Top 10 NHL Players Right Now | The Ice Hockey Playoffs Edition

The 2023-2024 National Hockey League season has showcased exceptional talent and skill, with players across the league stepping up to impact their teams significantly. Here, we highlight the Top 10 Best NHL Players 2024 Rankings, along with an honorable mention, based on their performance, influence, and contributions to the game to determine the best hockey players in the NHL right now.

Honorable Mention

Jack Hughes

Team: New Jersey Devils 

After a near 100-point season last season, Jack Hughes sustained upper body injuries that limited him to only 62 games this season. Despite this setback, he nearly reached 74 points through his 27 goals and 47 assists.

His rapid development and offensive capabilities underscore his potential as a future star, and he is still one of the most exciting young talents in the NHL.

Top 10 Best NHL Players 2024 Rankings

10. Roman Josi

Team: Nashville Predators 

Despite playing in his 13th NHL season, Roman Josi continues to excel as one of the top defensemen in the league. He contributes significantly at both ends of the ice as he tied his career high in goals with 23 to go along with a team-high 62 assists.

His leadership and comprehensive skill set make him the cornerstone of the Predators’ defense, influencing every game with his strategic play and physical presence.

9. Artemi Panarin

Team: New York Rangers 

Artemi Panarin has been a star for the Rangers for the last five seasons, but he has absolutely exploded and is now among the league’s best. Known for his agility and playmaking, the left wing has accumulated 120 points, the 4th most in the league, from his 49 goals and 71 assists.

His knack for timely scoring and ability to control the puck under pressure are invaluable for the Rangers, making him a key to their offensive strategies and a threat in every game.

8. Sidney Crosby

Team: Pittsburgh Penguins 

Even after 19 seasons in the league, Crosby is still among the NHL’s top talents. In only his 3rd complete season, the legend helped keep Pittsburgh competitive through his 94 points from 42 goals and 52 assists.

Furthermore, Crosby remains a central figure in hockey, and his leadership extends beyond the ice, impacting the Penguins’ younger players and shaping the team’s culture. Crosby’s ability to perform under pressure showcases his enduring value and skill as one of the greatest hockey players of his generation. 

7. Auston Matthews

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs 

Auston Matthews has remained among the league’s premier goal-scorers, as he has secured the lead in the NHL in goals scored for three of the past four years. This season, he accomplished this feat with a career-high of 69 goals, but he has also improved as a two-way player.

His total of 107 points highlights his critical role in Toronto, where his performances often dictate the pace and outcome of games, making him a central figure in the Leafs’ pursuit of ending their 56-year Stanley Cup appearance drought.

6. David Pastrnak

Team: Boston Bruins

In his 10th season, David Pastrnak was crucial for Boston, mainly through his career-high assist total of 63 on the year. Despite his improved and superb passing ability, the right wing also ended the season with the 7th most goals at 47, leading him to have the 5th most points.

His role in power plays and his sharpshooting skills are vital components of the Bruins’ strategy, particularly in high-stakes situations where his ability to score from nearly any position can change the dynamics of a game.

5. Cale Makar

Team: Colorado Avalanche 

Defenseman Cale Makar has revolutionized his position with an offensive prowess that complements his defensive duties.

His tally of 90 points, including 21 goals and a career-high 69 assists, underscores his dual-threat capability, making significant impacts in both zones and altering the course of games with his plays from the blue line.

His remarkable combination of skating prowess, skill, and shooting ability is unmatched by any defenseman in recent years, making him one of the most thrilling players to watch in the sport.

4. Leon Draisaitl

Team: Edmonton Oilers

Leon Draisaitl remains one of the most formidable forwards in the NHL. He has showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities this season, accumulating impressive stats with 41 goals and 65 assists.

Draisaitl’s strength lies in his exceptional hockey sense and ability to find spaces where few can, making him a critical part of the Oilers’ offensive thrust.

His partnership with Connor McDavid remains one of the most lethal in the league, combining for a dynamic duo that challenges defenses every game. Draisaitl’s consistent performance makes him a key player to watch in this year’s playoffs.

3. Nikita Kucherov

Team: Tampa Bay Lightning 

Nikita Kucherov displays superior strategic playmaking and scoring ability, as he led the league in points with 144, including a career-high 44 goals and 100 assists, the latter of which is also tied for most in the league.

His offensive abilities make him indispensable to Tampa Bay, and his high hockey IQ allows him to see plays before they unfold, making him one of the top forwards in the league and a crucial element in the Lightning’s offensive strategies.

2. Connor McDavid

Team: Edmonton Oilers 

As the face of the NHL, Connor McDavid has maintained his elite status, finishing 3rd in points with 132 and tied for first in assists with Kucherov.

Driven by his exceptional speed and unmatched puck handling, his role as the catalyst for the Oilers directly impacts the team’s success in critical matchups.

Many will argue that McDavid is the best in the league, but another player across the border barely edges out this generational talent.

1. Nathan MacKinnon

Team: Colorado Avalanche 

Although Nathan MacKinnon has been among the league’s best in recent years, the center solidified his reputation this year as the most distinguished and well-rounded player in the NHL.

MacKinnon is top 5 in goals, assists, and points, in which he put up 51, 89, and 140, respectively. His ability to dominate the game through speed, skill, and scoring has been pivotal for Colorado.

MacKinnon’s performances are marked by his explosiveness and ability to make decisive plays, which have been essential for the Avalanche and enabled them to reach the playoffs and have a chance to fight for the Cup. 

How would you rank the best NHL Players going into the 2023-2024 season? Rank below to be added in the NHL Power Rankings.

Related Links:

• Top 10 NHL Draft Grades 2023 Rankings
• Top 10 Best NHL Teams 2023-2024 Rankings
• Top 10 Best NHL Players 2023-2024 Rankings
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