9 NHL Players Poised To Break Ovechkin's Goal Record

Henrik Larsen

6 min read

Post on May 09, 2025

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Connor McDavid: The Frontrunner?

Connor McDavid, widely considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time, is arguably the frontrunner in the race to break Ovechkin's record. His exceptional talent, unparalleled speed, and elite scoring ability make him a prime candidate. At a relatively young age, McDavid has a significant number of years left in his career, providing ample opportunity to accumulate goals. His potential to dramatically surpass Ovechkin's record is undeniable.

• Career goals to date: [Insert current number]
• Goals per game average: [Insert current average]
• Remaining contract length: [Insert remaining years]
• Factors that could hinder or help his pursuit: Continued high-level play, avoiding major injuries, and consistent team success will be crucial. A potential shift in playing style, focusing more on shooting than playmaking, could also boost his goal-scoring.

Auston Matthews: The Consistent Sniper

Auston Matthews is a consistent high-goal scorer known for his incredible shooting accuracy and powerful wrist shot. His ability to find the back of the net year after year makes him a strong contender for the NHL goal-scoring record. His playing style, characterized by a lethal shot and excellent positioning, is perfectly suited for sustained high scoring.

• Career goals to date: [Insert current number]
• Number of 50+ goal seasons: [Insert number]
• Strengths and weaknesses in his game: Exceptional shooting, good positioning, but could improve on consistency and playmaking.
• Potential longevity in the NHL: Matthews' potential longevity is high barring major injuries.

Leon Draisaitl: The Versatile Threat

Leon Draisaitl's versatility and scoring prowess from various positions make him a dangerous offensive threat. While his assist totals are impressive, his goal-scoring pace is also incredibly high, placing him firmly in the conversation for breaking the NHL goal-scoring record. His ability to contribute in multiple ways enhances his long-term scoring potential.

• Career goals to date: [Insert current number]
• Assist totals and their impact on overall scoring: His high assist numbers indicate a strong understanding of the game and potentially increased goal-scoring opportunities.
• Playing style and its impact on longevity: Draisaitl's playing style is not overly physical, potentially promoting longevity.
• Team context and its influence on his scoring opportunities: Playing alongside other high-caliber players enhances his scoring potential.

Kirill Kaprizov: The Rising Star

Kirill Kaprizov's meteoric rise in the NHL has been nothing short of spectacular. His explosive talent and dynamic playing style suggest a future where he could challenge for the NHL goal-scoring record. However, maintaining this high level of scoring over a prolonged period will be key.

• Rapid career progression: Kaprizov has quickly established himself as an elite scorer.
• Scoring ability and potential for improvement: His scoring potential is immense, particularly as he continues to develop.
• Factors influencing his continued success: Avoiding injuries and maintaining consistency are crucial factors in his goal-scoring pursuit.

Jack Hughes: The Dynamic Playmaker

While primarily known for his playmaking abilities, Jack Hughes possesses the skill and potential to become a prolific goal scorer. His young age and already impressive offensive capabilities suggest he could significantly increase his goal totals in the coming years. A shift in focus towards shooting could dramatically increase his goal count.

• Assist-to-goal ratio and its potential for change: Hughes' high assist numbers suggest he could improve his goal-scoring by increasing his shooting attempts.
• Potential for increased shooting opportunities: A greater focus on shooting will be key to his goal-scoring success.
• Team support and its influence on scoring: Strong team performance and linemates will play a crucial role.

Mika Zibanejad: The Late Bloomer

Mika Zibanejad's recent surge in goal scoring demonstrates his ability to maintain a high level of performance at a later stage in his career. While age might be a factor, his consistent production makes him a dark horse in the race for the NHL goal-scoring record.

• Recent goal-scoring trends: His recent seasons have shown a significant increase in goal totals.
• Factors contributing to his recent success: Improved shooting accuracy and increased ice time are potential contributing factors.
• Potential limitations due to age: While his recent success is encouraging, age could eventually impact his scoring pace.

Nathan MacKinnon: The Electrifying Talent

Nathan MacKinnon's exceptional skill and electrifying speed make him a constant threat on the ice. His potential for sustained high scoring is undeniable, but his injury history is a factor to consider in his pursuit of the NHL goal-scoring record.

• Career goals to date: [Insert current number]
• Injury history and its potential impact: Maintaining his health will be crucial to his goal-scoring potential.
• Team context and its influence on goal-scoring opportunities: His team's offensive success will greatly influence his scoring opportunities.

Jason Robertson: The Prolific Scorer

Jason Robertson's prolific goal-scoring numbers speak for themselves. His consistency and impressive goal totals make him a legitimate contender for the NHL goal-scoring record. Maintaining this consistency and avoiding injuries will be key to his success.

• Career goals to date: [Insert current number]
• Consistency of performance: Robertson has shown consistent goal-scoring abilities throughout his career.
• Factors that could hinder his progress: Injuries and a decline in team performance could impact his ability to maintain his current pace.

Brayden Point: The Clutch Performer

Brayden Point's knack for scoring crucial goals and his ability to perform under pressure highlight his potential for significant goal scoring. While his overall totals might not be as high as some other players on this list, his clutch performances demonstrate a unique scoring ability that could propel him toward the NHL goal-scoring record.

• Key goal-scoring moments in his career: Point has scored many crucial goals in high-pressure situations.
• Potential for increased shooting opportunities: Increased offensive responsibilities could result in more goals.
• Factors that could improve his goal-scoring totals: Continued development and increased shooting opportunities could boost his goal totals.

Conclusion: Who Will Break Ovechkin's NHL Goal-Scoring Record?

Each of these nine NHL players possesses the talent and potential to break Alex Ovechkin's record. Connor McDavid appears to be the frontrunner, but the consistent high-scoring of Auston Matthews, the versatile threat of Leon Draisaitl, and the potential for explosive growth from players like Kirill Kaprizov make this race incredibly exciting. The uncertainty adds to the thrill, leaving fans eager to witness this historic milestone. Keep an eye on these 9 NHL players as they pursue the legendary NHL goal-scoring record! Who do you think will break Ovechkin’s record? Share your predictions in the comments!