The veteran netminder brought stability to Detroit, securing a top-100 spot after a statistical resurgence. See where Gibson ranks alongside stars like Steven Stamkos and Ryan O’Reilly.
The Hockey News has opened its full archive to subscribers, giving fans access to 76 years of hockey history, feature stories, and unforgettable moments.
In the latest issue, we rank the NHL’s top 100 players, with Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson coming in at No. 80 overall. Here is a free preview featuring players ranked 79 through 85.
Subscribe today to see where other standout Detroit Red Wings players, including Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Moritz Seider, landed on the list, explore the complete top 100 rankings, and dive into the full THN Archives
Also, go to thn.com/free to subscribe.
Top 100 NHL Players: 79-85 - Apr. 17 2026 - Vol. 79 Issue 10
79 RYAN O’REILLY
POS: C | AGE: 35 | LY: NR
Though his run of top-five Selke Trophy finishes is behind him, O’Reilly has maintained his status as one of the NHL’s best two-way pivots. He was also a catalyst for the Predators’ unexpected playoff push. O’Reilly played nearly two minutes more per game than any other Nashville forward from December onward.
80 JOHN GIBSON
POS: G | AGE: 32 | LY: NR
The Wings acquired Gibson in the off-season because they needed stability in net, and he provided that, having one of his best seasons statistically. Although his workload has diminished with age, he’s been a workhorse throughout his career. He helped keep the Wings in games as they floundered down the stretch.
81 STEVEN STAMKOS
POS: LW | AGE: 36 | LY: NR
Stamkos – who was among the league’s top goal-scorers from Dec. 1 onward – silenced those who believed he was in great decline. As a matter of fact, he’s proving to be an ageless lamplighter. Only seven players to play at least 400 games after their age-30 seasons have a higher goals-per-game rate than does Stamkos (.45).
82 ZACH HYMAN
POS: RW | AGE: 33 | LY: 85
Five years into his tenure in Oil Country, Hyman remains one of the team’s sharpest free-agent signings ever. He eclipsed 30 goals for a third time this season, despite being on the shelf until mid-November after injuring his wrist in the 2025 West final. Up a man or at full strength, Hyman’s best work comes at the net-front.
Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features.
83 BRAYDEN POINT
POS: C | AGE: 30 | LY: 36
Injuries limited Point’s effectiveness and robbed him of a chance to play at the Olympics, but when he’s healthy, there are few players in the league who are craftier, lower maintenance or as offensively productive. Point’s speed and low center of gravity make him difficult to knock off the puck despite his lack of size.
84 EVGENI MALKIN
POS: C | AGE: 39 | LY: NR
Malkin had an impressive comeback campaign, turning things around defensively and besting his 2024-25 numbers in the process. At 39, he’s far from the superstar he once was, but ‘Geno’ can still take a game over here and there. The fact Pittsburgh sewed up a surprise playoff spot is proof of that.
85 ADRIAN KEMPE
POS: RW | AGE: 29 | LY: 75
After locking in his long-term extension in November, Kempe is poised to be the next face of the franchise in L.A. His production has dipped slightly compared to his 2023-24 peak, but the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder cracked 25 goals for a fifth year in a row. Kempe finding early chemistry with Artemi Panarin was also promising.
Never miss a story by adding us to your Google News favorites!
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.