Top NHL Stars: The Players You Need To Know In 2024

Scope 04 Apr 2025

Hey there, hockey fans! The National Hockey League All-Star Game just wrapped up in February 2024, and it’s the perfect time to talk about the best players in the game right now. Let’s clear something up—this isn’t the NFL. The NHL has been around for over 106 years, and it’s been one heck of a ride. It’s a professional ice hockey league that spans North America, featuring 32 teams. That’s right—25 of them are based in the U.S., and 7 are in Canada. This league is packed with talent, and every year, everyone waits with bated breath to see which team will take home the Stanley Cup. It’s the oldest and most prestigious trophy in North American sports, so the team that wins it becomes the talk of the town.

Now, some people might think hockey doesn’t get the same attention as football, but let me tell you—this game is just as intense. The numbers don’t lie. At the end of 2023, the average NHL team was valued at a whopping $1.33 billion, which is a 29% increase from the previous year. That’s insane growth! And guess who’s leading the charge in terms of team value? The Toronto Maple Leafs, worth nearly $2.8 billion. They’re on fire! So, who are the top players from these elite teams? Let’s dive in and find out.

1. Connor McDavid: The Edmonton Oilers’ Secret Weapon

Let’s kick things off with Connor McDavid, who’s sitting pretty at the top of our list. This guy recently made history by redesigning the All-Star Game skills challenge, earning himself over $1 million in the process. Born in Ontario, Canada, McDavid is only 27 years old, but he’s already cemented his place as one of the greatest hockey players of all time. If you’re into betting, you’ve probably noticed McDavid’s name popping up in the odds for the hockey futures season. He’s a game-changer, and he’s been stacking those odds in favor of the Edmonton Oilers since he was drafted in 2015. This guy’s loyalty to his team is unmatched, and he’s a true testament to what it means to be a leader on and off the ice.

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McDavid has consistently topped NHL rankings since he entered the league, and he’s no stranger to the spotlight. Sure, the start of this season was a bit slower for him due to an injury, but he still managed to rack up 82 points in just 50 games. That’s insane! Even when he’s not at 100%, he outperforms most players. He’s a force to be reckoned with, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish by the end of the season. Connor McDavid deserves the top spot on our list, and we’re excited to watch him continue to dominate the game.

2. Auston Matthews: The Scoring Machine for the Toronto Maple Leafs

If you look back at NHL history, you’ll see that only a handful of centers have ever scored 75 goals in a season. We’re talking legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Phil Esposito. Well, Auston Matthews is about to join that elite group. This 26-year-old phenom is on track to score 75 goals this season, and it’s going to be one of the most memorable performances in NHL history. Matthews isn’t just a scorer—he’s also an exceptional two-way center. In the 2019-2020 season alone, he scored 75 goals, which is 30 more than the average player. That’s incredible!

Matthews has quickly established himself as one of the best centers in the league, and he’s already being compared to legends like Patrick Kane. Despite being so young, he’s already achieved so much, and we’re excited to see what he’ll accomplish in the future. Whether it’s breaking records or hitting new milestones, Matthews is destined for greatness. Keep an eye on him—he’s the real deal.

3. Leon Draisaitl: The Emotional Dynamo for the Edmonton Oilers

Now, let’s talk about Leon Draisaitl, another standout player for the Edmonton Oilers. If there’s one thing you need to know about Draisaitl, it’s that he wears his heart on his sleeve. Whether he’s celebrating a big goal, shouting in frustration, or giving an emotional interview after a game, this guy isn’t afraid to show his feelings. While some might see his emotional nature as a downside, we think it’s a testament to his passion for the game. Last season, Draisaitl finished second in the NHL with 128 points, including 52 goals and 76 assists. That’s impressive by anyone’s standards.

Draisaitl, who’s also 27 years old, has been in the top four in scoring for the past five seasons. Despite his occasional emotional outbursts, there’s no denying his talent. He’s a player who can change the course of a game in an instant. If you’re into betting, Draisaitl is definitely someone to keep on your radar. By the end of this season, we’ll see just how far he can take the Oilers—and whether those who bet on him come out on top. Let’s see what this fiery player has in store for us!

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Discover the top NHL players of 2024, including Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl. Learn why these stars are leading the charge in the world of professional ice hockey.