What is the NHL Top 100?

The NHL top 100 objectively ranks the careers of NHL players by assigning points based on a combination of achievements, yearly performance and longevity.

For achievements, a forward receives points for being a yearly top-three point producer, a defenseman receives points for being voted a top-two defenseman, and a goalie receives points for being voted top goalie. Additionally, players earn points for finishing in the top six in league MVP voting, winning the playoff MVP, and winning the Stanley Cup. Consistent performance and career longevity are measured by combining era-adjusted points scored and games played for both the regular season and playoffs.

Five Players Added to the NHL Top 100

Congratulations to the Florida Panthers for winning the 2025 Stanley cup.  With all individual awards presented it is time to update the NHL top 100 lists.  Connor Hellebuyck becomes the first goalie to repeat as the Vezina trophy winner since Martin Brodeur in 2008.  His Vezina and Hart trophy wins moves him up to 22 from on the NHLtop100.

Quinn Hughes is one of the NHL’s top blueliners. Known for his exceptional skating and playmaking, Hughes won the Norris Trophy in 2024 and has earned multiple All-Star team selections. He led all NHL defensemen in points during the 2023–24 season and became the youngest captain in Canucks history. Hughes joins the NHLtop100 defencemen at number 95.

David Pastrnak is a winger for the Boston Bruins, known for his elite scoring and playmaking and quickly became one of the NHL’s top forwards. Pastrňák is a multiple-time All-Star, and in 2019, he won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer. He has earned All-NHL honors and played a pivotal role in the Bruins’ offense. Known for his dynamic wrist shot and creativity, Pastrnak joins the NHLtop100 forward at 95.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is known for his smooth skating and offensive flair. Drafted 6th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in 2009, he became a cornerstone for the franchise, serving as captain from 2018–21. A two-time NHL All-Star (2015, 2018), he twice scored 20+ goals in a season.  Ekman-Larsson won the Stanley cup in 2024 with the Florida Panthers.  He joins the NHLtop100 defenceman at 98.

Cam Talbot is recognized for his consistency and resilience. Undrafted, he broke into the NHL with the New York Rangers in 2013, later earning a starting role with the Edmonton Oilers. He set an Oilers record with 42 wins in 2016–17, helping them reach the playoffs. A 2022 NHL All-Star, Talbot joins the NHLtop100 goalie list at 96.

Darcy Kuemper is known for his steady play and strong positioning. Drafted by the Minnesota Wild in 2009, he later emerged as a reliable starter with Arizona before joining the Colorado Avalanche. In 2022, he backstopped the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup championship.  Kuemper joins the NHLtop100 goalie list at 97.

Wayne Gretzky Tops the Top 100

Wayne Gretzky is widely recognized as the greatest hockey player to ever live. This is understandable considering all of his records and career achievements. Gretzky is the NHL career leader in assists, and points in the regular season and playoffs. It would surprise no one that Wayne Gretzky is also the number one ranking forward on the NHL top 100 with 6,605 points which is 800 points more than second place Gordie Howe. Among Gretzky’s many records is the record for most regular season MVP awards with nine and scoring leader awards with ten. To go along with these achievements Gretzky has two playoff MVP awards and four Stanley Cup victories. It is no wonder that Wayne Gretzky leads all others on the NHL top 100 with 2,214 adjusted points and has an incredible 4,175 award points which leads second place Gordie Howe who has 3,563. We may never see anyone reach the career heights of Wayne Gretzky ever again.

In Memoriam