The Best of the Best: Comparing Top NHL Players of 2024-2025

The NHL has always been home to some of the greatest athletes in sports history. From legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux to more recent stars such as Sidney Crosby, the league consistently showcases incredible talent.

This season offers a mix of seasoned veterans and young stars, all pushing the limits of what’s possible on the ice. Players like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon are continuing to dominate while emerging talents like Jack Hughes are rising fast and turning heads.

Connor McDavid

There’s no denying that Connor McDavid is in a league of his own. For yet another year, the Edmonton Oilers’ captain has been setting records and redefining expectations. In 2023-2024, he racked up a staggering 153 points, with 64 goals and 89 assists. Entering 2024-2025, McDavid remains the most potent offensive player, with his elite skating and uncanny playmaking ability remaining unparalleled.

Beyond his statistical dominance, McDavid’s vision on the ice is a significant factor. He not only scores but also drives play in ways no one else can, consistently threading passes through impossible lanes and elevating those around him. The argument that McDavid is on his way to becoming one of the greatest players in the game’s history is no longer hyperbole.

Leon Draisaitl

Leon Draisaitl, McDavid’s teammate, is often overshadowed, but his contributions are just as vital to Edmonton’s success. In 2023-2024, Draisaitl put up an impressive 128 points, maintaining his role as one of the league’s premier goal-scorers and power-play threats.

What sets Draisaitl apart is his ability to complement McDavid while also excelling when separated from his linemate. Whether setting up in the high slot for one-timers or orchestrating the power play from the half-wall, Draisaitl is a multi-faceted offensive weapon​.

His size and strength allow him to dominate in puck battles, and combined with his elite hockey IQ, Draisaitl is just as dangerous when controlling the puck along the boards as he is in open ice. He might be considered McDavid’s sidekick, but make no mistake: Draisaitl is a generational talent in his own right.

Nathan MacKinnon

Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche remains one of the most explosive players in the NHL. MacKinnon’s combination of speed and power is unmatched, allowing him to blow past defenders and create space in even the tightest situations.

He finished the 2023-2024 season with 111 points despite missing a few games due to injury. ​

In 2024-2025, MacKinnon looks set to continue anchoring the Avalanche’s offense. His edge work, skating strides, and powerful shots are key components of his game, but his tenacity separates him. MacKinnon is relentless on the forecheck and can swing momentum with a single shift. While McDavid might outpace him in point production, few can match MacKinnon’s intensity and impact at both ends of the ice.

Jack Hughes

At just 23 years old, Jack Hughes is rapidly evolving into one of the NHL’s top-tier talents. After his stellar 2023-2024 season, where he scored 104 points, Hughes has solidified himself as a game-changing force for the New Jersey Devils. His exceptional speed, creativity with the puck, and dazzling puck-handling skills make him a threat at all times, whether at even strength or on the power play​.

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, the Devils find themselves with +1000 odds to win the Stanley Cup, making them an intriguing underdog choice for fans and bettors alike. Hughes can potentially shift those odds further in the Devils’ favor with his dynamic play.

For fans who believe in betting on an underdog, the Devils—with Hughes at the helm—are a prime option. Those interested can take advantage of this exciting opportunity by using the betano promo code to place their bets.

Cale Makar

Cale Makar’s name is always at the forefront when discussing the best defensemen in the NHL. The Colorado Avalanche blueliner has redefined what it means to be an offensive defenseman, consistently producing at a level that most forwards would envy. In 2023-2024, Makar amassed 82 points in just 69 games, showcasing his elite playmaking, skating, and defensive awareness​.

Makar’s unique ability to quarterback the power play and transition the puck with speed makes him an invaluable asset. While his offensive contributions are well-known, Makar’s defensive game continues to evolve, turning him into one of the most complete defensemen in the league.

Jason Robertson

Jason Robertson’s rise to stardom has been a significant story for the Dallas Stars. In 2023-2024, he notched 89 points, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable wingers. Robertson has an innate ability to find soft spots in the defense, making him a consistent goal-scoring threat from anywhere in the offensive zone​.

Robertson’s hockey sense, combined with his ability to finish plays, makes him a cornerstone of Dallas’ offense. He also plays a responsible two-way game, which adds to his value.

Final Thoughts

The 2024-2025 NHL season is rich with elite talent, with players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in today’s game.

Meanwhile, younger stars like Jack Hughes and Jason Robertson are rapidly closing the gap, ensuring the league’s future is in good hands. Whether through raw speed, skill, or sheer determination, each of these players brings something special to the ice, making the NHL more competitive and exciting than ever.