In what continues to be a thrilling era for the National Hockey League (NHL), the league showcases an influx of elite talent putting up staggering numbers and cementing their legacies. Among the stars shining brightest, Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, Auston Matthews, and Nathan MacKinnon lead a cohort of athletes setting new benchmarks in excellence.
McDavid and Kucherov: The Playmakers
Considered by many to be the face of the modern NHL, Connor McDavid demonstrated his exceptional playmaking abilities last season with a whopping 100 assists. Matching this incredibly rare milestone, Nikita Kucherov also reached the coveted 100-assist mark. Their ability to generate scoring opportunities proved indispensable to their respective teams, maintaining an electrifying pace throughout the season.
Beyond assists, McDavid leads the last three seasons in several categories including assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159). His playoff performances have been prolific as well, with 37 goals and 80 assists in 74 career playoff games. Last season, the Edmonton Oilers generated a staggering 3.95 expected goals per 60 minutes (xGF/60) with McDavid on the ice in five-on-five situations.
Matthews’ Unmatched Scoring Prowess
Auston Matthews also left an indelible mark by scoring an astonishing 69 goals last season, a testament to his offensive prowess. Over his eight-year career, Matthews has accumulated a notable 368 goals, positioning him among the premier goal scorers in NHL history.
MacKinnon: Dominance Realized
Nathan MacKinnon’s stellar season, featuring 140 points, was capped off with his first Hart Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player. Dominating five-on-five play, MacKinnon led the league with 79 points in these situations, underscoring his influence and capabilities on the ice.
Defensive Titans: Hughes and Makar
On the defensive end, Quinn Hughes showcased his dual-threat ability with 17 goals and 75 assists. The Vancouver Canucks benefited immensely, recording a plus-37 goal differential with Hughes on the ice during five-on-five play. Meanwhile, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche set new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points. His presence was invaluable, as the Avalanche controlled 52.7% of expected goals (xGF) when he was on the rink.
Kucherov’s Scoring Surge
Nikita Kucherov finished the season with 44 goals and 144 points, adding another feather to his cap by ranking third in the NHL in five-on-five points with 67. His all-around offensive proficiency continues to be a cornerstone for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Consistent Contributors: Draisaitl and Barkov
Leon Draisaitl’s contributions have been nothing short of spectacular. Over the past six years, the Edmonton Oilers’ forward has amassed 272 goals and 371 assists. His remarkable 77 power play goals since the 2021-2022 campaign further highlight his special teams' significance. Additionally, Aleksander Barkov of the Florida Panthers demonstrated his two-way abilities, finishing the season with 23 goals and 57 assists. His defensive metrics were equally impressive, with the Panthers allowing just 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) with Barkov on the ice at five-on-five.
Rising Stars: Kaprizov and Lindholm
Kirill Kaprizov has quickly risen through the ranks, tying for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons, while his 279 points rank 12th in the same period. His two-way play is not to be underestimated, as evidenced by Minnesota's allowance of just 2.23 xGA/60 when he’s on the ice in five-on-five situations.
Elias Lindholm, now the new No. 1 center for the Boston Bruins, joins a talented roster that includes David Pastrnak. Pastrnak's impressive 47 goals and 63 assists last season significantly boosted the Bruins' offensive performance, propelling the team to score at a rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) during five-on-five play. Without him, the Bruins’ scoring rate dropped to 2.25 GF/60, underscoring his vital role.
The NHL is brimming with talent, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the ice. The milestones achieved and the records set by these extraordinary athletes emphasize the unwavering allure and competitive spirit that define the league.