Overview

• EA released its first NHL 26 defense ratings, placing Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar at 95 overall to lead all blueliners.
• ESPN compiled a top-20 list from the ratings, with Zach Werenski, Roman Josi, Victor Hedman and Rasmus Dahlin at 92 and Adam Fox at 90.
• Cale Makar’s 95 follows a 2024–25 season leading defensemen with 92 points and winning his second Norris Trophy.
• Quinn Hughes climbed from 94 in NHL 25 to 95 after posting 76 points in 68 games last season.
• EA’s ratings influence gameplay and simulation modes, with further positional reveals coming before NHL 26 launches September 12 on PS5 and Xbox Series X.