If defensemen have turned into dynamic two-way threats, then wingers remain the lifeblood of offense in the modern-day NHL. They’re the snipers, playmakers, and the transition drivers who dictate tempo and force the defense into mistakes. Whether cutting inside for a wrist shot or setting up teammates with dazzling passes, today’s wingers are versatile weapons who can change a game in an instant.
That balance of creativity and finishing touch is hopefully captured by NHL 26, which has revealed its best wingers ahead of the title’s release on September 12. Honestly, there aren’t many surprises on this list, as it comprises many players who are undoubtedly talented on the ice. But who took the top spot? And which players are hot on his heels?
Here are the top 10 wingers in NHL 26, as revealed by EA Sports.
Best Wingers In NHL 26
- Nikita Kucherov – RW, Tampa Bay Lightning (96 OVR)
- David Pastrnak – RW, Boston Bruins (94 OVR)
- Kirill Kaprizov – LW, Minnesota Wild (94 OVR)
- Mikko Rantanen – RW, Colorado Avalanche (93 OVR)
- Matthew Tkachuk – LW, Florida Panthers (93 OVR)
- Sam Reinhart – RW, Florida Panthers (93 OVR)
- Artemi Panarin – LW, New York Rangers (92 OVR)
- William Nylander – RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (92 OVR)
- Mitch Marner – RW, Vegas Golden Knights (92 OVR)
- Kyle Connor – LW, Winnipeg Jets (92 OVR)
Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning tops the winger list in NHL 26 in terms of overall rating (96). And it’s no surprise as to why.
Known as one of the most lethal and creative offensive players in the NHL, Kucherov amassed a total of 121 points last season, combining for 84 assists and 37 goals on the season, as well as a +/- of +22. These contributions led to Kucherov winning the Art Ross Trophy as well as the Ted Lindsay Award. On top of that, the Russian has solidified himself as being the best player in Lightning history, at least in terms of statistical contributions.
Not far behind Kucherov are David Pastrnak and Kirill Kaprizov of the Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild, respectively. Despite Boston missing the playoffs last season, Pastrnak was able to contribute healthily to the Bruins’ attack, scoring 43 goals and collecting 63 assists, totaling 106 points on the season. For Kaprizov, injuries limited him to only 41 games with the Wild last season. But in those 41 games, he totaled 56 points — 25 goals and 31 assists.
