The National Hockey League (NHL) continues its tradition of showcasing elite talent, with each season bringing remarkable performances and milestones. Last season was no exception, as several players achieved feats that solidified their places among the league’s elite.
Connor McDavid: Master of Assists
Connor McDavid’s performance remained unparalleled, leading the league in assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159) over the last three seasons. His ability to drive play was evident as the Edmonton Oilers generated an impressive 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) with him on the ice at five-on-five last season. McDavid’s playoff record is equally notable, with 37 goals and 80 assists in his 74 career playoff games.
Nikita Kucherov: Consistent Scorer
Nikita Kucherov matched McDavid’s prowess by also achieving 100 assists last season, complemented by his 44 goals and 144 points. Kucherov ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, demonstrating his consistent scoring ability. His performance was instrumental in the Tampa Bay Lightning's offensive success.
Auston Matthews and Goal-Scoring Prowess
Auston Matthews continued his phenomenal goal-scoring streak with an incredible 69 goals last season. Over his eight-year career, Matthews has scored a total of 368 goals, underscoring his reputation as one of the deadliest snipers in the NHL.
Nathan MacKinnon’s Dominance
Nathan MacKinnon had a stellar season with 140 points, leading to his first Hart Trophy win. His dominance at five-on-five play was evident, leading the league with 79 points in such situations. His all-around play was a significant factor in driving the Colorado Avalanche’s offense.
Defensive Prowess: Hughes and Makar
Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar have revolutionized the role of defensemen in the modern game. Hughes tallied 17 goals and 75 assists, contributing to the Vancouver Canucks’ plus-37 goal differential with him on the ice at five-on-five. Makar’s 69 assists and 90 points were career highs, and the Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals when he was on the rink, showcasing his two-way impact.
Leon Draisaitl: Power Play Specialist
Leon Draisaitl continued to be a powerhouse for the Edmonton Oilers with 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. His effectiveness on the power play is second to none, with 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign, highlighting his critical role in the Oilers’ special teams.
Aleksander Barkov and Defensive Metrics
Aleksander Barkov’s importance to the Florida Panthers is highlighted by his 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) while he was on the ice at five-on-five. Barkov notched 23 goals and 57 assists, balancing his offensive contributions with a strong defensive presence.
Kirill Kaprizov: Offensive Force
Kirill Kaprizov tied for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons and ranks 12th in points with 279 over the same period. His presence on the ice made a noticeable defensive impact as well, with the Minnesota Wild allowing just 2.23 xGA/60 at five-on-five with him playing.
Boston’s New Center and Pastrnak’s Impact
The Bruins' offense has a new focal point with Elias Lindholm stepping in as the No. 1 center. David Pastrnak’s 47 goals and 63 assists last season underscore his offensive prowess. The team’s effectiveness with Pastrnak on the ice was stark, scoring 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) at five-on-five, compared to just 2.25 GF/60 without him.
As the NHL continues to showcase elite skill and thrilling performances, players like McDavid, Kucherov, Matthews, and MacKinnon remind us why hockey remains one of the most exciting sports to follow. Their achievements last season have set the bar even higher for what to expect in the seasons to come.