Artemy Panarin of the New York Rangers and Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning rank among hockey’s premier playmakers, according to a recent league survey that gathered insights from a broad cross section of players. The poll drew responses from 626 participants across the league, offering a snapshot of how peers evaluate those who turn opportunities into assists and clear scoring chances.
Kucherov earned a spot in the top five, finishing third with 10.5 percent of vote shares. Panarin followed closely, ranking fourth with 7.8 percent. The upper tier of the list was led by Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl, who held first place with a quarter of ballots, while Patrick Kane of the New York Rangers registered 13 percent. Connor McDavid, another standout from Edmonton, completed the quintet in fifth with 7.7 percent.
The results emphasize the high regard players have for the craft of passing, including the ability to anticipate teammates’ movements and create sustained offensive pressure through seamless chemistry. Observers often note not just the tally of assists, but how a playmaker’s choices bend ordinary sequences into dangerous scoring opportunities for teammates.
In a separate NHL milestone during a regular-season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals reached a historic marker. He tallied his first goal of the game, extending his season-opening goals record and adding another chapter to the Russian captain’s storied career and the Capitals’ legacy. (Cited: league survey) (Cited: NHL records)