EA NHL Releases top 10 Player Ratings for NHL 25

As a dedicated hockey enthusiast who has been following the NHL since the days of Gretzky and Lemieux, I must admit that this year’s top 10 player ratings for NHL 25 have left me both impressed and somewhat skeptical. On one hand, it’s no surprise to see Connor McDavid at the top spot with an OVR rating of 97 – he’s been tearing up the ice since his rookie year and deserves every accolade he receives.


In advance of its release in October, NHL 25 has unveiled a list of its top 10 player ratings. For any sport, there’s always the question of “who’s the top player?” And when it comes to hockey, fans are eager to find out which players EA Sports rated highest in their game. So, here is a rundown of the top 10 best-rated players in NHL 25.

EA Sports NHL 25’s #1 Best Rated Player is Connor McDavid – 97 OVR

The Conn Smythe Trophy winner is the best player in #NHL25

— EA SPORTS NHL (@EASPORTSNHL) September 18, 2024

In the latest NHL 25 rankings, Connor McDavid from the Edmonton Oilers holds the top spot with an overall rating of 97. There’s little left to add about this renowned player whose greatness has been extensively praised. The year 2024 marked another outstanding season for the 27-year-old, a talent often regarded as one of the world’s finest hockey players. Can you tell me who else made it into the top 10 alongside McDavid?

#2 Nathan MacKinnon – 96 OVR

Nathan McKinnon ranks second among players in NHL 25, as well as among centers. Alongside teammate Cale Makar, they’re formidable opponents, making the Colorado Avalanche a strong contender for this year’s championship. In 2024, MacKinnon bagged the Ted Lindsay award, Hart Memorial trophy, and recognition on the NHL First All-Star team. His 96 OVR rating is well-deserved.

#3 Nikita Kucherov – 95 OVR

In NHL 25, Nikita Kucherov is ranked as the top Right Winger by the game’s developers. His exceptional performance during the 2023-2024 season earned him his fifth All-Star selection. Notably, he also clinched the Art Ross Trophy in 2024, marking the second time he has achieved this career milestone. Anticipation is high for another stellar season from this experienced player.

#4 Cale Makar – 95 OVR

The NHL 24 athlete is still one of the best in the game. Makar is a Stanley Cup Champion, three-time (back-to-back) All-Star player, and achiever of much more. At age 25, the Colorado Avalanche have the chance to potentially win more championships with players like Makar on board. We’ll see if he can go back to the Stanley Cup once again to hoist the trophy.

#5 Leon Draisaitl – 95 OVR

Over the course of the 2020 season onwards, Draisaitl has steadily climbed the ranks as one of the top players in the league. He’s been the Oilers’ most dependable player and played a crucial role in their journey to the Stanley Cup Finals last year. Regrettably, they didn’t clinch the Cup, but they can count on Draisaitl to be a key contributor going forward.

#6 Auston Matthews – 95 OVR

The athlete featured on NHL 20 and NHL 22 covers remains one of the top players in the league, leading me to ponder if EA Sports might choose him again for the cover. Given that Matthews is a seven-time All-Star and has captained his team during three of those games, he just needs to win a Stanley Cup to make his resume more Hall of Fame worthy.

#7 David Pastrnak – 95 OVR

It appears that Pastrnak is truly hitting his peak performance at this moment. Although he scored 14 fewer goals last season compared to the previous one, he still managed to secure the 7th position in total goal scores. Notably, he stands second among right wingers in terms of overall rating, holding the same score as Nikita Kucherov.

#8 Artemi Panarin – 95 OVR 

Over the past few seasons, Panarin has significantly upped his game, which is astonishing given that he’s 32 years old. Remarkably, age seems to have refined rather than deteriorated the Russian star, making him one of the top players in the league. Initially an unselected player, Panarin now stands as the premier Left Winger in the NHL. The Rangers came very close to reaching the Finals last year, and with talents like Panarin on their roster, they could potentially make it there again.

#9 Sidney Crosby – 94 OVR

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but acknowledge that even at the ripe age of 37, this veteran player continues to shine as one of the best in the league right now. Consequently, the Penguins have wisely decided to extend his contract for another two seasons, ensuring he stays with our beloved team a while longer. A tenfold All-Star and thrice Stanley Cup Champion, he will undoubtedly serve as a beacon and a leader for us, continuing to inspire and lead us to victories. He truly deserves an exceptional rating in NHL 25.

#10 Quinn Hughes – 94 OVR

In this rephrased version: As one of the two cover athletes for NHL 25, Hughes has been recognized among the game’s top 10 players, holding the 10th spot. During the 2024 season, he achieved great success, garnering numerous awards and honors. At just 24 years old, Hughes is showing signs of becoming a standout player for many years to come. With Hughes and other crucial team members, the Canucks hope to push past the second round in the playoffs.

Initially, the top 10 highest-rated players in NHL 25 at its launch are what we’re referring to. However, it’s important to note that these player overall (OVR) ratings may alter during the entire season. If Quinn Hughes demonstrates exceptional skills and establishes himself as a legendary figure in the sport, he could swiftly move up the rankings. Throughout the year, EA Sports will adjust the roster and player ratings to align with the 2024-2025 season’s progression.

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2024-09-19 21:08