The National Hockey League (NHL) has long been a stage for showcasing exceptional talent, and last season was no exception. Elite players like Connor McDavid, Nikita Kucherov, and Auston Matthews pushed the boundaries of excellence, achieving impressive milestones that left an indelible mark on the sport.
McDavid and Kucherov: Mastering the Art of Assists
In a league where setting up goals can be as crucial as scoring them, Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov reached an elite milestone by each notching 100 assists. McDavid's playmaking skills have been consistently stellar, leading the league with 268 assists, 408 points, and 159 power-play points over the last three seasons. His ability to elevate his team's performance is underscored by the Edmonton Oilers' 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) when he is on the ice.
Kucherov, no stranger to high-performance play, capped his season with an impressive tally of 144 points, including 44 goals. Demonstrating his all-around prowess, Kucherov also ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, solidifying his status as one of the league's top offensive threats.
Auston Matthews: Goal-Scoring Juggernaut
Auston Matthews continued to dazzle with his goal-scoring capabilities, amassing a remarkable 69 goals last season. This feat further added to his career tally, bringing his total to 368 goals over an eight-year span. Matthews has consistently proven himself to be a formidable force, locking his place among the NHL’s elite scorers.
Nathan MacKinnon: Dominance on Display
Nathan MacKinnon enjoyed a standout season, accumulating 140 points and securing his first Hart Trophy. His significant contribution is highlighted by the league-leading 79 five-on-five points, which emphasize his dominance on the ice. MacKinnon’s dynamic play helped the Colorado Avalanche control 52.7% of the expected goals while he was on the rink, underscoring his impact on both ends of the ice.
Defensemen Making Their Mark
Defenseman Quinn Hughes had a phenomenal season as well, recording 17 goals and 75 assists. His presence was a game-changer for the Vancouver Canucks, who enjoyed a plus-37 goal differential with Hughes on the ice at five-on-five. Similarly, Cale Makar set new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points. The Avalanche benefited from Makar's steady presence, enjoying a 52.7% control of expected goals with him on the rink.
Power Play Kings
Leon Draisaitl continued to be a powerhouse, amassing 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. Particularly lethal on the power play, Draisaitl netted 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign. His ability to capitalize on man-advantage situations makes him a constant threat to opponents.
Similarly, Aleksander Barkov’s influence on both ends of the ice is notable. Last season, he scored 23 goals and provided 57 assists. The Florida Panthers had a 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) with Barkov on the ice at five-on-five, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Emerging Stars and Reliable Veterans
Kirill Kaprizov has swiftly established himself as a scoring sensation, tying for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons. His 279 points in the same span place him 12th in the league, reaffirming his status as a key player for the Minnesota Wild, who allowed just 2.23 xGA/60 with Kaprizov on the ice at five-on-five.
The Boston Bruins have found a new No. 1 center in Elias Lindholm, while David Pastrnak continued to impress with 47 goals and 63 assists last season. The Bruins reaped the rewards of Pastrnak's on-ice presence, with a scoring rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) compared to just 2.25 GF/60 when he was absent.
As the NHL continues to evolve, the performances of these extraordinary talents highlight the skill and excitement that fans have come to expect. Each season brings new milestones and records, driven by the relentless pursuit of excellence from the league's best players. Their contributions not only define their careers but also elevate the overall standard of the sport, promising thrilling seasons to come.