Could These 9 NHL Players Break Alex Ovechkin's Record?

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Connor McDavid - The Speed and Skill Factor

Connor McDavid, often considered the best hockey player in the world, possesses a unique combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ that makes him a prime candidate to chase Ovechkin's record. His exceptional skating ability allows him to create scoring chances that others simply can't. Beyond his individual brilliance, McDavid's playmaking abilities are equally impressive, setting up teammates for goals while still finding the back of the net himself.

• Career goals-per-game average: McDavid's career average sits significantly higher than many past NHL stars, demonstrating consistent high-level scoring.
• Comparison to Ovechkin's early career stats: While Ovechkin's early career goal totals were explosive, McDavid's current pace suggests he could potentially surpass them over a similar timeframe.
• Potential impact of team success on his goal scoring: Consistent playoff success and deep runs could significantly boost McDavid’s overall goal totals over his career. Sustained success with the Oilers is crucial to this pursuit.

Leon Draisaitl - The Power Forward Threat

Leon Draisaitl, McDavid's Oilers teammate, presents a different type of offensive threat. His size, power, and exceptional shot make him a dangerous player from anywhere on the ice. Draisaitl’s scoring style, while different from Ovechkin's, shows the ability to consistently put up high goal totals. His knack for finding the net from various positions, combined with his power play prowess, makes him a formidable contender.

• His consistent high goal totals in recent seasons: Draisaitl has consistently scored 50+ goals in recent years, proving his ability to be a high-volume scorer in the NHL.
• His ability to score from various positions on the ice: Unlike some snipers who primarily score from specific spots, Draisaitl excels at finding the net from all angles.
• The impact of playing alongside McDavid: While some may question the impact of playing on the same line as McDavid, the reality is that the two elevate each other's game, leading to increased scoring chances for both.

Auston Matthews - The Pure Sniper

Auston Matthews is renowned for his exceptional shooting accuracy and ability to find the net with seemingly effortless precision. His release is among the quickest in the NHL, and his ability to score from difficult angles is a testament to his natural talent. Matthews is a pure sniper, a deadly goal scorer, making him a serious contender to chase down Ovechkin's total.

• His impressive goal-scoring totals: Matthews has already achieved multiple 50+ goal seasons, demonstrating his high-level scoring ability consistently.
• His shooting percentage compared to Ovechkin's: While Ovechkin's career shooting percentage is remarkable, Matthews’ consistent high shooting percentage showcases his accuracy and elite finishing skills.
• His ability to score from different angles: Matthews' versatility makes him a dangerous threat, able to find the net from various positions. However, injuries could significantly impact his ability to maintain his scoring pace.

Other Contenders: A Look at the Next Generation

While McDavid, Draisaitl, and Matthews are the frontrunners, several other players have the potential to make a significant impact on the NHL goal-scoring landscape. Players like Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild), Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils), Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars), Elias Lindholm (Calgary Flames), Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers), and David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins) all possess exceptional offensive talent and scoring prowess.

• Brief overview of each player's offensive capabilities: Each player listed above demonstrates elite offensive skills, a high shot volume, and strong finishing ability.
• Factors that could contribute to or hinder their goal-scoring success: Factors such as longevity, team success, and injury prevention are critical for each player in this pursuit.
• Comparison to the top three contenders: While these players show promise, their consistent high goal-scoring over a sustained period needs to match that of the top three to challenge Ovechkin's record.

Conclusion

While Alex Ovechkin's record seems insurmountable, several young NHL stars possess the talent and potential to make a serious run at it. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Auston Matthews stand out as the most likely candidates, but several other players have the potential to surprise. The next decade will be crucial in determining if anyone can break Ovechkin's record. The race to break Ovechkin's goal-scoring record is a thrilling chapter in NHL history, and the next few seasons promise to be filled with high-stakes excitement.

Call to Action: Who do you think has the best chance to break Alex Ovechkin's NHL goal-scoring record? Share your predictions in the comments below! Let's discuss which NHL players could challenge this incredible achievement and the factors that will determine the next generation of goal-scoring legends. Join the conversation – who will break Ovechkin’s record?