Connor Hellebuyck crowned NHL 26’s top goaltender as Winnipeg Jets dominate EA Sports rankings

With the release of EA Sports NHL 26 just days away on September 12, anticipation is growing across the hockey community. Each year, the unveiling of player ratings fuels debates and sets expectations for gamers eager to see where their favorite stars stand.

This time around, the Winnipeg Jets have made a strong impression, with multiple players landing among the Top 10 at their respective positions. And at the center of it all, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has emerged as the standout.

EA Sports NHL 26 places Connor Hellebuyck as the top-rated goaltender

On Friday, September 6, EA Sports concluded its rankings reveal by announcing the top-rated goaltenders in NHL 26. To no one’s surprise, Connor Hellebuyck claimed the top spot with a 94 overall rating, an increase from his 93 in NHL 25.

The jump officially places him not only as the best goaltender but also as the eighth-best player in the entire game.“When you put together that kind of season, the recognition is bound to follow,” EA Sports producer Sean Ramjagsingh said during a virtual reveal on Wednesday, September 4. “Hellebuyck wasn’t just the best goalie in the NHL last year—he was one of the best players overall, period.”

The recognition comes after a career year for the 32-year-old netminder, who captured the Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and Jennings Trophy last season.

His numbers were as dominant as they come: a 47-12-3 record, eight shutouts, a 2.00 goals-against average, and a .925 save percentage. Hellebuyck’s performance helped Winnipeg secure the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s top team at the end of the regular season.

EA Sports NHL 26 ratings highlight Josh Morrissey, Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele

Hellebuyck wasn’t the only Winnipeg player to earn recognition from EA Sports. On August 29, defenseman Josh Morrissey was unveiled as the eighth-best defenseman in the game with a 90 overall rating.

A few days later, on September 1, winger Kyle Connor was revealed as the No. 4 left winger at 92 overall. Finally, on September 6, captain Mark Scheifele rounded out the Jets’ representation, being named the tenth-best center.With four players recognized among more than a thousand in the NHL 26 database, the Jets stand out as one of the most well-represented teams in the game.

Connor Hellebuyck’s international success adds to NHL 26 recognition

Long before becoming the NHL’s top goaltender, Hellebuyck was already proving himself on the world stage.

At the 2015 IIHF Men’s World Championship in Prague, Czech Republic, he backstopped the United States to a bronze medal, posting a 7–1–0 record with two shutouts. His seven victories tied a U.S. single-tournament record that had stood since 1939, while his 1.37 goals-against average and .948 save percentage showcased his elite ability.

A year later, he was named to the initial roster of Team North America for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, further cementing his international reputation.With NHL 26 launching on September 12, Jets fans can look forward to seeing four of their stars ranked among the game’s elite. Leading the way is Connor Hellebuyck, whose 94 overall rating confirms his status as the premier goaltender in both the NHL and the EA Sports universe. The question now is simple: will Winnipeg’s virtual dominance carry over into another standout season on the ice?Also Read: Marco Scandella calls it a career: former St. Louis Blues defenseman retires after 14 seasons