Winnipeg’s dynamic offensive duo climbs the digital ranks, but a surprising ratings dip for the star netminder sparks debate as EA Sports unveils its latest player evaluations.
Over the course of this week, EA Sports has been rolling out news ahead of the release of NHL 27, and the biggest headline so far has been the introduction of the game's new 99 Club.
The top players in the game have also started receiving their individual ratings, and Winnipeg Jets fans have already noticed some surprising landing spots for the team's biggest names.
Leading the way is three-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, who is coming off a season that fell well short of the historic numbers he posted in his previous two campaigns.
That decline is reflected in his rating, with EA moving Hellebuyck down to a 92 overall, the third-best goaltender in the game behind reigning Vezina winner Andrei Vasilevskiy. Surprisingly, Ilya Sorokin edged out Hellebuyck as well, landing a point ahead at 93 overall.
Up front, Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor both find themselves inside the top ten at their respective positions. Scheifele checks in as the tenth-best center in the game with a 93 overall rating, tying him with Nick Suzuki, while Connor lands even higher, sitting in the top three at left wing with a 92 overall rating that ties him with Jason Robertson.
On the back end, Josh Morrissey comes in at ninth among left-shot defensemen with a 90 overall rating following a down season, tying him with Lane Hutson. Forward Gabe Vilardi also received his rating, landing a solid 87 overall, putting him in the same conversation as standout forwards like Cutter Gauthier, Dylan Strome and Roope Hintz.
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