The NHL’s top-five list of power forwards doesn’t really have any surprises. One reason is the up-and-comers still have a few things to put together to round out their game. However, there are a few close such as Quinton Byfield or Tage Thompson. And it may even be a passing of the torch of sorts, as Alex Ovechkin‘s exclusion suggests. Although when you consider someone like Tage Thompson, it is hard to win a top power forward award with only 43 PIMs. In contrast, this is a new NHL, and taking penalties costing your team unnecessary penalty kills is not looked on favourably. Brady Tkachuk would be an example of some who takes well earned penalty minutes, such as getting into fights. So, enough chatter, let’s get to the list.
Our Top-Five Best NHL Power Forwards for 2024-25
5. Anders Lee
The New York Islanders captain has been regarded as one of the toughest players to play against, and more so come the post-season. When you line up against Lee, you know you will be hit, and hit hard. Lee had a respectable 176 hits in 2023-24 and an impressive 35.8 expected goals (xG), according to moneypuck.com. His scoring may have fallen off slightly, as he has had a long NHL career. However, he still gets it done, and checks in at 6’3″ and 235 lbs. Therefore, the Isle lifer is deserving of his top-five honour in the category of best NHL power forwards.
4. Tom Wilson
Next up is one of the toughest NHLers. On our top-five list, the Washington Capitals Tom Wilson landed second on it with 228 hits. And he was one penalty minute short of the lead at 133. Furthermore, similar to Lee, his scoring as fallen off slightly, which makes his inclusion in such a list into next season unlikely. But for now, make no mistake, nobody wants to see Wilson line up against them, and he still contributes on the scoresheet.
3. Matthew Tkachuk
Okay, Matthew Tkachuk of the Florida Panthers is clearly one of the top power forwards in the NHL. In fact, it’s difficult to say he’s not one of the top forwards in all the game. He hits, scores, and is a big-body. In addition, (Matthew) Tkachuk is very dangerous down-low, near the net, and strong at finishing. When he is on, he is very difficult to stop. It helps he plays on the Stanley Cup champ Panthers, who are loaded in high-end depth. He gets top power play time, and plays with gritty, and skilled forwards like Sam Bennett or Carter Verhaeghe. It’s no wonder Florida is seen as so deep when Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk attack you on different lines.
2. J.T. Miller
Fans of the Vancouver Canucks will see Miller’s standing here as a welcoming sign. But, who can really deny it? Hockey fans outside of Vancouver would invariably question his high standing. Therefore, let’s start with a major factor, 37 goals and 66 assists for a total of 103 points in 81 games in 2023-24. For someone who could be considered a power forward with that level of productivity, it is no wonder he is rated second in the entire NHL. Tipping the scales at nearly 220 lbs and recording 217 hits, Miller is a force to be reckoned with throughout the league. He’s been imperative in the Canucks rise to playoff contention prominence.
The NHL’s Undisputed Power Forward King: Brady Tkachuk
From our list of top NHL power forwards, the Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk’s six major penalties in 2023-24 was the most. His 294 hits ranked third in the entire NHL, where he’s mixed up with players not considered top-liners. Needless to say, Tkachuk never backs down and often initiates in order to motivate his club. Not necessarily always the best decision for his club from a matchup standpoint, but does nothing to take away from Tkachuk’s presence throughout the league. Tkachuk had 37 goals and 37 assists to go along with a dominant xG of 40.9. If you want the rock taken to the rack, Tkachuk takes the puck to the net, and can’t be stopped.
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
