NHL 26 Ranks Makar, Hughes Top Defensemen in EA Sports Game

EA Sports has released top defensemen ratings for the upcoming NHL 26 game, highlighting notable players across positions. Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar is the highest-rated right-handed defenseman at 95 overall, maintaining his top spot for the fourth consecutive season, while Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes is the top left-handed defenseman, also rated 95 overall, tying with Makar. Adam Fox of the New York Rangers is rated the second-best right-handed defenseman with a 90 overall, reflecting some debate over his passing ratings despite his strong assist record. St. Louis Blues' Colton Parayko is among the top right-handed defensemen with an 88 overall rating, marking his fifth-highest rating in that category, boosted by a career-best season. The rankings incorporate detailed player analytics from the NHL Edge system, which tracks skating, shooting, and puck control metrics. NHL 26, featuring these player ratings, is set for release on September 12, 2025, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.