We now know where Mikko Rantanen stands in NHL 26 compared to the best wingers

EA Sports officially published its list of the top 20 wingers split between left and right sides, and once again Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov leads the pack. The veteran sniper received a 96 overall rating, making him the highest winger in NHL 26 and fourth-best player overall in the game.

Behind Kucherov, Boston Bruins star David Pastrnak and Minnesota Wild's Kirill Kaprizov sit tied with 94 overall ratings. Both have proven to be consistent point producers, and in the video game they remain nearly unstoppable in speed and skill categories.

Right after that elite trio, the next group of names includes Mikko Rantanen, cover star Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers, and his teammate Sam Reinhart. All three are rated 93 overall, which cements Rantanen's status as one of the premier wingers in hockey and one of the top-rated Dallas Stars in franchise history.

For Rantanen, the 93 rating highlights his combination of size, scoring touch, and playmaking ability. In real life, he was acquired to form what many already call the best line in hockey with Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson. In NHL 26, gamers will quickly notice how his puck protection and finishing ability make him a nightmare to defend.

The rest of the top-20 list is stacked with familiar stars. Artemi Panarin (92), William Nylander (92), and Mitch Marner (92) headline the next tier, while Alex Ovechkin still cracks the group at 90 overall. Younger players like Matt Boldy, Lucas Raymond, and Jesper Bratt also made the cut, showing how the new generation of wingers is balancing out the veterans.

One interesting note is that the Florida Panthers have three names in the top 20 (Tkachuk, Reinhart, and Brad Marchand after his shocking move), while Tampa Bay also features multiple wingers including Kucherov, Brandon Hagel, and new arrival Jake Guentzel.

For Dallas fans, though, this list is about Rantanen. His arrival not only shifts the balance of the Central Division but also gives the Stars one of the most dangerous forward groups in both real life and in NHL 26. Personally, I think his 93 overall is right on target, and it will make Dallas a go-to team for players when the game drops.