Ranking the NHL's Top 10 Left Wings Entering 2026-27

The Hockey Writers ranks the league's best left wingers for the 2026-27 season. Kirill Kaprizov tops the list, followed by Kyle Connor and Jason Robertson. The article also discusses Brady Tkachuk, Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin, Jake Guentzel, Jesper Bratt, Matthew Boldy, and Brandon Hagel.
The Hockey Writers' preseason list places Kirill Kaprizov first, with Kyle Connor and Jason Robertson next. Brady Tkachuk, Adrian Kempe, Artemi Panarin, Jake Guentzel, Jesper Bratt, Matthew Boldy, and Brandon Hagel round out the top ten. Several entries reflect recent movement: Tkachuk is now with Florida, while Panarin was dealt to Los Angeles after a benching.
The piece notes production benchmarks: Kempe is viewed as a consistent 35-goal, 70-point winger; Guentzel reached 88 points; Bratt has five straight 70-point campaigns; Boldy scored 42 goals and 85 points. It also frames Tkachuk's playoff struggles and Panarin's down year as context.
This ranking could influence fan discussion and media narratives around the league's top wingers, especially as trades and free agency reshape rosters. Players like Tkachuk and Panarin may see heightened scrutiny in new markets, while fantasy managers and casual viewers could use such lists to frame expectations. Teams might also face amplified pressure if highly ranked players underperform or if overlooked wingers excel.