EA Sports NHL 26 ratings: Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov ranked best right winger

Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov has proven that his elite on-ice talent carries over to the digital world, earning top billing in EA Sports NHL 26. EA Sports revealed its NHL 26 right-winger ratings on Tuesday, and the Tampa Bay Lightning superstar claimed the top spot.

Following a spectacular 2024-25 campaign, where he solidified himself as one of the game’s most consistent offensive forces, Kucherov continues to set the standard both on the ice and in the video game franchise.

Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov secures top right-winger rating in EA Sports NHL 26 player rankings

EA Sports handed Kucherov a 96 overall rating, making him the highest-ranked right winger in NHL 26. His exceptional 2024-25 season backed up the decision, Kucherov recorded 121 points, marking his third straight 100-point campaign and the fifth of his career.

That performance earned him his second consecutive Art Ross Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award, cementing his reputation as one of the NHL’s elite.The Lightning forward’s production was slightly down from his 144-point outburst in 2023-24, but he remained the most reliable playmaker in the league. His blend of skill, vision, and offensive consistency continues to separate him from the competition, which is reflected in both his real-world accolades and virtual dominance.

David Pastrnak, Mikko Rantanen and other NHL stars follow in EA Sports NHL 26 top-10 right-winger rankings

Behind Kucherov, Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak secured the second spot with a 94 rating, while Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen and Florida Panthers winger Sam Reinhart were tied for third at 93. The rankings also placed Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander and Vegas Golden Knights’ Mitch Marner together at fifth with 92 ratings.Further down the list, Utah Mammoth standout Clayton Keller earned a 90 rating, while Lucas Raymond (Detroit Red Wings), Kirill Marchenko (Columbus Blue Jackets), and Mark Stone (Vegas Golden Knights) rounded out the top 10, each coming in at 89.These player ratings not only highlight individual performances but also influence gameplay across modes like Franchise and Be a Pro, shaping how fans experience hockey digitally.By securing the No. 1 right-winger ranking in NHL 26, Nikita Kucherov reaffirms his place as one of hockey’s most dominant forces. His consistent excellence has kept him at the top of both the NHL and EA Sports’ virtual rankings, leaving rivals like Pastrnak and Rantanen chasing his standard. Whether on the ice or in the game, Kucherov remains the benchmark for elite wingers.Also Read: EA Sports NHL 26 ratings: Kirill Kaprizov ranked No. 1 left winger, Matt Boldy earns top-10 spot