NHL Stars Ranking and 2025-26 Schedule Preview
Three Russian players—goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Andrei Vasilevski, along with forward Kirill Kaprizov—have earned spots among the top 20 active NHL players, according to NHL Network. The organization announced the rankings on its official X account, highlighting how each athlete stands out in today’s league landscape. Shesterkin of the New York Rangers sits inside the top 20, while Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild holds a high placing, and Vasilevski of the Tampa Bay Lightning remains a perennial elite in the crease. These rankings reflect a blend of performance data, career longevity, and the expectations placed on each athlete entering a new season. The report illustrates how this trio’s continued excellence is shaping fan interest and team strategies across the league (citation: NHL Network).
The evaluation process behind the list combines input from publishers, analysts, and experts who study statistics, advanced metrics, and on-ice impact. Shesterkin, Kaprizov, and Vasilevski are celebrated not only for their recent achievements but also for their consistency, leadership, and ability to influence games at critical moments. Shesterkin, who has become a key anchor for the Rangers, is noted for his calm puck handling and ability to shut down top scoring chances. Kaprizov is praised for his playmaking vision and goal-scoring prowess, which have kept the Wild competitive in a crowded Western Conference. Vasilevski’s influence extends beyond goaltending; his experience guiding a Stanley Cup-winning squad adds intangible value that reaches teammates and coaching staff alike (citation: NHL Network).
The start of the new NHL season is scheduled for the night of October 11, with Moscow time used for reference. Opening-day matchups set the tone for a campaign that promises high-intensity hockey across the league. The Vegas Golden Knights are slated to square off against the Seattle Kraken, testing the Knights’ ability to defend their championship form from recent seasons. In a regional clash, the Nashville Predators will face the Tampa Bay Lightning, offering a platform to assess how the Lightning look after recent roster changes. Additionally, the Chicago Blackhawks will meet the Pittsburgh Penguins, a marquee game that often draws strong attention from fans and analysts keen to see how both teams adjust to new lines, coaching strategies, and overall depth as the season progresses (citation: NHL Network).
In terms of structure, the upcoming schedule comprises 1,312 games in total, with the NHL regular season running through to April 19, Moscow time. The length of the schedule underscores the league’s emphasis on player workload, travel demands, and the need to balance peak performance with recovery windows. It also highlights the growing importance of player development pipelines, rest management, and the strategic use of back-to-back games to maximize fan engagement and broadcast windows across North America and around the world. The 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights serve as a reference point for how teams adapt to pressure and maintain form across a demanding calendar. This context helps fans, analysts, and fantasy players alike prepare for early-season narratives and late-season momentum that could swing playoff races (citation: NHL Network).
As for Kaprizov’s personal and professional evolution, his time with the Wild has bridged cultural and stylistic transitions. There is a sense of growing familiarity with life in Minnesota and its hockey culture, which in turn influences his on-ice decisions, community involvement, and leadership role within the team. This broader adaptation mirrors a league-wide trend where players increasingly engage with local communities, media markets, and fan bases beyond the rink. The result is a more dynamic public persona and a deeper connection with supporters who follow every game, practice, and public appearance closely (citation: NHL Network).