The NHL top 100 seeks to impartially assess the careers of NHL players by considering a blend of career accomplishments, sustained annual performance, and overall career length. In terms of career achievements, forwards are awarded points for ranking as a top-three point producer each year, defensemen accrue points for being recognized as a top-two defenseman, and goalies receive points for earning the distinction of the top goalie. Additionally, players earn points for finishing in the top six in league MVP voting, winning the playoff MVP, and securing a Stanley Cup victory. The evaluation of consistent performance and career longevity involves era-adjusted points scored encompassing both regular season and playoff performances.
The rankings are based on a combination of three categories:
Adjusted Points
Adjusted points for forwards and defensemen are calculated similarly to hockey-reference’s method, with the key difference being that the NHL top 100 combines both regular season and playoff points. As with hockey-reference, the NHL top 100 normalizes its seasons to an 82-game schedule.
For goalies, two points are awarded for a regulation and overtime win, while one point is awarded for a tie and games resulting in a shootout. Goalie point totals are normalized to a 71-game schedule. As with skaters, regular and playoff statistics are combined.
Award Points
Forwards are awarded points for being a top three point producer, a defencemen receives points for being voted a top two defencemen and a goalie receives points for being voted top goalie. Along with these awards players receive points for finishing in the top six in voting for league MVP, points for winning the playoff MVP. Points are awarded as follows:
In order for a player to be eligible for Stanley Cup Points they must have played at least one playoff game in the year their team won the Stanley Cup and have recorded at least one point with that team during the year (regular season or playoffs). Stanley Cup points are prorated based on how many teams were in the NHL the year the Stanley Cup was won with the most points to be awarded in a year is 82. For example, Jean Beliveau would have received 15 Stanley Cup points for winning the Stanley cup during the original six era, Wayne Gretzky would have received 54 points for winning the Stanley Cup during the 21 team era and winners of the 2025 Stanley cup would have received 82 points for winning the Stanley Cup in the 32 team league.
