MIAMI, United States, October 31, 2026: Connor McDavid has opened the 2026–27 NHL season with 36 points in just 13 games, building a remarkable 12-point advantage over the nearest challengers in the scoring race. Kirill Kaprizov has produced 14 goals in 15 games, Leon Draisaitl has scored 12 times in 13 appearances, and Edmonton defenseman Evan Bouchard is scoring at a rate that would be extraordinary even for an elite forward. Yet the question of who is the NHL’s best player cannot be answered by October points alone. The reigning Hart Trophy winner, Nikita Kucherov, the Norris Trophy-winning Zach Werenski, and the consistently influential Nathan MacKinnon offer compelling reasons to look beyond the early leaderboard.
The Sports Encounter has evaluated ten players using their completed 2025–26 records, performances through October 29, 2026, positional impact, established elite ability, recent awards, and the responsibilities they carry for their teams. Our analysis also considers the rise of Macklin Celebrini, Auston Matthews’ early scoring recovery, and the changing balance between offensive defensemen and traditional scoring superstars. The result is an evidence-based ranking that distinguishes the players currently producing the biggest numbers from those with the strongest overall claims to NHL supremacy.
TL;DR: Who Are the Top 10 Best NHL Players in 2026–27?
- Connor McDavid is No. 1: His 36 points through 13 games constitute a remarkable beginning to the season.
- Nathan MacKinnon ranks second: The previous season’s 53-goal leader remains one of hockey’s most complete offensive threats.
- Nikita Kucherov is third: The reigning Hart Trophy winner remains an elite creator despite a slower statistical opening than McDavid.
- Leon Draisaitl ranks fourth: His 12 early goals show why he remains among the NHL’s most dangerous finishers.
- Macklin Celebrini ranks fifth: His 115-point sophomore campaign established him among the elite at an unusually young age.
- Kirill Kaprizov ranks sixth: His league-leading 14 goals create the strongest current argument for moving him even higher.
- Evan Bouchard, Cale Makar and Zach Werenski: Three defensemen make the top ten, reflecting their substantial value beyond traditional scoring statistics.
- Auston Matthews: His early rebound makes him one of the most important players to monitor as the season progresses.
The Sports Encounter’s Top 10 NHL Players: October 2026 Rankings
| Rank | Player | Team | Position | Primary Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | Center | Dominant current playmaking and sustained scoring excellence |
| 2 | Nathan MacKinnon | Colorado Avalanche | Center | Elite scoring, shot generation and consistent offensive pressure |
| 3 | Nikita Kucherov | Tampa Bay Lightning | Right wing | Reigning Hart winner and one of the league’s best creators |
| 4 | Leon Draisaitl | Edmonton Oilers | Center | Extraordinary goal-scoring and finishing ability |
| 5 | Macklin Celebrini | San Jose Sharks | Center | Exceptional development and enormous team responsibility |
| 6 | Kirill Kaprizov | Minnesota Wild | Left wing | League-leading early-season goal production |
| 7 | Evan Bouchard | Edmonton Oilers | Defenseman | Unprecedented early offensive pace for an elite blue-liner |
| 8 | Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | Defenseman | Transition play, mobility and sustained two-way quality |
| 9 | Auston Matthews | Toronto Maple Leafs | Center | Elite shooting pedigree and strong early rebound |
| 10 | Zach Werenski | Columbus Blue Jackets | Defenseman | Reigning Norris winner with major all-situations responsibility |
Methodology: These are independent editorial rankings rather than an official NHL or fantasy-hockey list. We evaluate established performance, the current season, positional workload, offensive creation, defensive responsibility and demonstrated ability across multiple seasons. We do not treat one month of production as conclusive evidence of season-long superiority. Goaltenders are considered, but no position receives a guaranteed place in the top ten.
For wider team context, consult TSE’s complete 2026–27 NHL season preview, which examines the expanded 84-game schedule and championship competition.
Story at a glance
The Sports Encounter’s Top 10 NHL Players: October 2026 Rankings
Methodology: These are independent editorial rankings rather than an official NHL or fantasy-hockey list. We evaluate established performance, the current season, positional workload, offensive creation, defensive responsibility and demonstrated ability across multiple seasons. We do not treat one month of production as conclusive evidence of season-long superiority. Goaltenders are considered, but no position receives a guaranteed place in the top ten.
