Ovechkin, Stamkos and Wilson headline THN’s first top‑80 reveal

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, The Hockey News has kicked off a league‑wide project: a consensus ranking of the top 80 NHL players heading into the 2026-27 season. The outlet’s digital writers and editors combined their ballots into a single list, and the first instalment — positions 80 through 71 — has now been made public.

Veteran stars share space with late bloomers

The opening group captures an interesting mix of profiles. At one end, Boston’s Morgan Geekie represents the classic late bloomer. After modest goal totals in his early seasons with the Seattle Kraken, he has turned into a major scoring option with the Bruins, raising his goal output sharply over the past two years and securing a spot in their core.

Well‑known names from the past decade also appear in this range. Alexander Ovechkin, now 41, remains on the list after yet another 30‑plus‑goal season with the Washington Capitals — his 20th such campaign in 21 NHL seasons. The piece notes that while his days as the league’s most feared scorer are behind him and he may fall out of the top‑80 next year, his consistency still demands recognition.

Steven Stamkos is another veteran included between 80 and 71. After a quieter first year with the Nashville Predators that raised questions about his top‑six impact, he responded with a 42‑goal season, his best since 2021-22. The Hockey News frames him as firmly in the later stages of his career, but still capable of delivering high‑end offence.

Tom Wilson rounds out the veteran group for Washington. Beyond his reputation for physical play, THN underlines his offensive growth, pointing out that he has combined for more than 60 goals and well over 100 points across the past two seasons. His blend of scoring and edge remains central to the Capitals’ identity.

Emerging defencemen and a key goaltender

Defence features prominently in this tier. Jackson LaCombe has moved from under‑the‑radar prospect to top blueliner with the Anaheim Ducks, with his point totals climbing significantly and his age suggesting more upside to come. In Dallas, Thomas Harley is profiled as another young defenceman on the rise: after a full AHL season earlier in his development, he produced back‑to‑back 40‑plus point campaigns before a slight dip last year, yet is still seen as a defender whose stock is poised to climb.

Jakob Chychrun, now with the Capitals, is described as a high‑end offensive defenceman who has already moved through three NHL organizations. Over the past three seasons he has put up 148 points, including a 60‑point year in 2025-26 and a productive 2025 playoff showing. THN portrays him as hungry to anchor a deep playoff run with a retooled Washington roster.

Goaltending is represented by Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild. Even though he is slated to start 2026-27 on the sidelines, his recent numbers — including a .914 save percentage two seasons ago and again in the 2025 playoffs — are highlighted as safely above league average. The ranking credits both Minnesota’s defensive structure and Gustavsson’s own performance in one of hockey’s most demanding positions.

Also in this bracket is Ottawa Senators forward Drake Batherson, whose point totals have climbed steadily from the low‑40s to the low‑70s over recent seasons, solidifying his status as a key offensive piece. Edmonton Oilers winger Zach Hyman, known for his relentless style and finishing ability around the net, remains valued despite questions about durability as he ages. Together, these players set the tone for a top‑80 list that aims to balance career achievements with current impact and future trajectory as THN continues its countdown toward No. 1.