Who is the best skater (technique and ability wise) in the NHL?

[EdJovanovski]

Kravtsov isn’t in the NHL atm but he’s definitely the best technical skater, he’s one of the few players who truly appreciates the aesthetics of the sport and aims not only to win games but to provide a beautiful visual experience to fans. Watch him in slow motion and it’s truly mesmerizing. His wavy dirty blonde locs flowing in the wind behind him are just the icing on the cake.

 

[FrozenJagrt]

Kravtsov isn’t in the NHL atm but he’s definitely the best technical skater, he’s one of the few players who truly appreciates the aesthetics of the sport and aims not only to win games but to provide a beautiful visual experience to fans. Watch him in slow motion and it’s truly mesmerizing. His wavy dirty blonde locs flowing in the wind behind him are just the icing on the cake.

This has "A Kris Letang Christmas" vibes

 

[heysmilinstrange]

In his prime, yeah, but not anymore. He's lost a lot of his explosiveness, and he was never the fastest straight line skater to begin with.

In terms of his edgework, balance, and technique, he's still close to if not the best. There's more to being a good skater than speed and acceleration.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

In terms of his edgework, balance, and technique, he's still close to if not the best. There's more to being a good skater than speed and acceleration.

Of course, but when talking about ability, acceleration and speed are crucial. You can have the best technique in the world but if you can't win races or break away from defenders it's not that relevant.

 

[SeanConn]

Gotta assume its a European? Skinner used to be a common answer, but don't think so anymore.

 

[Tom Polakis]

There are faster skaters, but I've never seen the type of skating that Cale Makar does. And it's effective, not just flashy.

 

[Chips]

No he doesn’t? I’m 6’0 and when he stood beside me and in our pictures he’s basically the exact same size. He’s definitely 5’10 or ‘11.
His lower Center of gravity may make it appear that way on tv though.

Things like that always throw be off, Makar and Fox are supposedly about the same height but Makar always looks noticeably taller to me on the ice

 

[DialUp]

Kravtsov isn’t in the NHL atm but he’s definitely the best technical skater, he’s one of the few players who truly appreciates the aesthetics of the sport and aims not only to win games but to provide a beautiful visual experience to fans. Watch him in slow motion and it’s truly mesmerizing. His wavy dirty blonde locs flowing in the wind behind him are just the icing on the cake.

lol bro....hahah

 

[VinikToWinIt]

Hedman is silky smooth for such a big guy.

 

[SoundAndFury]

Gotta assume its a European? Skinner used to be a common answer, but don't think so anymore.

Skinner has some unorthodox moves due to his figure skating background but he was never even remotely close to being the best skater. For starters, he isn't and never was fast. Which is kinda crucial if you want to be even considered.

 

[The Kingslayer]

Makar for me. Theres just something about it.

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

first name that came to my mind is...

Nick Leddy...

makes it look waaaaaaay too easy when skating

smooooooooth

 

[Stickpucker]

Jeff Skinner can do some crazy things not many NHLers can. He's not as fast as some of the guys being mentioned but that's only one piece.

 

[hirawl]

Speed and acceleration alone does not make you the greatest FYI.

There are several skaters that are better what McDavid when it comes to
mentioned aspects in OP.

So you didn't understand what I said?

 

[not a troll]

Not going back three pages to see if he's mentioned yet but Makar has got to be one of the best.

 

[robsenz]

How's Drysdales game translated to the NHL, hid pre-draft highlights he looked to be an incredible skater, haven't been able to watch any of his games though

 

[SoundwaveIsCharisma]

Kirill Kaprizov’s edge work and agility is something to behold.

He was going to be the guy I brought up, the way he maintains speed even when he is changing directions is so smooth.

 

[quacktastic93]

fowler doesnt get enough love. his top notch speed may not be up there with the best, but when it comes to being fluid and making it look efortless, he has to be up there.

 

[wayninja]

4 pages in and no one has mentioned Makar yet. Crazy.

 

[Perfect_Drug]

7 pages in, and Nobody mentioned Makar?

Are you all on drugs??

 

[2020 Cup Champions]

Will Makar ever get his due?

 

[T REX]

mcdavid...kuch is uncanny...point...kaprisov...

 

[ZDH]

14 pages in.

NO MAKAR.

Are you high

 

[FunkySeeFunkyDo]

Not one mention of Makar yet but he’s my favorite to watch skate

Correct. There were two mentions of Makar before your post.

 

[FunkySeeFunkyDo]

Crosby is still very near the top of the list.

Mike Matheson is in the honorable mention category.