NHL-Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning (Credit: Getty Images)
The NHL Network has released its highly anticipated 2025 rankings of the top 20 wings. And offering a mix of veteran legends. And emerging stars who define the modern game. That too from prolific goal scorers to dynamic playmakers, and the list highlights the importance of the wing position in driving team success and thrilling fans across the League.
Nikita Kucherov’s Sickest Plays Of The 2023-24 NHL Season
Nikita Kucherov takes the crown
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov leads the rankings. That too after another remarkable season, topping the NHL scoring charts with 121 points, and his blend of creativity, precision passing, and scoring touch has made him one of the complete forwards of his generation; Kucherov’s consistent dominance keeps Tampa Bay in contention and solidifies his status among the NHL’s elite.
David Pastrnak and Kirill Kaprizov headline the chase
Boston Bruins sniper David Pastrnak claims the second spot with 43 goals and 106 points.
Also extending his streak of 40-goal, 100-point seasons, in third place, Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov proved unstoppable when healthy. Also averaged 1.37 points per game in an injury-shortened season. Both players bring electrifying offense and game-changing skill to their respective teams, by making them must-watch talents.
Kirill Kaprizov’s winning goal in OVERTIME / 19.12.2023
Playoff performers and veteran icons
Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen takes the fourth position after leading his team in postseason scoring with 22 points, while new Vegas Golden Knights star Mitch Marner rounds out the top five following a 102-point campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Further down the list, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin lands at No. 17 after passing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record with his 897th career goal.
Veterans like Nashville Predators’ Filip Forsberg and New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin also remain in the upper tier, proving experience still plays a vital role in the NHL’s high-paced game.
Rising stars push into the spotlight
Younger names are making their presence felt on the list. Minnesota Wild’s Matt Boldy delivered a career-high 73 points and set a franchise record for game-winning goals. Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller posted 90 points in his team’s inaugural season, while Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brandon Hagel recorded 35 goals without a single power-play tally. Joining them are players like William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart of the Florida Panthers, and Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets.Also Read: NHL trade news: Connor McDavid’s big decision between the Edmonton Oilers and Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs stirs speculation
