The 2026 NHL Top 100: How the List Was Built
The Hockey News, in collaboration with the National Hockey League, recently released its highly anticipated Top 100 list for the 2026 season, a ranking that blends current form with a nod to past achievements.
The methodology prioritizes this season’s impact while still weighing career milestones, and it arranges the final roster to mirror a balanced team composition — 60 forwards, 30 defensemen and 10 goaltenders.
At the center of the conversation is rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders, who not only became the youngest defenseman to reach 50 points and 20 goals in a single campaign but also captured the Calder Trophy unanimously, a feat last achieved by Teemu Selanne in 1992‑93.
Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes tops the chart for even‑strength possession, posting a Corsi rating of 61.57 percent, and he led his club in scoring by nine points, underscoring his all‑around impact.
Josh Morrissey’s surge with the Winnipeg Jets made him the franchise’s all‑time highest‑scoring defenseman, a testament to his steady offensive growth over recent seasons.
The bios that flesh out each player’s story were authored by a quartet of seasoned writers — Ryan Kennedy, Ken Campbell, Jared Clinton and Carol Schram — who bring decades of hockey insight to the analysis.
Beyond individual accolades, the list aims to reflect the league’s depth, showcasing emerging stars alongside established legends, and it offers fans a comprehensive view of where the game is headed.