The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to be a dynamic and evolving landscape, with each season bringing a remarkable influx of elite talent that reshapes the league's competitive edge. Last season was no exception, with several players achieving extraordinary milestones and setting new standards of excellence on the ice.
Record-Breaking Performances
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov put on a show last season by each reaching the rare milestone of 100 assists. McDavid's prowess doesn't stop there; he leads the NHL in assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159) over the last three seasons, demonstrating his consistent dominance. His remarkable 37 goals and 80 assists in 74 career playoff games underscore his ability to elevate his performance when it matters most. The Oilers, with McDavid on the ice at five-on-five, generated an impressive 3.95 xGF/60 last season, highlighting his invaluable contribution to the team’s offensive prowess.
Nikita Kucherov also had an outstanding season, finishing with 44 goals and 144 points. He ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, emphasizing his critical role in the Tampa Bay Lightning's attack.
Goal-Scoring Sensations
Auston Matthews amazed fans with an astonishing 69 goals last season, contributing to a career total of 368 goals over eight years. His exceptional scoring ability continues to make him one of the most dangerous players in the league.
Kirill Kaprizov, another standout goal-scorer, tied for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons. His consistent performance ranks him 12th in points with 279 in the same period. The Minnesota Wild allowed just 2.23 xGA/60 with Kaprizov on the ice at five-on-five, showcasing his defensive reliability alongside his offensive talents.
David Pastrnak also demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess with 47 goals last season. The Bruins benefited significantly from his presence on the ice, scoring at a rate of 3.59 GF/60 with him compared to 2.25 GF/60 without him.
Multi-Faceted Talents
Nathan MacKinnon had an exceptional season, accumulating 140 points and securing his first Hart Trophy. His league-leading 79 five-on-five points cement his status as a top performer. With MacKinnon on the rink, the Colorado Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals, a testament to his all-around impact on the game.
Quinn Hughes proved to be a significant asset for the Vancouver Canucks, recording 17 goals and 75 assists. The Canucks had a plus-37 goal differential with Hughes on the ice at five-on-five, underscoring his importance in both offensive and defensive plays.
Cale Makar continued to push his limits, setting new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points last season. The Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals with Makar on the rink, highlighting his influence in creating scoring opportunities and maintaining team momentum.
Special Teams and Power Plays
Leon Draisaitl remains a powerhouse for the Edmonton Oilers, notching 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. His 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign illustrate his lethal scoring ability when given the man advantage.
Aleksander Barkov also stood out with 23 goals and 57 assists last season. The Florida Panthers performed exceptionally well defensively with Barkov on the ice, achieving a 1.98 xGA/60 at five-on-five, indicating his significant role in both ends of the rink.
Emerging Leaders
Elias Lindholm has stepped into the spotlight as the new No. 1 center for the Bruins, a role that brings with it high expectations and a chance to contribute significantly to the team's success.
These performances underscore the remarkable talent and competitive spirit that continues to drive the NHL forward. As players keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the ice, fans can look forward to more thrilling seasons and breathtaking plays in the years to come.