trophy for the first time in his NHL career
3. Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton)
With the continued production in the regular season and postseason for Leon Draisaitl, it's hard not to consider him a top three player in the NHL. The German forwards size, shot, and offensive creativity make him a threat every time he jumps on the ice.
4. Auston Matthews (Toronto)
There isn't a better goal scorer in the NHL in 2024 than Auston Matthews with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews was one goal shy of hitting 70 goals in 2023-24. Is it crazy to ask whether he can reach that mark in 2024-25?
5. Cale Makar (Colorado)
You can make the case that Cale Makar is right in the conversation with Connor McDavid for being the most dynamic player in the NHL. Makar has set the bar as the top defenseman in the NHL, and it's hard to envision someone taking that from him anytime soon.
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6. Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay)
After being in the conversation for the Hart trophy in 2023-24, Nikita Kucherov remains a serious threat for the award in 2024-25. Kucherov made it look far too easy in tallying a carry high in points (144) last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
7. David Pastrnak (Boston)
David Pastrnak is an elite shooting presence for the Boston Bruins, and has carried to the torch to keep the B's contending window open. Pastrnak broke the 100-point plateau for the second straight season in 2023-24.
8. Mikko Rantanen (Colorado)
Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen have formed one of the top duos in the NHL. Heading into a contract year with the Colorado Avalanche, all eyes will be on Rantanen to continue producing at an elite clip.
9. Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers)
It's hard to find a more crafty player than Artemi Panarin with the New York Rangers. The Russian winger quietly put up a dominant 120-point campaign in 2023-24. What does he have in store in 2024-25?
10. Quinn Hughes (Vancouver)
Quinn Hughes remains one of the NHL's biggest offensive threats. Hughes can play upwards of 25 minutes per game for the Vancouver Canucks, and is coming off a 92-point campaign in 2023-24.
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1. Connor McDavid (Edmonton)
There's simply no one in the NHL that can compare to Connor McDavid at the moment. McDavid's elite speed, playmaking, and goal scoring combine to make him one of the most unique players to suit up in the league.
