The Edmonton Oilers are closing out the 2025 calendar year with their superstar captain firmly in command. The latest edition of the team's player power rankings, released on December 31, 2025, sees Connor McDavid holding the top spot for yet another consecutive week.
McDavid's Unstoppable December Surge
McDavid's position at number one has remained unchallenged since the season's opening rankings. His performance throughout December has been nothing short of spectacular, elevating his already impressive season average. The center has been producing at a rate over a full point per game higher than his 1.53 points-per-game average for the month.
This offensive explosion has propelled McDavid to the top of the NHL's overall points race. His leadership and production have also been instrumental in sparking a resurgence for the Oilers, who are now battling for first place in the highly competitive Pacific Division.
Draisaitl's Elite Support Role
Holding steady in the second position is Leon Draisaitl. The German forward is putting up numbers that would make him the undisputed top player on nearly every other team in the league. In the six games leading into a matchup in Winnipeg on Monday, December 30th, Draisaitl amassed an incredible 13 points, consisting of three goals and ten assists.
For the season, Draisaitl sits fourth in overall NHL scoring with 56 points (20 goals, 36 assists) in 40 games. The dynamic one-two punch of McDavid and Draisaitl continues to set the competitive tone for the entire Oilers roster, driving the team's success with their significant ice time and offensive output.
New Faces and Consistent Performers
This week's rankings also welcomed two new entrants. Goaltender Connor Ingram and defenceman Spencer Stastney made their first-ever appearances in the monthly power rankings, indicating their growing value and contributions to the club.
Moving up one spot to third is veteran forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Despite missing nine games due to injury, 'Nuge' is operating at a remarkable point-per-game pace. With 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) in just 31 games, he is on track for the second-highest point total of his lengthy career with the Oilers.
The rankings consider a player's recent feats, statistical output, and intangible contributions to the team's performance. As the Oilers push into the new year, the consistency of their stars and the emergence of supporting players like Ingram and Stastney will be crucial to their pursuit of a Pacific Division title and deeper playoff aspirations.
