The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to evolve, showcasing a remarkable influx of elite talent each season. This past season has been no exception, with several players reaching extraordinary milestones and setting new benchmarks in their careers.
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov: Ascending to New Heights
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov have redefined playmaking in the NHL by each achieving the rare milestone of 100 assists last season. McDavid, who leads in assists (268), points (408), and power-play points (159) over the last three seasons, continues to demonstrate his unparalleled ability to influence the game. His 37 goals and 80 assists in 74 career playoff games underscore his consistency when it matters most. The Oilers, benefiting greatly from his presence, generated 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) with him on the ice at five-on-five last season.
Kucherov, a force to be reckoned with, finished the season with 44 goals and 144 points, ranking third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67. His remarkable performance further solidifies his status as one of the league's premier players.
Auston Matthews: A Season to Remember
Auston Matthews' goal-scoring prowess was on full display as he amassed an astonishing 69 goals last season. Over his eight-year career, Matthews has accumulated a career total of 368 goals, cementing his reputation as one of the NHL’s elite scorers.
Nathan MacKinnon: A Dominant Presence
Nathan MacKinnon’s last season was nothing short of spectacular, amassing 140 points and securing his first Hart Trophy. His dominance was particularly evident in five-on-five situations, where he led the league with 79 points. MacKinnon’s contributions have been crucial for his team, highlighting his influential role on the ice.
Defensive Stars: Hughes and Makar Shine
Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar have established themselves as standout defensemen. Hughes recorded 17 goals and 75 assists last season, with the Vancouver Canucks enjoying a plus-37 goal differential with him on the ice at five-on-five. Makar set new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points, with the Colorado Avalanche controlling 52.7% of the expected goals in his presence.
Leon Draisaitl: Power Play Specialist
Leon Draisaitl’s offensive output over the past six years has been remarkable, notching 272 goals and 371 assists. His effectiveness on the power play is unmatched, with 77 power-play goals since the 2021-22 campaign.
Other Standout Performances
Aleksander Barkov’s defensive capabilities were evident as the Panthers had a 1.98 xGA/60 with him on the ice at five-on-five. Offensively, Barkov contributed 23 goals and 57 assists. Kirill Kaprizov also made significant strides, tying for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons, and ranking 12th in points with 279. Minnesota allowed just 2.23 xGA/60 with Kaprizov on the ice at five-on-five.
New Faces in New Places
The Boston Bruins have a new No. 1 center in Elias Lindholm, while David Pastrnak's 47 goals and 63 assists last season underlined his invaluable presence; the Bruins scored at a rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) with Pastrnak on the ice at five-on-five, compared to 2.25 GF/60 without him.
As each season unfolds, the NHL continues to be captivated by the extraordinary talents and remarkable feats of its players. With individuals like McDavid, Kucherov, Matthews, MacKinnon, Hughes, Makar, Draisaitl, Barkov, Kaprizov, Lindholm, and Pastrnak leading the charge, the future of hockey looks incredibly promising, offering fans a fresh wave of excitement and anticipation year after year.