Kirill Kaprizov Rated Top Left Winger in NHL 26 – Wilderness Walk

The Minnesota Wild season hasn’t started yet but we already got some confirmation that Kirill Kaprizov is one of the best players in the world.

EA Sports released some overall ratings for players in the new NHL 26 game that is about to be released on September 12 and obviously we knew Kaprizov was going to be high, but it was made official Tuesday that the Wild’s star winger will be the highest rated left winger in the entire game.

Is it controversial that Kaprizov is ahead of Stanley Cup champion Matthew Tkachuk? Of course not. Did you even watch the Wild when Kaprizov was not on the ice? Did you see what he was able to do in the first couple of months last season? We’re honestly surprised his rating is only 94 overall.

Notably, Matt Boldy is also listed as one of the best left wingers in the game, with an 89 overall ranking and tied for the eighth highest among players in his listed position (despite playing on the right for a large majority of last season).

• Moving on, the Wild must embrace how volatile David Jiricek’s game can be. Sure, he might not be the most active player defensively but he has some game-breaking offense that the Wild desperately need throughout the season. [Hockey Wilderness]
• Another prospect profile on our ranking, the Wild should create a role for Liam Ohgren. He was dominant in the AHL and should move up to a full-time role — it’s up to Minnesota to welcome him in and give him an opportunity. [Hockey Wilderness]

Off the trail…

• Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Doug Armstrong is making it clear that the goaltending spots remain “open competition”. [TheScore]
• The 2025-26 NHL season hasn’t even started yet but let’s look ahead at the 2026 NHL Draft and who is among projected first-overall pick Gavin McKenna. [ESPN]

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