NHL 26 Player Ratings: Breakdown of Toronto Maple Leafs’ Stars

While not all NHL fans play EA Sports’ titular games, they are undeniably a significant part of the league’s overall fandom. If nothing else, the act of ranking players is always a battleground for conflicting opinions. In preparation for the release of the upcoming NHL 26 video game, EA Sports has released a good deal of its player ratings. Let’s take a look at the Leafs’ top 10 highest-rated players.

Auston Matthews

94 overall, sniper

Matthews being the Leafs top player is no surprise, though coming off a down season has him a bit further down the league-wide leaderboard. EA Sports is hardly alone here, as Matthews has slid down several offseason lists ranking players. In EA Sports’ eyes, Matthews ranks 12th across the game, sliding behind centres Aleksander Barkov, Sidney Crosby, and Jack Eichel.

This is a bit of a step back for Matthews, who has been in discussions as the second-best player behind Connor McDavid in the past. Still, this is a very respectable rating, and Matthews is poised to have a much better season this year. Winning the Rocket Richard Trophy and being in contention for the Hart and Selke Trophies should still be well within the realm of possibility for the Leafs captain.

The game features X-Factor skills, individual skills central to identity, and top players will have at least one. Matthews earns badges for his quick release, pass intercepting, and a momentum multiplier. His shot is iconic, but Matthews’ ability to win and control loose pucks is worth shouting out.

William Nylander

92 overall, playmaker

Coming in as the 25th-ranked player league-wide, Nylander has continued to earn respect. The offensive dynamo is fully in his prime and might easily reach new career highs over the course of his current contract. While clearly more of a playmaker than Matthews, Nylander is a dual threat who could easily be listed as a sniper.

Nylander’s shooting talents are recognized, as his X-Factors include the same quick release as Matthews. Nylander also earns some badges for his puck protection and his elite edges, both of which are top of the class among NHLers.

John Tavares

88 overall, sniper

Heading into last season, many thought that Tavares was on a steep decline. As his previous contract came to a close and he was unburdened from his role as captain, Tavares had a vintage season. His rating here is quite strong, a reflection of his work over the past 12 months. While third on the Leafs, Tavares ranks 83rd in the league.

Tavares boasts two X-Factor skills, one for his tipping prowess and another for his ability to make plays off of face-offs. While not necessarily a true net front scorer, Tavares has the strength and skill to be an effective scorer in traffic, which these skills try to encapsulate.

Matthews Knies

87 overall, power forward

Just barely cracking the league’s top 100, ranked 99th overall, Knies has arrived as a legitimate top-line forward. Signed to a new deal, Knies might well be able to hold this esteem throughout his new contract. There might still be some growth for Knies, and chances are he will continue to break his career highs in production over that span.

While Tavares has some skill as an inside scorer, Knies does his work much closer to the net. His X-Factor skill reflects this, as Knies has two abilities that reflect his play strength. One offers a greater resistance to physical play, while the other offers greater handling at full speed.

Morgan Rielly

87 overall, two-way defenceman

A growing number of corners of Leafs Nation have begun to question Rielly’s effectiveness, but EA clearly still holds him in high regard. His detractors might disagree with his overall, as well as his play style as a two-way defenceman. Rielly did have a bit of a tougher season under coach Craig Berube, so a bounce-back is certainly possible. Rielly was given an X-Factor skill, which enables better breakout passes.

Brandon Carlo

86 overall, defensive defenceman

Perhaps a bit of a surprise as well, Carlo is rated as the Leafs’ second-best defenceman. His role as a defensive presence is spot on, and perhaps a full season paired alongside Rielly will be great for both players. Defensive awareness and strength are both rated above 90 for Carlo. His X-Factor skill is toughness, better able to take hits and block shots, as well as playing through minor injuries.

Anthony Stolarz

85 overall, hybrid

This might seem a bit low for Stolarz, who authored a sterling performance last season. Still, it was just one season, as Stolarz’s resume is not exactly extensive. His passing is rated as an 88, where Stolarz is equal parts proficient and aggressive. Stolarz does not have an X-Factor skill.

Chris Tanev

85 overall, defensive defenceman

Most fans who followed the Leafs last season might be surprised that Tanev is not listed as the team’s top-rated defenceman. While this might indicate a bias towards more offensive players, EA might be trying to factor in some age-related regression for Tanev. It should be no surprise that his defensive awareness and shot blocking are rated above 90.

His passing skill might be a big factor here, as it is harder to quantify the effective functionality of Tanev’s game than it is for high-flying offensive defencemen. At least Tanev earns two X-Factor skills. Similar to Carlo, Tanev can resist stamina drops for contact, blocked shots, and minor injuries. He also boasts an X-Factor skill for his poke checking.

Jake McCabe

85 overall, defensive defenceman

Aside from his defensive awareness, not much stands out about McCabe’s ratings. He is a solid defender with enough well-rounded physical prowess and skating. While the defensive defenceman play style is irrefutable for the likes of Tanev and Carlo, McCabe might deserve more credit for his two-way abilities. Either way, McCabe has been sound and solid as a member of the Leafs and deserves to be seen as a legitimate top-four defenceman.

Joseph Woll

85 overall, hybrid

EA clearly does not see much difference between the Leafs tandem, as Woll earns the same overall as Stolarz. A big difference in their ratings is that Woll has more aptitude in his angles and poise than Stolarz does. Stolarz, meanwhile, has more speed and passing. While many might expect Stolarz to earn his way back into being the Leafs playoff starter, Woll is certainly close enough to win that distinction this season.