You’ve probably seen the highlight reels. The speed, the precision, the occasional missing tooth. But if you think being a popular hockey player in 2026 is just about scoring goals on Tuesday nights, you're missing about half the story.
Hockey has changed. It's not just a "cold-weather sport" anymore. It's a vibe. From Auston Matthews turning the pre-game tunnel into a Paris Fashion Week runway to Connor Bedard carrying the weight of a franchise before he could legally buy a beer in the States, the modern NHL star is a brand, a fashion icon, and a high-performance machine all in one.
Honestly, it's kinda wild how much more we know about these guys now compared to ten years ago. We know their sneaker collections. We know their pre-game playlists. We even know which luxury cars they’re driving to the rink in Toronto or Chicago.
The Style Icons: Why Auston Matthews and Mathew Barzal Own the Room
For a long time, hockey culture was... well, let's call it "conservative." It was all about the team. Don't stand out. Wear the same suit as everyone else.
Then came Auston Matthews.
The Maple Leafs captain basically shattered the "hockey player" mold. If you look at his essentials lately, it’s not just skates and tape. We’re talking about Rolex GMT-Master II watches, custom-wrapped McLarens, and a gold chain collection that features his signature "Papi" pendant. He’s influenced by guys like Russell Westbrook, and it shows. He’s making it okay for hockey players to actually have a personality off the ice.
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Then you’ve got Mathew Barzal in New York. Barzal is that guy who makes the game look effortless. He’s a star playmaker for the Islanders, sure, but he’s also become a fixture in the lifestyle side of the sport. Even when he’s dealing with "maintenance" days or minor injuries—which he’s been doing lately—his impact on the ice is undeniable. He’s got that seventh 50-plus point campaign well within reach this season. People don't just follow him for the stats; they follow him for the swagger.
The "Silent Assassin" and the New Guard
If Matthews is the flashy front-man, Cale Makar is the virtuoso behind the scenes. Or maybe not so behind the scenes anymore.
Makar is currently the unanimous favorite for the Norris Trophy. Again. Analysts are literally comparing him to Bobby Orr, which is basically sacrilege in the hockey world unless you’re actually that good.
- He's averaging over a point per game as a defenseman.
- His skating speed has hit over 23 MPH this season.
- He's leading the Avalanche with a "silent assassin" mentality.
It's a different kind of "hot." It’s the heat of a player who is so much better than everyone else that it becomes a spectacle. You aren't just watching a game; you're watching a historical event every time he touches the puck.
And we have to talk about Connor Bedard. The kid is 20 now. He’s the centerpiece of the Chicago Blackhawks, and despite a shoulder injury that sidelined him for 12 games earlier this year, he’s already back and putting up multi-point nights. The pressure on him is immense, yet he’s maintaining a plus-rating on a team that’s still rebuilding. That's not just skill—that’s mental toughness.
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What People Get Wrong About NHL Popularity
A lot of people think the most popular players are just the ones on the best teams. Not necessarily.
Look at the social media numbers. The Pittsburgh Penguins still lead the league in Instagram followers, largely because of the legacy of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. But the "new" popularity is more individual. Fans are following the person, not just the jersey.
Take Gavin McKenna, who is currently the top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft. He’s playing at Penn State and he’s already a household name for die-hard fans. Why? Because the access is different now. We see these guys in the NCAA or the WHL long before they hit the big stage. We see the "rawness," as scouts say about someone like Keaton Verhoeff, a 6'4" defenseman who was a goalie until he was 11.
The Reality of the "Hot" Streak
Being a top-tier player in 2026 is exhausting. The schedule is relentless.
Take a look at the physical toll. You see guys like Matthew Tkachuk or Leon Draisaitl (who recently took a leave of absence) managing injuries and personal time. The "hot" player of the month is often just the one who managed to stay healthy.
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- Recovery is king: Players like Matthews are now open about using things like body pillows for road-trip sleep and strict recovery tech.
- The 4 Nations Face-Off and Olympics: 2026 is a massive year because of the Milano Cortina Olympics. The "hot" list changes the second someone puts on a national jersey.
- The Fantasy Factor: Half of a player's popularity now comes from fantasy hockey. If Cale Makar or Nathan MacKinnon is winning you your league, you’re going to think they’re the greatest thing on earth.
Making the Connection: Why It Matters to You
If you're looking to follow the sport or just understand why everyone is talking about these guys, don't just look at the scoreboards.
- Check the "Tunnel Walks": Follow team social media accounts about 90 minutes before puck drop. That's where the personality is.
- Watch the "Edge" Stats: The NHL now tracks max speed and shot power in real-time. It’s a lot easier to appreciate a player when you see they just fired a puck at 100 MPH.
- Follow the Prospects: Keep an eye on names like Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg. By the time they’re in the NHL, they’ll already be stars.
The era of the "boring" hockey player is over. Whether it’s the high-fashion lifestyle of the Toronto stars or the record-breaking dominance of the Colorado blue line, the most popular players in 2026 are those who bring something unique to the ice.
Keep an eye on the Olympic rosters as they finalize for Milano Cortina. That is where the next set of legends will be minted. For now, enjoy the ride—and maybe pick up a pair of Nike Air Force 1s if you want to dress like the captain of the Leafs.
Next Steps for Hockey Fans
- Track the Norris Race: Follow the mid-season Trophy Tracker on NHL.com to see if anyone can actually catch Cale Makar.
- Monitor the 2026 Draft: Watch the NCAA and WHL highlights for Gavin McKenna to see the next generation of "hot" talent before they go pro.
- Check Team Rosters: Look for the return of injured stars like Connor Bedard to see how they impact their team's playoff push.