The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to be a hotbed of elite talent, with each season revealing new levels of remarkable performance. This past season was no exception, as several players reached impressive milestones and set new standards.
Unstoppable Forces on Ice
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov both achieved the rare milestone of 100 assists—a testament to their vision and playmaking ability. McDavid, in particular, has been a force to reckon with over the past few years, leading the league in assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159) over the last three seasons. His playoff performances are no less remarkable, with 37 goals and 80 assists in 74 career postseason games. Last season, the Oilers generated an impressive 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at five-on-five with McDavid on the ice.
Nikita Kucherov's contributions were no less staggering. In addition to his 100 assists, Kucherov netted 44 goals and finished the season with 144 points. His five-on-five play saw him rank third in the NHL with 67 points in that scenario, illustrating his all-around prowess and ability to make a difference in various situations.
Goal-Scoring Machines
Auston Matthews continued to cement his reputation as one of the league's most lethal scorers, amassing a jaw-dropping 69 goals last season. Over his eight-year career, Matthews has now accumulated a total of 368 goals, showcasing his consistent goal-scoring ability.
Leon Draisaitl also displayed his scoring acumen, tallying 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. Notably, his power-play performance has been exceptional, with 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign. Fellow elite scorer David Pastrnak added to his impressive resume with 47 goals and 63 assists last season. The Bruins significantly benefited from his presence on the ice, scoring at a rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) at five-on-five, compared to just 2.25 GF/60 without him.
Diverse Skill Sets
Nathan MacKinnon had a banner year, accumulating 140 points, securing his first Hart Trophy, and leading the league with 79 five-on-five points. His dominant performance emphasized his versatility and consistency. Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar also had a standout season, setting new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points. The Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals when Makar was on the rink, indicating his significant impact on their performance.
Quinn Hughes demonstrated his playmaking abilities with 17 goals and 75 assists last season. His influence on the Canucks was substantial as they recorded a plus-37 goal differential with Hughes on the ice at five-on-five, underscoring his effect in both ends of the rink.
Defensive Prowess
Aleksander Barkov of the Panthers showcased his defensive skills, with the team allowing just 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at five-on-five with him on the ice. Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild also displayed strong defensive awareness, with the team allowing only 2.23 xGA/60 in the same scenario. Kaprizov has been a reliable performer offensively as well, tied for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons and ranking 12th in points with 279 during that period.
Emerging and Established Leaders
Elias Lindholm has transitioned into the role of the No. 1 center for the Bruins, while McDavid continues to set the pace as a leading playmaker and scorer. The collective achievements of these players highlight the blend of established stars and emerging talents that make the NHL a captivating spectacle every season.
As the league continues to evolve, fans can look forward to more breathtaking performances and record-setting achievements from these elite players. Their accomplishments last season are a testament to their hard work, skill, and dedication to the sport, promising yet another thrilling chapter in the storied history of the NHL.