NHL analyst Paul Pidutti of the Daily Faceoff has released his forecast for the Top 30 players who are projected to dominate the ice in 2030, focusing on the evolving landscape as current legends approach retirement. This list highlights emerging and mid-career talent who will shape the league’s future.
Pidutti’s evaluation factors in the retirement of icons such as Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Drew Doughty, while spotlighting the resilience and continued impact of players like Nikita Kucherov, Connor Hellebuyck, and Nathan MacKinnon as they move into their later playing years.
Top Players Expected to Lead the NHL in 2030
At the top of Pidutti’s list is Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who would be 33 years old by 2030. McDavid’s ability to maintain leadership within the league depends on how quickly the younger generation narrows the gap.
“Should allow him to preserve #1 status for years to come,” Pidutti said. “Whether that’s still true at 33 in 2030 is equally a function of how fast the next generation develops to catch the man that brought hockey’s evolution to a new level.” —Paul Pidutti, NHL Analyst
Pidutti also expressed curiosity about the extent of McDavid’s skill retention after sustaining a decade-long pace of over one assist per game.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar, who will be 31 in 2030, ranks closely behind McDavid. Makar’s six-year, $54 million contract reflects his current standing, but his future dominance depends on both his ongoing development and the pace of incoming talent.
“To confidently place Makar at the top when he’ll be 31 tells us two things: 1. The upcoming generation is a long way from catching him right now; and 2. Makar can decline over the next five years and still lead the pack,” Pidutti said.
Pidutti noted that elite, point-per-game defensemen are rare in the salary cap era, identifying Makar and Quinn Hughes as unique in combining offensive output with strong defensive presence.
At 24 years old in 2030, San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, the number one pick in the 2024 NHL draft, secures the third position on the list, signaling his expected impact in the next decade.
Quinn Hughes Positioned Among Emerging League Leaders
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes holds fourth place on the list, projected to be 30 years old in 2030. Hughes’ steady rise in the league has earned him recognition alongside top defensemen like Cale Makar.
“Why is Makar #1 over Hughes? Not much separates the pair,” Pidutti said. “Makar has found team success, contributing meaningfully to more playoff runs, and reputationally is a five-time Norris finalist to Hughes’ two nods.” —Paul Pidutti, NHL Analyst
New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, Quinn’s younger brother, rounds out the top five. At 29 years old in 2030, Jack Hughes is seen as part of the NHL’s promising upcoming talent pool.
Projection Methods and Significance for the NHL’s Future
Pidutti’s rankings derive from a hybrid method that combines recent performance data, scouting evaluations, and expert judgment, shaping a comprehensive glimpse into the NHL’s future elite players. His insight suggests that while current superstars will give way to emerging players, some established talents like McDavid and Makar will remain influential for years to come.
As the NHL transitions through this generational shift, Quinn Hughes’ inclusion among the top five underlines his importance as a key defenseman who can balance offensive play with defensive responsibility. This forecast illuminates the evolving competitive landscape and the players expected to define hockey’s next decade.