2025–26 Statistics: The Completed-Season Evidence Behind the Rankings
Before evaluating the new campaign, it is useful to establish what these players actually achieved during the previous completed season.
The 2026–27 NHL Scoring Race: Who Has Started Fastest?
Here is the early-season production of our ten ranked players, using completed games through October 29, 2026.
1. Connor McDavid: The NHL’s Most Influential Offensive Player
Edmonton Oilers | Center | 2026–27: 36 points in 13 games
2. Nathan MacKinnon: The Most Complete Threat to McDavid’s Supremacy
Colorado Avalanche | Center | 2026–27: 22 points in 13 games
2025–26 Statistics: The Completed-Season Evidence Behind the Rankings
Before evaluating the new campaign, it is useful to establish what these players actually achieved during the previous completed season.
| Player | GP | Goals | Assists | Points | Points/GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor McDavid | 82 | 48 | 90 | 138 | 1.68 |
| Nathan MacKinnon | 80 | 53 | 74 | 127 | 1.59 |
| Nikita Kucherov | 76 | 44 | 86 | 130 | 1.71 |
| Leon Draisaitl | 65 | 35 | 62 | 97 | 1.49 |
| Macklin Celebrini | 82 | 45 | 70 | 115 | 1.40 |
| Kirill Kaprizov | 78 | 45 | 44 | 89 | 1.14 |
| Evan Bouchard | 82 | 21 | 74 | 95 | 1.16 |
| Cale Makar | 75 | 20 | 59 | 79 | 1.05 |
| Auston Matthews | 60 | 27 | 26 | 53 | 0.88 |
| Zach Werenski | 75 | 22 | 59 | 81 | 1.08 |
Statistical reference: Completed 2025–26 NHL regular-season totals. Points per game calculated as total points divided by games played, rounded to two decimal places.
These figures show why rankings based solely on goals or points can miss important differences. Kucherov averaged more points per game than McDavid in 2025–26, despite McDavid winning the overall scoring title. Bouchard recorded the most points among defensemen, while Werenski won the Norris Trophy and Makar remained an influential two-way performer.
The 2026–27 NHL Scoring Race: Who Has Started Fastest?
Here is the early-season production of our ten ranked players, using completed games through October 29, 2026.
| Player | GP | Goals | Assists | Points | Points/GP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connor McDavid | 13 | 8 | 28 | 36 | 2.77 |
| Nathan MacKinnon | 13 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 1.69 |
| Nikita Kucherov | 12 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 1.25 |
| Leon Draisaitl | 13 | 12 | 12 | 24 | 1.85 |
| Macklin Celebrini | 12 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 1.33 |
| Kirill Kaprizov | 15 | 14 | 10 | 24 | 1.60 |
| Evan Bouchard | 13 | 7 | 15 | 22 | 1.69 |
| Cale Makar | 12 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 0.92 |
| Auston Matthews | 15 | 10 | 13 | 23 | 1.53 |
| Zach Werenski | 11 | 0 | 9 | 9 | 0.82 |
Important: These are dated snapshots, not live statistics. Players have appeared in different numbers of games, and their rankings will change as additional results are recorded. The table excludes postseason statistics.
1. Connor McDavid: The NHL’s Most Influential Offensive Player
Edmonton Oilers | Center | 2026–27: 36 points in 13 games
McDavid enters the final days of October with the strongest statistical case for being the NHL’s best player.
His 36 points comprise eight goals and 28 assists, meaning that more than three-quarters of his production comes from setting up teammates. That playmaking dominance is extraordinary even by his standards.
McDavid ended 2025–26 with 138 points from 82 games, winning the Art Ross Trophy for the sixth time. His 90 assists underline how effectively he creates goals for others.
But the new season has begun at an even more remarkable rate.
Through the first 13 games, he is averaging 2.77 points per appearance. That is substantially higher than his 1.68 points per game across the previous completed season.
Why McDavid Is Still No. 1
The most significant characteristic of McDavid’s game is that he creates scoring opportunities in several different ways.
He can accelerate through the neutral zone, draw defenders toward him, attack the net directly, or release a pass to a teammate arriving in a better scoring position.
His presence changes how opponents organize their defensive coverage, creating space even when he does not record a point.
There is also historical significance to his start. Official NHL analysis reported that McDavid set a league record with 23 assists through his first ten games of the 2026–27 season.
The NHL EDGE breakdown of McDavid’s historic opening provides further evidence of his exceptional offensive creation.
TSE recently covered McDavid’s latest record-related milestone, another chapter in a career that continues to produce statistical landmarks.
The counterargument: An exceptional October does not settle the Hart Trophy or make an 84-game season predictable. Injuries, team systems, opposition adjustments and regression from an unusually hot start can all change the picture.
TSE verdict: McDavid combines the strongest current production with established elite ability. He deserves first place.
2. Nathan MacKinnon: The Most Complete Threat to McDavid’s Supremacy
Colorado Avalanche | Center | 2026–27: 22 points in 13 games
Nathan MacKinnon finished 2025–26 with 53 goals and 127 points, winning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the league’s leading goal scorer.
He also registered 350 shots on goal, demonstrating that his offensive success was supported by sustained shooting volume rather than an unusually high conversion rate alone.
That shot generation distinguishes MacKinnon from many elite scorers. Opponents must respect his ability to accelerate, shoot at speed, and penetrate dangerous attacking areas.
His new-season output of eight goals and 14 assists in 13 games confirms that the previous campaign was no isolated scoring surge.
MacKinnon’s Most Important Advantage
MacKinnon creates relentless offensive pressure through both possession and shot volume.
He does not need to wait for perfect opportunities. He can generate them by attacking defenders and forcing goaltenders to handle repeated attempts.
He has also developed the ability to make defensive structures uncomfortable, particularly when Colorado sustains possession in the offensive zone.
TSE examined his early-season impact in our report on MacKinnon’s role in Colorado’s October comeback drama.
The counterargument: McDavid has opened with a much larger statistical lead, particularly in playmaking.
TSE verdict: MacKinnon’s combination of goals, volume, pace and established dominance earns second place. He remains a credible candidate to challenge McDavid over the full season.
3. Nikita Kucherov: The Hart Trophy Winner Who Should Not Be Judged by One Month
Tampa Bay Lightning | Right wing | 2026–27: 15 points in 12 games
Nikita Kucherov won the 2026 Hart Memorial Trophy after collecting 130 points from 76 games.
His 44 goals and 86 assists demonstrated the extraordinary range of his offensive contribution.
Kucherov’s 1.71 points per game in 2025–26 was marginally higher than McDavid’s 1.68, illustrating why the Hart Trophy debate was genuinely competitive.
The distinction between an overall scoring leader and the most valuable player matters. The Hart Trophy does not simply recognize the player with the largest points total.
Why Kucherov Remains Among the Top Three
Kucherov excels at manipulating defensive coverage. His passing ability allows him to exploit small openings, particularly when opponents anticipate a shot or an obvious passing lane.
In 2025–26, he finished 42 points ahead of Tampa Bay’s next-highest scorer, Jake Guentzel. That large internal scoring gap reinforced the importance of his playmaking to the Lightning.
His start to 2026–27 has been quieter: four goals and 11 assists in 12 games.
That is still productive, but it falls short of the extraordinary early pace established by McDavid, Draisaitl and Kaprizov.
The counterargument: If current form were the only criterion, Kucherov would be considerably lower.
TSE verdict: The reigning MVP deserves substantial recognition for sustained excellence. A slower October does not erase a 130-point season.
4. Leon Draisaitl: The NHL’s Most Dangerous Elite Finisher?
Edmonton Oilers | Center | 2026–27: 24 points in 13 games
Leon Draisaitl’s 12 goals through 13 appearances make him one of the NHL’s most productive early-season scorers.
He has also registered 12 assists, giving him a balanced 24-point contribution.
Draisaitl’s value comes partly from his ability to convert opportunities that other forwards might struggle to finish.
His shooting technique, positioning and power-play instincts allow him to score from difficult angles and changing defensive situations.
During 2025–26, he scored 35 goals and 97 points in 65 games. Although his season was shorter than those of several competitors, his production remained elite.
Can Draisaitl Be Considered Separately From McDavid?
One recurring debate concerns how much of Draisaitl’s production benefits from playing alongside McDavid.
The partnership is undeniably valuable. But the ability to capitalize on scoring chances, operate on the power play and contribute as a high-level center is a separate skill set.
Draisaitl also offers the Oilers another offensive focal point when opponents devote their strongest defensive resources to McDavid.
The partnership was prominent in TSE’s coverage of Edmonton’s dramatic shootout victory over Carolina.
TSE verdict: Draisaitl ranks fourth because of his remarkable goal-scoring record, current production and continuing importance to Edmonton’s offense.
5. Macklin Celebrini: The Young Superstar Already Carrying an NHL Franchise
San Jose Sharks | Center | 2026–27: 16 points in 12 games
Macklin Celebrini has made a compelling case to be ranked among the best NHL players at an unusually early stage of his career.
In 2025–26, he recorded 45 goals and 70 assists for 115 points in 82 games.
The performance was extraordinary for a teenager and established a San Jose Sharks franchise record for points in a season.
He also finished 56 points ahead of the next-highest Sharks scorer, Will Smith, underscoring the scale of his offensive responsibility.
Why Celebrini’s 115 Points Matter More Than the Number Alone
Elite scoring numbers are impressive on any team, but their context matters.
Celebrini has been developing within a rebuilding franchise rather than a roster already filled with established superstars.
That makes his role different from a young forward contributing on a championship contender.
He is expected to create offense, take demanding shifts and provide a foundation for San Jose’s future.
His opening 2026–27 production of five goals and 11 assists in 12 games is respectable, although below last season’s scoring rate.
TSE followed his early-season fitness situation in our report on the Sharks, Celebrini and their October meeting with Edmonton.
The counterargument: Celebrini’s long-term body of NHL work is shorter than that of McDavid, MacKinnon or Kucherov.
TSE verdict: His combination of youth, individual production and franchise responsibility justifies fifth place.
6. Kirill Kaprizov: The NHL’s Hottest Goal Scorer
Minnesota Wild | Left wing | 2026–27: 24 points in 15 games
Kirill Kaprizov has provided perhaps the most compelling early challenge to the established rankings.
His 14 goals in 15 games lead the NHL’s goal-scoring race in the statistical snapshot used for this article.
That is an extraordinary rate of 0.93 goals per game.
He also has ten assists, bringing his total to 24 points.
Kaprizov scored 45 goals and 89 points in 78 games last season. His current scoring pace is therefore a significant improvement on his previous completed-season average.
Why His Start Deserves Special Attention
The key question is whether Kaprizov is simply enjoying a short-term finishing streak or has entered another level of attacking production.
His 51 shots through 15 games indicate a sustained willingness to shoot. That gives his early goal scoring a meaningful foundation, although an exceptionally high conversion rate should not automatically be projected across the remaining schedule.
Kaprizov’s value is also linked to Minnesota’s offensive structure, particularly the space he creates for his teammates when opponents prioritize stopping him.
His contribution during October featured in TSE’s analysis of a remarkable NHL scoring night.
The counterargument: Kaprizov has not matched the sustained 120-plus-point seasons produced by the leading candidates.
TSE verdict: Sixth place may prove conservative if his goal-scoring dominance continues.
7. Evan Bouchard: The Defenseman Challenging the Forwards
Edmonton Oilers | Defenseman | 2026–27: 22 points in 13 games
Evan Bouchard’s offensive production has become one of the most important developments in the NHL.
He finished 2025–26 with 21 goals and 74 assists for 95 points, leading all defensemen in scoring.
His early 2026–27 record is even more remarkable: seven goals and 15 assists in 13 appearances.
That is 1.69 points per game, the same rate as MacKinnon in our opening snapshot.
Why Bouchard Is a Serious Norris Trophy Candidate
Offensive production from defensemen carries a different tactical meaning from forward scoring.
Defensemen must help initiate transitions, manage defensive positioning, support the power play and contribute to puck retrieval.
Bouchard’s value is particularly visible when Edmonton moves from defense to attack.
His passing and shooting create additional threats on a team already possessing McDavid and Draisaitl.
However, evaluating defensemen requires more than counting points. Even-strength defensive performance, opposition quality, puck recoveries and situational deployment should also influence a complete assessment.
His early-season impact was examined in TSE’s coverage of Bouchard’s role in Edmonton’s dramatic comeback.
The counterargument: Bouchard’s exceptional scoring does not automatically establish him as the NHL’s best all-around defenseman.
TSE verdict: His production makes him impossible to exclude, but the full Norris debate remains open.
8. Cale Makar: Why the Best Defenseman Is Not Always the Top-Scoring Defenseman
Colorado Avalanche | Defenseman | 2026–27: 11 points in 12 games
Cale Makar finished 2025–26 with 79 points in 75 appearances, including 20 goals and 59 assists.
He also recorded a plus-32 rating and averaged 24:51 of ice time per game.
Those figures demonstrate his substantial responsibilities for Colorado.
Makar’s importance cannot be understood entirely from the scoresheet. His ability to carry the puck through pressure, maintain possession and recover defensive position is central to Colorado’s style.
Why Makar Ranks Below Bouchard in Our Current Assessment
The comparison is unusually interesting.
Bouchard recorded 95 points in 2025–26, while Makar finished with 79.
Bouchard has also started the new campaign much faster offensively, with 22 points against Makar’s 11.
But Makar remains a credible candidate for the title of best all-around defenseman because of his mobility, transition ability and defensive responsibilities.
His 2026–27 start has been solid rather than spectacular, and his scoring rate has dipped slightly from last season.
That does not diminish the quality of his larger body of work.
TSE verdict: Makar remains among hockey’s elite. His ranking reflects a slower opening relative to Bouchard, not a conclusion that he has lost his established ability.
9. Auston Matthews: A Strong Rebound After a Difficult Season
Toronto Maple Leafs | Center | 2026–27: 23 points in 15 games
Auston Matthews experienced a comparatively disappointing 2025–26 campaign, recording 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games.
Those numbers would be productive for many NHL players. For Matthews, however, they were well below the standards he established through his career.
The former 69-goal scorer has responded strongly at the beginning of 2026–27.
He has ten goals and 13 assists through 15 appearances, a rate of 1.53 points per game.
Is Matthews Becoming a 50-Goal Threat Again?
The early evidence is encouraging, but it requires context.
Matthews has scored on 22.7% of his 44 shots. That conversion rate is substantially higher than his 11.9% shooting percentage in 2025–26.
Whether he can sustain that finishing efficiency is one of the most important questions surrounding Toronto’s season.
His reputation as a scorer remains exceptional, but the current sample is too small to establish a reliable full-season goal projection.
The Maple Leafs’ broader competitive form also matters. TSE recently examined Toronto’s dramatic October meeting with the New York Rangers, illustrating the importance of converting offensive pressure into team results.
TSE verdict: Matthews’ early rebound is convincing enough to restore him to the top ten, although his consistency over the next several months will determine how high he can rise.
10. Zach Werenski: The Reigning Norris Winner Deserves More Respect
Columbus Blue Jackets | Defenseman | 2026–27: Nine points in 11 games
Zach Werenski won the 2026 James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.
He finished 2025–26 with 22 goals, 59 assists and 81 points in 75 games.
That production was accompanied by extensive responsibilities for Columbus, including major minutes against demanding opposition.
He averaged 26:37 of ice time per game, reflecting the scale of his role.
Why Werenski Remains a Top-Ten Candidate
The strongest case for Werenski rests on the combination of offense and workload.
He is not merely an attacking specialist contributing points through favorable deployment.
He is expected to contribute across multiple situations and carry a substantial share of his team’s defensive responsibilities.
His early 2026–27 scoring has been modest by elite-defenseman standards, with nine assists and no goals in 11 games.
But he continues to log heavy minutes, including more than 28 minutes in several recent appearances.
That level of responsibility distinguishes him from players whose value depends primarily on their offensive production.
The counterargument: His slow offensive start puts pressure on this ranking, particularly with Quinn Hughes producing strongly for Minnesota.
TSE verdict: The reigning Norris winner retains his place because of the complete body of work behind that award and his continuing all-situations responsibilities.
Which NHL Players Have Improved Most Since 2025–26?
The following comparison measures scoring rate in the completed season against the opening 2026–27 snapshot. It is not a projection of future performance.
| Player | 2025–26 P/GP | 2026–27 P/GP | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connor McDavid | 1.68 | 2.77 | +65% |
| Nathan MacKinnon | 1.59 | 1.69 | +7% |
| Nikita Kucherov | 1.71 | 1.25 | -27% |
| Leon Draisaitl | 1.49 | 1.85 | +24% |
| Macklin Celebrini | 1.40 | 1.33 | -5% |
| Kirill Kaprizov | 1.14 | 1.60 | +40% |
| Evan Bouchard | 1.16 | 1.69 | +46% |
| Cale Makar | 1.05 | 0.92 | -13% |
| Auston Matthews | 0.88 | 1.53 | +74% |
| Zach Werenski | 1.08 | 0.82 | -24% |
TSE statistical observation: Among the ten ranked players, Matthews has the largest proportional increase in points per game, while McDavid has the largest increase in absolute points-per-game terms.
That distinction matters. Matthews is improving substantially from a relatively disappointing season, whereas McDavid is extending production that was already the highest in the league.
Percentage changes are calculated from unrounded points-per-game values and rounded to the nearest whole percentage point.
These comparisons should be treated as early-season indicators, not evidence that the same rates will continue across an 84-game schedule.
What the 2026 NHL Awards Tell Us About the Best-Player Debate
Individual awards provide valuable evidence, but they do not settle every ranking disagreement.
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|---|---|---|
| Hart Memorial Trophy | Nikita Kucherov | Most valuable player as voted by the PHWA |
| Art Ross Trophy | Connor McDavid | NHL scoring leader with 138 points |
| Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy | Nathan MacKinnon | League-leading 53 goals |
| James Norris Memorial Trophy | Zach Werenski | Top defenseman as voted by the PHWA |
| Vezina Trophy | Andrei Vasilevskiy | Top goaltender as voted by NHL general managers |
| Conn Smythe Trophy | Jordan Staal | Most valuable player of the Stanley Cup Playoffs |
The official NHL 2025–26 All-Star Team announcement also identified Kucherov, McDavid, Werenski, Makar and Vasilevskiy among the season’s recognized elite.
Carolina’s Stanley Cup triumph offers another perspective. The Hurricanes defeated Vegas in six games, and Jordan Staal received the Conn Smythe Trophy after a highly influential postseason.
Staal’s playoff success does not necessarily make him one of the ten best players over the full regular-season evaluation period, but it demonstrates why championship impact cannot be ignored in a broader discussion of greatness.
Who Just Missed Our Top 10?
Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning
The reigning Vezina winner deserves serious consideration. His 2025–26 record included 39 wins, a 2.31 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.
However, his opening 2026–27 save percentage has declined to .876 through nine appearances in the verified snapshot. That is a meaningful early concern, although goaltender performance is influenced by shot quality, defensive support and sample size.
Vasilevskiy remains among the game’s most accomplished active goalies, but our ranking does not reserve a position for a goaltender based solely on an award earned the previous season.
Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild
Hughes has begun 2026–27 strongly, with four goals and 16 assists in 15 games.
His 20 points place him among the early scoring leaders, and he remains a high-level puck-moving defenseman.
The case for putting him above Werenski or Makar is legitimate and could become stronger if he maintains this rate.
Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights
Eichel remains one of the league’s most complete offensive centers. His 20 points through 14 games provide a strong early statistical case for inclusion.
His international experience, defensive responsibilities and scoring ability make him one of the closest challengers to our top ten.
David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
Pastrnak recorded 100 points in 2025–26 and continues to rank among the NHL’s most dangerous attacking forwards.
His offensive record is strong enough that excluding him represents one of the hardest decisions in this assessment.
Connor Hellebuyck, New Jersey Devils
Hellebuyck remains relevant to any discussion of the world’s best goaltenders. His move away from Winnipeg adds an important new dimension to the 2026–27 season.
Evaluating his current standing requires considering both his established record and his performance within a different defensive system.
Why Early NHL Rankings Can Be Misleading
Several statistical factors make October rankings more volatile than end-of-season evaluations.
| Metric | Useful For | Important Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Points per game | Comparing scoring rates despite different games played | Does not measure defensive performance |
| Goals per game | Identifying finishing production | Can fluctuate with shooting percentage |
| Shots per game | Understanding offensive volume | Not every shot has equal scoring value |
| Power-play points | Measuring special-teams scoring | Depends partly on opportunity and deployment |
| Plus-minus | Basic on-ice goal differential at applicable strengths | Strongly influenced by teammates, opponents and context |
| Time on ice | Understanding coaching trust and workload | High minutes alone do not prove high performance |
| Save percentage | Measuring a goaltender’s overall shot-stopping rate | Does not fully adjust for shot difficulty |
| Expected goals | Evaluating shot quality and chance generation | Models differ and require consistent methodologies |
For example, a player scoring ten goals on 44 shots is converting at a substantially higher rate than one scoring ten goals on 80 shots.
