9 Potential NHL Players To Eclipse Ovechkin's Goal Record

Kenji Nakamura

6 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Connor McDavid: The Potential "Gretzky of Goals"?

Connor McDavid's name is synonymous with NHL brilliance. While primarily known for his unparalleled playmaking ability, his goal-scoring prowess is rapidly catching up. McDavid's speed, vision, and puck-handling skills create numerous scoring opportunities, and as he continues to mature, his shooting accuracy and finishing ability are only likely to improve.

• Exceptional Talent: McDavid consistently ranks among the league leaders in points, demonstrating an all-around offensive dominance.
• Playmaking to Goals: His exceptional playmaking can translate directly into increased goals, as he creates numerous high-percentage chances for himself and his linemates.
• Age and Longevity: Still relatively young, McDavid has many years left in his NHL career, providing ample time to accumulate goals. The McDavid Ovechkin record chase is very much on. His current Connor McDavid goals total is already impressive, and the NHL goal scoring leader title could be his in the near future.

Auston Matthews: The Modern-Day Sniper

Auston Matthews is the epitome of a modern-day sniper. His lightning-quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and uncanny ability to find the back of the net from seemingly impossible angles make him a constant threat. Matthews boasts impressive Auston Matthews goals statistics and a Matthews Ovechkin comparison is inevitable among hockey fans and analysts.

• Prolific Goal-Scoring: Matthews consistently scores at an elite rate, demonstrating exceptional shooting accuracy and offensive instincts.
• Consistency and Longevity: His consistent performance across multiple seasons suggests a long and prolific career ahead.
• Areas for Improvement: While already a dominant force, enhancing his playmaking skills could further increase his overall scoring output. Analyzing his NHL goal scoring stats shows a clear trend of consistent high production.

Leon Draisaitl: A Powerhouse of Offense

Leon Draisaitl is an offensive powerhouse, a player who can score from anywhere on the ice. His size, strength, and exceptional shot make him a difficult player to defend, and his impressive Leon Draisaitl goals numbers demonstrate his offensive capabilities. A Draisaitl Ovechkin record comparison is intriguing, given his versatile offensive skills.

• All-Around Offensive Prowess: Draisaitl excels in various offensive situations, scoring from close range, the point, and on the power play.
• Impressive Point Totals: His consistently high point totals strongly indicate a high potential for increased goal scoring.
• Playing Style: His powerful, direct style is conducive to goal scoring, making him a strong contender in the race to break Ovechkin's record. His place among NHL offensive players is well-established.

Jack Hughes: The Emerging Superstar

Jack Hughes' rapid development is remarkable. His speed, skill, and hockey IQ are evident in his play, and his Jack Hughes goals total is steadily increasing. This young star is a potential game-changer, and his Hughes future NHL goals projections are very promising. He showcases the potential of young NHL goal scorers.

• Rapid Development: Hughes' trajectory suggests exponential growth in his goal-scoring ability.
• Speed, Skill, and IQ: His combination of speed, skill, and hockey sense makes him an extremely difficult player to defend.
• Future Potential: His current goal-scoring pace, coupled with his immense potential, makes him a serious contender in the long term.

Kirill Kaprizov: The Dynamic Russian Forward

Kirill Kaprizov's explosive offensive skills and unique style of play make him a captivating player to watch. His Kirill Kaprizov goals numbers are impressive, and a Kaprizov Ovechkin comparison, while premature, highlights his potential. He's a rising star among Russian NHL goal scorers.

• Explosive Offensive Skills: Kaprizov possesses exceptional puck-handling skills, creativity, and a knack for scoring highlight-reel goals.
• Consistent Goal-Scoring Potential: His ability to create scoring chances suggests the potential for consistent high goal totals.
• Age and Longevity: Still relatively young, Kaprizov has the potential for a long and successful career in the NHL.

Jason Robertson: The Consistent Goal-Getter

Jason Robertson is a model of consistency. His steady Jason Robertson goals output over recent seasons demonstrates his reliability as a goal scorer. His Robertson NHL goals history shows a player who consistently delivers in front of the net. He is the exemplar of consistent NHL goal scorers.

• Steady Goal-Scoring: Robertson showcases remarkable consistency in his goal-scoring, year after year.
• Shot Accuracy and Positioning: His accuracy and intelligent positioning in front of the net contribute to his high goal-scoring rate.
• Potential for Growth: While already a prolific scorer, there's still potential for him to further improve and surpass expectations.

Brayden Point: A High-Scoring Playmaker

Brayden Point's unique combination of playmaking and goal-scoring abilities makes him a dangerous offensive weapon. His importance to the Tampa Bay Lightning is undeniable, and his Brayden Point goals total reflects this. A highly effective player, his Point NHL goals contribute significantly to his team's success.

• Playmaking and Goals: Point excels at both creating opportunities for teammates and finishing them himself.
• High Level of Play: His ability to maintain a high level of play over multiple seasons is crucial for his chances.
• Age and Remaining Years: Point still has many years left to potentially break the record.

Jonathan Huberdeau: The Playmaking Powerhouse

Jonathan Huberdeau's exceptional playmaking skills significantly contribute to his own goal-scoring potential. While known primarily as a playmaker, his Jonathan Huberdeau goals demonstrate his ability to find the back of the net. His Huberdeau NHL goals numbers showcase his overall offensive contribution.

• Playmaking Impact on Goal Scoring: His exceptional passing creates scoring opportunities for himself and teammates.
• Goal-Scoring Potential: His goal-scoring rate has the potential for growth, considering his playmaking capabilities.
• Remaining Time: Huberdeau still has sufficient time in his career to make a serious run at a high goal total.

Mika Zibanejad: The Late-Blooming Sniper

Mika Zibanejad's later career surge in goal scoring is a testament to his dedication and improvement. His Mika Zibanejad goals numbers demonstrate a late-career peak. Analyzing his Zibanejad NHL goals trajectory reveals a player who has continuously improved his game. He stands out as a prime example of late-blooming NHL players.

• Late-Career Surge: Zibanejad's recent scoring output indicates a significant improvement in his offensive capabilities.
• Shot Power and Accuracy: His improved shot power and accuracy are key factors in his increased goal production.
• Continued High-Level Performance: The potential for continued high-level performance over the coming seasons is significant.

Conclusion: The Race to Break Ovechkin's NHL Goal Record Continues

The nine players discussed above represent a formidable group of potential contenders to break Alex Ovechkin's NHL goal-scoring record. Factors like age, consistency, and continued development will ultimately determine who succeeds. Each player possesses unique strengths, and the coming seasons will be crucial in shaping the narrative of this exciting race. Who do you think will be the next NHL player to eclipse Ovechkin's goal record? Let us know in the comments below!