9 NHL Players Poised To Break Ovechkin's Goal Record

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

• Exceptional Skill and Playmaking: McDavid's speed, vision, and scoring ability are simply unparalleled. He consistently leads the league in points, a testament to his all-around offensive brilliance.
  • Career high goals per season consistently increasing.
  • Exceptional assists-to-goals ratio, showcasing his playmaking abilities that also directly contribute to goals.
  • Remarkably consistent point production year after year, demonstrating sustained excellence.
  • His relatively young age ensures a long and potentially record-breaking career.
• Offensive System Fit: The Oilers' offensive system is expertly designed to maximize McDavid's scoring chances. He's constantly fed the puck in prime scoring positions.
  • Exceptional power play success, capitalizing on man-advantage situations.
  • Strong synergy with linemates, creating seamless passing plays and scoring opportunities.
  • High volume of offensive zone time, maximizing his opportunities to shoot and score.

Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)

• High-Volume Shooter: Draisaitl's shot accuracy and prolific shooting volume are key to his consistent goal-scoring. He's not afraid to shoot, and he does it well.
  • High shots on goal per game, indicating an aggressive and effective offensive approach.
  • Impressive shooting percentage, translating attempts into actual goals.
  • Significant power play contributions, adding to his overall goal tally.
• Playing Alongside McDavid: The benefit of playing alongside McDavid is undeniable. This partnership generates countless scoring opportunities.
  • Exceptional synergy with McDavid, resulting in numerous assists and goals.
  • Increased ice time in offensive zones, maximizing opportunities to score.

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

• Elite Sniper: Matthews is renowned for his pinpoint accuracy and powerful shot. He’s a master of finding the back of the net.
  • High goals per game average, showcasing his consistent ability to score.
  • Exceptional shooting percentage, demonstrating accuracy and power.
  • Exceptional one-timer proficiency, a lethal weapon on the power play and even strength.
• Consistent High-Scoring Seasons: Matthews maintains a remarkably high goal-scoring pace year after year. Consistency is key to breaking records.
  • High career goal totals, already placing him among the league's elite scorers.
  • Consistent goal scoring throughout his career, showcasing his sustained excellence.

Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

• Breakout Potential: Hughes displays explosive speed and a remarkable ability to score from anywhere on the ice. His potential is immense.
  • Significant increase in goals per game in recent seasons, indicating a rapid development.
  • Improved shot accuracy, converting more attempts into goals.
  • Developing playmaking skills, further enhancing his offensive capabilities.
• Improved Team Support: The Devils are building a strong team around Hughes, creating more opportunities for him to excel.
  • Improved team offense, providing more support and scoring chances.
  • Increased power play opportunities, maximizing his scoring potential.

Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild)

• Dynamic Offensive Talent: Kaprizov's skill and creativity allow him to create scoring chances from seemingly impossible angles.
  • Unique shooting style, making him unpredictable and difficult to defend.
  • Exceptional ability to beat goaltenders with precision and skill.
  • Strong offensive instincts, allowing him to anticipate plays and capitalize on opportunities.
• Consistent Performance: Kaprizov delivers consistently high offensive production, a crucial factor for chasing records.
  • High goals per season, demonstrating sustained offensive contributions.
  • Consistent points per game average, showcasing his overall offensive value.

Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers)

• Powerful Shot and Wrist Shot: Zibanejad possesses a lethal wrist shot and the power to beat goaltenders consistently.
  • High shot velocity, giving his shots significant power.
  • Excellent shot accuracy, translating power into goals.
  • Ability to score from distance, adding another dimension to his offensive threat.
• Improved Offensive System: The Rangers' offensive approach complements Zibanejad's strengths, maximizing his scoring potential.
  • Significant power play time, capitalizing on man-advantage situations.
  • High offensive zone starts, providing more opportunities to shoot and score.

Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)

• Dynamic Two-Way Player: MacKinnon's speed, skill, and overall impact make him a constant offensive threat. He's more than just a scorer.
  • High goals per game average, showcasing his consistent offensive production.
  • Exceptional playmaking ability, setting up teammates for scoring chances.
  • Significant overall impact on the game, influencing play beyond just goals.
• Championship Experience: His experience playing in high-pressure situations could contribute to greater consistency and clutch performances.
  • Stanley Cup experience, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
  • Ability to perform under pressure, crucial for maintaining consistent high-scoring in crucial moments.

Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks/Future Team)

• Proven Goal Scorer: Kane has a long track record of exceptional goal-scoring prowess. His career speaks for itself.
  • High career goal totals, demonstrating sustained offensive excellence.
  • Consistent scoring throughout his career, showcasing his longevity and skill.
  • Past playoff success, demonstrating his ability to score in high-pressure situations.
• Adaptability and Longevity: Kane has consistently adapted his game and shown remarkable longevity, essential qualities in a long chase for records.
  • Remarkable career longevity, showcasing his durability and skill adaptation over time.
  • Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, making him a versatile and enduring player.

Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning)

• Clutch Performances: Point excels in high-stakes situations, known for his ability to score important goals when it matters most.
  • High playoff goal-scoring totals, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
  • Ability to perform under pressure, a crucial element in achieving record-breaking performances.
• Team Success: Being part of a consistently successful team contributes to his overall scoring chances.
  • Team's offensive success, providing more scoring opportunities.
  • Sustained playoff runs, ensuring consistent high-stakes games and scoring opportunities.

Conclusion:

While Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring record remains a monumental achievement in NHL history, the next generation of stars are rapidly closing in. Several players, including McDavid, Matthews, and Draisaitl, exhibit the talent, skill, and potential to surpass Ovechkin's impressive total. The coming seasons will be electrifying as we witness these players' pursuit of Ovechkin's goal record. Keep your eyes on the NHL and these exceptional players to see who will ultimately claim the title of the greatest goal scorer! Who do you think will break Ovechkin's goal record? Let us know in the comments!