We’ve reached the end of the NHL season, which means it’s time to determine the best of the best when it comes to players and fashion.
And how did we crown the best?
We’ve compiled a list of all the players who appeared in our NHL-style power rankings throughout the regular season and awarded points based on their ranking in each of them. A player received 10 points if he placed first, nine points if he placed second, and so on. To be considered for the end-of-season roster, a player had to make at least three appearances. (Unfortunately, Ryan Reaves, Jack Eichel, Yanni Gourde, and Ryan Lomberg failed to make our top list despite posting competitive scores.) In the event of a tiebreaker, we used the number of appearances as a deciding factor.
Yes, some honorary mentions just missed the cut (we think of Connor Bedard and Evander Kane). But there’s perhaps no bigger snub than Toronto Maple Leafs star winger William Nylander, who made five appearances on the style chart this season but only amassed 13 points due of his ranking in those weeks.
There shouldn’t be too many other surprises regarding who made our top 10. A ton of heavy hitters and favorites were still on the list.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Powers: What I loved about Marner’s fits was the way they blend business with casual. You can wear them for any occasion. I also respect his sneaker game. He seemed to be having a lot of fun with it all.
McKenzie: I really admired Marner’s approach of being as casual as possible during NHL games. I wish there were more guys dressed like him instead of just wearing suits all the time. Maybe we’ll get there one day. And when that happens, I think Marner will embrace this style even more.
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
Tampa Bay Lightning
McKenzie: Duclair had some strong outfits this year. He’s definitely considered one of the best in the NHL when it comes to style, largely because there aren’t many others in the league who can pull off the fits he does.
Powers: I suspect Duclair would be much higher in this ranking if the Sharks displayed more of his fits while he was still in San Jose. We ranked him twice in the short time he was in Tampa. Duclair has a lot of style.
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Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay Lightning
Carolina Hurricanes
McKenzie: Aho’s outfits oozed class every time we ranked him. He held his own against some stars this season, including this incredible green suit we featured here.
Powers: We’ve ranked Aho three times this year, and two of them placed in the top two. The one we loved the most was this particularly stylish green suit.
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Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
André Ringuette / NHLI via Getty Images
McKenzie: Joseph is definitely in the category of players willing to push the boundaries with their outfits, including this bright orange ensemble we ranked earlier this season. His penchant for trying things has earned me and Scott points and we are looking forward to next season’s games.
Powers: Joseph is going head to toe with the best of them this season. Everything seemed to work perfectly together.
Photo:
André Ringuette / NHLI via Getty Images
André Ringuette / NHLI via Getty Images
Carolina Hurricanes
Powers: I had forgotten how highly ranked Nečas was this season until we crunched the numbers. We only ranked him three times, but he was in the top three each time. I loved the colors he chose for his costumes.
McKenzie: I don’t know if it’s the confidence, the bright colors or what, but Nečas has found a way to impress us every time we debate his ranking this season.
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Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
Dallas Stars
Powers: One of my favorite stories this year was talking to Duchene about her style. He was engaged in conversation and explained why he chose what he wore. The Carhartt custom suit was one of the coolest suits this year.
McKenzie: I agree with Scott on the Carhartt lawsuit. It’s such a cool color and look – and I still didn’t expect this brand to be in the costume game.
Dallas Stars
Toronto Maple Leafs
McKenzie: Matthews can be chic, casual, a borderline hipster or a streetwear aficionado. He may be the most versatile dresser in the game. He may not be for everyone, but you can’t ignore his ability to dress like GQ is watching his every move.
Powers: Matthews has a very distinct look. It usually includes a neck gaiter, usually a turtleneck, and a single jacket. It took me a little while to get used to its style, but I like it now.
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
Vancouver Canucks
McKenzie: I’m disappointed that I didn’t have the opportunity to personally ask Zadorov about his style while he was a member of the Calgary Flames. His trade to Vancouver changed that opportunity, but it didn’t affect his style choices when he moved further west. Double-breasted suits and turtlenecks have been popular on several occasions this season.
Powers: Like Duclair, Zadorov will likely be offended by our ranking, even at 3rd. You can count on Zadorov to wear a well-tailored double-breasted suit almost every time. There is an elegance to his style.
Vancouver Canucks
Tom Marchitelli / Gentleman’s Playbook
McKenzie: Every time I see Ullmark donning a great suit or hat, I think of him in the back of a Boston pizzeria, carefully studying fabrics and potential outfits with his stylist, Tom Marchitelli. Asking him about his style was one of my highlights of the 2023-24 season. Ullmark is an incredibly insightful guy who cares a lot about what he wears.
Powers: I didn’t know Ullmark was this stylish before this season, but I now have a deep respect for his taste. You could even argue that he’s more stylish than the person who finished #1. Ullmark has been voted No. 1 three times in our rankings this season. He and his stylist obviously put a lot of thought into what he wears. He has been impressive throughout the season.
Photo:
Tom Marchitelli / Gentleman’s Playbook
Tom Marchitelli / Gentleman’s Playbook
Boston Bruins
Powers: Pastrňák had as many No. 1 selections as Ullmark, but what put him over the top was being included in the rankings once again. Pastrňák had so much cool variety this year. He could dress up if necessary, but he also had fun and tried things.
McKenzie: Pastrňák donned an Adidas tracksuit – and that’s not the only time we’ve marveled at his style. He had a handful of adventurous, stylish and incredible outfits that made him worthy of the top spot this year. Personally, I’m still excited about the bright yellow Poner jacket he wore in Toronto during the All-Star Game. He’s the style king once again, in our opinion.
Boston Bruins
(Top photo by David Pastrňák, William Nylander and Auston Matthews: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)