Kaprizov, Robertson and Connor headline new 2026‑27 left‑wing ranking

With the 2026‑27 NHL season now underway, analyst Jacob Billington has taken an early look at one of the league’s most talent‑laden positions: left wing. In a new ranking of 10 players, he outlines how established stars and fast‑rising scorers shape the offensive landscape across the NHL.

Kaprizov, Robertson and Connor framed as elite drivers

At the top of this picture, Billington presents Minnesota Wild standout Kirill Kaprizov as a player for whom a 50‑goal, 100‑point season is essentially an expectation. He notes that Kaprizov has reached that level of impact despite never skating alongside a truly top‑tier offensive centre, with Joel Eriksson Ek, Daniil Yurov and Ryan Hartman all offering useful but not elite production down the middle.

In Dallas, Jason Robertson is described as the offensive centrepiece of a deep Stars roster. Billington points out that team and player went through a difficult contract negotiation this past off‑season before settling on a one‑year deal. With unrestricted free agency looming in 2027, he suggests that Robertson could be poised for the best hockey of his career as he plays for a massive next contract.

Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets rounds out the group of headline names. After back‑to‑back 90‑point seasons, he is portrayed as one of the bright spots on a team that has navigated its share of off‑ice distractions. Although he has reached the 40‑goal mark only twice so far, Billington argues that few would be shocked if Connor pushed into regular Rocket Richard Trophy contention.

Boldy, Hagel and Bratt lead the next wave

The ranking also shines a light on Matthew Boldy’s rapid rise in Minnesota. Building on a strong rookie year, Boldy has increased his totals every season and is coming off a 42‑goal, 85‑point campaign that, in Billington’s view, moved him into true star territory. He is described as a well‑rounded winger who commits to both sides of the puck, with the potential to become nearly unstoppable if the Wild can pair him with an elite centre.

In Tampa Bay, Brandon Hagel represents a different kind of success story. Acquired by the Lightning while he was still an emerging player, he has become, according to Billington, one of the league’s best skaters, combining speed, edge and offence. Hagel set a new career high with 36 goals last season, even if he fell short of the 90‑point plateau he reached the year before.

Jesper Bratt of the New Jersey Devils is recognized for his consistency. He has delivered five straight seasons with at least 70 points and hit a career‑best 88 points in 2024‑25. Despite New Jersey’s run of injuries and missed playoffs, Billington notes that Bratt has stayed healthy, providing reliable offence and driving play on the wing.

Panarin, Guentzel, Tkachuk and Kempe remain fixtures

Veteran Artemi Panarin, now with the Los Angeles Kings, also earns a spot in the top group. Billington recalls that Panarin was benched for two weeks before being traded to L.A., where he could benefit from what he calls a breath of fresh air. Just three seasons ago, Panarin reached 120 points and came within one goal of 50, and even last year’s perceived “down” season still saw him finish above a point per game.

Jake Guentzel, now firmly embedded in the Tampa Bay forward group, is described as one of the league’s better pure goal scorers and a safe bet for 40 goals if he stays healthy. Billington highlights his ability to drive play, contribute defensively and fit with virtually any linemates, noting that he set a new career high with 88 points last season and is expected to be central to any Lightning push back into contender status.

The ranking also includes Brady Tkachuk and Adrian Kempe. Tkachuk, coming off an injury‑affected season with Ottawa that ended with a scoreless playoff run, is now with the Florida Panthers. Billington emphasizes his full power‑forward toolkit—goals, physical play, net‑front presence—and suggests that a slightly reduced burden in Florida could unlock more of his game. Kempe, meanwhile, is portrayed as a model of reliability for the Kings, effectively pencilled in for around 35 goals and 70 points on a team whose centre depth continues to raise questions.

Taken together, Billington’s list underlines how central the left side has become to NHL offences in 2026‑27. From established superstars to emerging multi‑tool wingers, many of the league’s most dangerous threats are now driving play from the left wing.