NHL 19 Ratings: Best Players

(Photo Credit: EA Sports NHL, via Twitter)

NHL 19 is filled with the very best players in the world. According to the overall ratings given by EA Sports, these ten are the pinnacle of the sport right now. If you want to dominate on the ice this season, look to get one of these star players in your lines.

Connor McDavid (OVR 94)

Age: 21Nationality: CanadianPosition: CenterHeight: 6’1’’Weight: 192 lbsShoots: LeftBest Stats: 97 Acceleration, 97 Agility, 97 Offensive Awareness

The Edmonton Oilers wunderkind weighs in as the best player in NHL 19, with the developers emphasizing that speed is what rules the modern game. Despite McDavid’s league-leading 108 points, he couldn’t drag his team to the postseason, but he’ll be looking to challenge some of the aging and vulnerable Pacific teams in this campaign. 

Sidney Crosby (OVR 93)

Age: 31Nationality: CanadianPosition: CenterHeight: 5’11’’Weight: 200 lbsShoots: LeftBest Stats: Offensive Awareness 95, Poise 95, All Puck Skills 95

Widely considered to be the best player in the world despite the breakout of the Oilers captain, Sidney Crosby continues to prove to be a difference-maker in each passing season. Searching for the three-peat, Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins were knocked out of the playoffs for the first time in three years – losing to the eventual champions. 

Alexander Ovechkin (OVR 92)

Age: 32Nationality: RussianPosition: Left WingHeight: 6’3’’Weight: 235 lbsShoots: RightBest Stats: Offensive Awareness 96, Hand-Eye 96, Slap Shot Accuracy and Power 95

It’s been a long time coming, but Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals finally won the Stanley Cup last season. Following many weeks of celebrations and kegstand chugs from the trophy, Ovechkin returns as one of the most feared snipers in the league and looks to follow up on his seventh ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy-winning campaign.

Drew Doughty (OVR 92)

Age: 28Nationality: CanadianPosition: DefensemanHeight: 6’1’’Weight: 200 lbsShoots: RightBest Stats: Defensive Awareness 94, Offensive Awareness 94, Passing 94

The tireless work of Drew Doughty at both ends of the ice is a major reason why the Los Angeles Kings made it to the playoffs last season, with his +23 rating and 60 points showing how effective he can be. The Kings will need him at his very best again this season as there are plenty of Pacific Division contenders ready to make a move past the Kings.

Carey Price (OVR 92)

Age: 31Nationality: CanadianPosition: GoaltenderHeight: 6’3’’Weight: 215 lbsHandedness: LeftBest Stats: Endurance 95, Stick Low 94, Rebound Control 93

The Montreal Canadiens have been on a downward spiral for a couple of years now, but Carey Price continues to prove his unwavering quality in net. If it weren’t for Price, the Canadiens would struggle to tally any wins at all, let alone the meager 29 of last season. With no improvements up the middle in Montreal, Price has another busy 82 games ahead of him.

Nikita Kucherov (OVR 91)

Age: 25Nationality: RussianPosition: Right WingHeight: 5’11’’Weight: 178 lbsShoots: LeftBest Stats: Wrist Shot Accuracy 94, Deking 94, Passing 94

Clocking in 100 points last season, Nikita Kucherov continues to put up stellar numbers as the very talented batch of Tampa Bay Lightning stars edge ever closer to a Stanley Cup. His speed on the puck and eye for goal cannot be understated. 

Victor Hedman (OVR 91)

Age: 27Nationality: SwedishPosition: DefensemanHeight: 6’6’’Weight: 223 lbsShoots: LeftBest Stats: Strength 93, Defensive Awareness 93, Stick Checking 93

Swedish goliath Victor Hedman has produced many top-class seasons to now be rated as one of the best defensemen in the league. He a major force in all phases of play and given his huge frame he’s remarkably quick off the mark. He’ll be the benchmark of a potential Lightning Stanley Cup win this season as most winners boast at least one elite-level defenseman on their blueline.

Patrick Kane (OVR 91)

Age: 29Nationality: AmericanPosition: Right WingHeight: 5’11’’Weight: 177 lbsShoots: LeftBest Stats: Deking 97, Hand-Eye 97, Puck Control 97

If you’re looking to score a goal, there are few players who you’d rather have the puck on their stick than Patrick Kane. The Chicago Blackhawks talisman racked up 27 goals and 76 points last season despite the decline of much of the team around him. 

Evgeni Malkin (OVR 91)

Age: 32Nationality: RussianPosition: CenterHeight: 6’3’’Weight: 195 lbsShoots: LeftBest Stats: Passing 94, Slap Shot Power 94, Wrist Shot Accuracy 94

As much of a threat as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin provides the other half of Pittsburgh’s immense one-two punch at center. The hefty Russian has a flair for scoring incredible goals while also being an imposing physical presence at all times. 

Steven Stamkos (OVR 91)

Age: 28Nationality: CanadianPosition: CenterHeight: 6’1’’Weight: 194 lbsShoots: RightBest Stats: Slap Shot Power 94, Offensive Awareness 94, Deking 94

A career mired by major and often fluky injuries, this looks to be the season that Steven Stamkos finally rallies his Tampa Bay Lightning team to a Stanley Cup win. Hailed as one of the best centers of his generation, he has the ability and the players around him to reach incredible feats this season. 

For some more of the best players in NHL 19, check out the table below: