Ranking the NHL’s Top 20 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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11. Roman Josi (Nashville)
If you're looking for the big three on defense in the NHL, its Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes, and Roman Josi. The Nashville Predators superstar defenseman remains elite at the position, and is a perennial Norris candidate.
12. Jack Hughes (New Jersey)
If there's one player sitting outside of the top ten that we believe will crack it next season, it's Jack Hughes. Injuries were a problem for Hughes last year, but there's no doubting what this talented player can accomplish when healthy.
13. Matthew Tkachuk (Florida)
Matthew Tkachuk is a modern day NHL pest, but he also brings so much to the table that you can't help but notice his impact on the game. Tkachuk can hit, score, and make plays the way that few can in the league.
14. Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota)
Few players in the NHL bring the pure skill to the table that Kirill Kaprizov does. Coming off a 96-point campaign, the Russian winger continues to be the focal point on offense for the Minnesota Wild.
15. Aleksander Barkov (Florida)
It's pretty easy to view Aleksander Barkov as the best two-way center in the NHL right now. Barkov can do a little but of everything, and remains an integral part of the reigning Stanley Cup champs.
16. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh)
Even with Sidney Crosby getting up there in age with the Pittsburgh Penguins, he's still continued to dominate the league. Don't expect that to change entering the 2024-25 campaign.
17. Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg)
When you talk about goalies in the NHL, few bring more to the table than Connor Hellebuyck with the Winnipeg Jets. With his overall importance to the Jets and his skillset, it's not hard to make the claim he's the best in the business.
18. Brayden Point (Tampa Bay)
Brayden Point has continued to establish himself as one of the most complete players in the NHL. Point has all the tools you're looking for in a potential franchise center.
19. Mitch Marner (Toronto)
Despite his lackluster performances in the postseason, few can deny what Mitch Marner has accomplished in the regular season. If he adds another layer to his game, look out.
20. Adam Fox (New York Rangers)
Even with his smaller stature, Adam Fox has proven that he's right in the mix as a top defenseman in the NHL. Can he get in the mix and win another Norris trophy with the Rangers?
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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.
