McDavid, Kucherov, Vasilevskiy, Werenski Highlight NHL’s 2025-26 First All-Star Team

The NHL announced its 2025-26 First and Second All-Star Teams following the conclusion of the regular season, with four of the six First Team selections already holding major hardware this season. The group includes Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (Hart Trophy), Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (Lindsay Award), Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (Vezina Trophy), and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (Norris Trophy). They are joined by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson.

McDavid earned his sixth First Team nod at center, tying him with Jean Beliveau, Phil Esposito, and Stan Mikita for the second-most all-time at the position. Only Wayne Gretzky, who made the First Team eight times, ranks ahead of him. This marks another milestone for the Oilers' star, who continues to dominate the league's offensive landscape.

Kucherov, meanwhile, secured his fifth First Team berth at right wing, the most among active players. He is now tied with Mike Bossy for fifth all-time at the position, behind legends like Gordie Howe and Maurice Richard. The Lightning's star winger has once again proven his elite consistency and scoring prowess.

On defense, Makar received his fourth First Team nod, the second-highest total among active defensemen behind Erik Karlsson. Vasilevskiy, in goal, earned his third First Team honor, matching Connor Hellebuyck for the most among active goaltenders. Robertson and Werenski, both making back-to-back appearances, solidify the depth of this year's team.

The Second Team includes four first-time honorees: Montreal Canadiens left wing Cole Caufield, Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard, Buffalo Sabres blueliner Rasmus Dahlin, and Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson. Joining them are Nathan MacKinnon of the Avalanche and David Pastrnak of the Bruins, who both add to their All-Star resumes with their third Second Team appearances.

Voting was conducted by representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, and the full list of First and Second Team selections by season is available at the NHL’s official records site, Records.NHL.com.

The league now turns its focus to the playoffs, where these stars will face their toughest tests yet. The first round begins April 18, with matchups still to be finalized.