The Return of the King
Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid has firmly reasserted his dominance in the NHL. After a brief period where he was surpassed by Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon in league-wide rankings, McDavid reclaimed the top spot. His ability to stay healthy for a full 82-game schedule, combined with a league-leading scoring performance, solidified his position at the summit of professional hockey.
His recent capture of the 2025-26 Ted Lindsay Award—voted on by fellow players—marks his fifth time receiving the honor, proving that his peers still view him as the most outstanding individual in the game. While McDavid’s sustained excellence makes him the clear favorite, the nature of the sport means that challengers are always emerging.
The Contenders for the Crown
While unseating McDavid is a monumental task, three specific players possess the combination of skill, vision, and team support to potentially climb to the No. 1 spot next season.
1. Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)
MacKinnon remains the most logical challenger. As a former Ted Lindsay and Hart Trophy winner, he knows what it takes to reach the top. Playing on one of the league’s deepest rosters, MacKinnon continues to perform at an elite level as he navigates his prime years at age 30. If he can leverage his team’s strengths and maintain his high-tempo production, he is more than capable of eclipsing McDavid in total points and individual accolades.
2. Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning)
The 32-year-old winger continues to defy expectations. With a recent Hart Trophy win and another 130-point campaign under his belt, Kucherov’s vision and offensive creativity remain unmatched. As the article notes regarding his recent MVP win: «The award goes to the player who's the most valuable to their team, but if you think it goes to the player of the year, then that only proves Kucherov has what it takes to be ranked the top NHLer in the future.» Should his rivals face even a minor slump, Kucherov is perfectly positioned to capture his fourth Art Ross Trophy.
3. Macklin Celebrini (San Jose Sharks)
Though just 19 years old, Celebrini represents the next generation of hockey royalty. His sophomore surge—jumping from 63 points as a rookie to 115 points this year—highlights a generational trajectory. His rapid development and status as a Ted Lindsay finalist suggest that his ascent to the top of the league isn't a matter of "if," but "when." While leapfrogging McDavid this early is a bold prediction, Celebrini’s rapid climb from seventh place in this year's rankings makes him a player to watch closely.