That difference may reflect genuine finishing skill, chance quality or an unusually productive run that proves difficult to sustain.
Similarly, a defenseman with fewer points may still be indispensable because of the quality of opposition faced or the defensive situations assigned by his coach.
TSE recently examined why goal differential can expose weaknesses hidden in early NHL standings. The same principle applies to individual rankings: surface-level numbers are most useful when they are interpreted alongside context.
Which NHL Teams Have the Strongest Representation Among the Elite?
One striking feature of our rankings is Edmonton’s concentration of elite performers.
The Oilers place three players in the top ten: McDavid, Draisaitl and Bouchard.
Colorado follows with two: MacKinnon and Makar.
Tampa Bay, San Jose, Minnesota, Toronto and Columbus each contribute one player.
That concentration is interesting because elite individual talent does not automatically guarantee a championship.
Teams must also maintain defensive reliability, goaltending, depth scoring, effective special teams and postseason adaptability.
Our 2026–27 NHL team-by-team analysis examines the competitive questions facing all 32 clubs beyond their headline players.
Top 10 Best NHL Players in 2026–27: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best NHL player in 2026–27?
The Sports Encounter ranks Connor McDavid first based on his dominant early scoring production and sustained performance across previous seasons. This is an editorial assessment rather than an official NHL designation.
Who leads the NHL in points in October 2026?
Connor McDavid leads with 36 points through 13 games in the statistical snapshot through October 29.
Who has scored the most NHL goals in 2026–27?
Kirill Kaprizov leads the verified October 29 snapshot with 14 goals in 15 games.
Who won the 2026 Hart Trophy?
Nikita Kucherov won the Hart Memorial Trophy following his 130-point 2025–26 season.
Who won the 2026 Norris Trophy?
Zach Werenski won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman for 2025–26.
Is Evan Bouchard better than Cale Makar?
Bouchard has been more productive offensively across the latest completed season and early 2026–27. Makar retains a strong claim as a more complete all-around defenseman. The answer depends on how offensive and defensive contributions are weighted.
Why is Macklin Celebrini ranked so highly?
Celebrini recorded 115 points as a teenager in 2025–26 while carrying major offensive responsibility for San Jose. His exceptional development makes him one of the league’s most valuable emerging players.
Has Auston Matthews returned to his best form?
Matthews has made a promising start with ten goals and 23 points in 15 games. A longer sample is needed to determine whether he can sustain this level of production.
Who is the best NHL goaltender in 2026?
Andrei Vasilevskiy won the 2026 Vezina Trophy, but current-season form must also be considered. Other elite candidates include Connor Hellebuyck, Ilya Sorokin and Igor Shesterkin.
When should NHL player rankings be updated?
A useful next evaluation would be after approximately 25 to 30 games, followed by the halfway point and the end of the regular season. These checkpoints provide larger samples than October alone.
Final Verdict: McDavid Leads, but the 2026–27 NHL’s Elite Is Changing
Connor McDavid has established the strongest early claim to the title of the NHL’s best player.
His 36 points in 13 games are exceptional. Even more important is the way his offensive creation influences Edmonton’s entire attack.
MacKinnon and Kucherov remain credible challengers because their dominance extends well beyond the opening weeks of the new season.
Meanwhile, Draisaitl and Kaprizov are making powerful arguments through goal scoring, Celebrini continues to demonstrate extraordinary ability for his age, and Bouchard is forcing a serious reconsideration of the value of elite offensive defensemen.
Matthews’ recovery and Werenski’s defending responsibilities provide further evidence that ranking the game’s best players demands more than sorting a points table.
Perhaps the most important conclusion is that hockey’s elite cannot be reduced to one statistic.
A scorer can dominate a month. A defenseman can change the balance of a game without recording a point. A goaltender can determine whether a talented team survives the postseason.
For now, McDavid is our No. 1.
But the changing scoring race, emerging superstars and continued importance of all-around play mean the hierarchy deserves close attention as the season progresses.
Research and methodology note: This analysis was prepared using completed 2025–26 NHL regular-season statistics, results through October 29, 2026, official NHL awards records, and independent editorial assessment. Statistical comparisons are labeled by season and cutoff. The rankings are original to The Sports Encounter and do not represent the NHL’s official player order. Early-season rates are not presented as guaranteed full-season projections.
