The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to captivate fans with an ever-growing roster of elite talent. Last season witnessed several standout performances, showcasing the extraordinary abilities of some of the sport's top players.
Offensive Powerhouses
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov both reached an impressive milestone by logging 100 assists each last season—a feat that underscores their playmaking prowess. McDavid's dominance extended beyond assists; over the last three seasons, he leads the league in assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159). Astonishingly, he tallied 37 goals and 80 assists in his 74 career playoff games. The Edmonton Oilers thrived with McDavid on the ice, generating 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at five-on-five play.
Equally compelling was Kucherov's season, where he not only amassed 100 assists but also finished with 44 goals and 144 points. He ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, further establishing himself as one of the premier offensive threats in the game.
Auston Matthews had an exceptional season, netting an astonishing 69 goals. Over his eight-year career, Matthews has racked up a total of 368 goals, a testament to his consistent scoring ability. Not to be overshadowed, Nathan MacKinnon also made his mark by accumulating 140 points last season and securing his first Hart Trophy. His league-leading 79 five-on-five points emphasized his dominance and invaluable contribution to his team.
Defensemen Make Their Mark
Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar demonstrated the significant impact that elite defensemen can have on a team’s performance. Hughes notched 17 goals and 75 assists, with the Canucks boasting a plus-37 goal differential when he was on the ice at five-on-five. Meanwhile, Makar set career highs with 69 assists and 90 points. The Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals with him on the rink, highlighting his defensive and offensive contributions.
Consistent Veterans
Leon Draisaitl continued to be a consistent force for the Oilers, recording 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. Since the 2021-22 campaign, he has scored 77 power play goals, illustrating his efficiency in special teams situations.
Aleksander Barkov was another standout, scoring 23 goals and 57 assists last season. With Barkov on the ice at five-on-five, the Panthers allowed an impressively low 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), showcasing his two-way game.
Rising Stars
Kirill Kaprizov has quickly become one of the league’s most exciting players. Over the past three seasons, he tied for fifth in goals with 133 and ranked 12th in points with 279. Minnesota Wild benefited from his presence on the ice, allowing just 2.23 xGA/60 at five-on-five.
Elias Lindholm’s new role as the No. 1 center for the Bruins is also noteworthy. Partnered with an effective scorer like David Pastrnak, who netted 47 goals and 63 assists, the Bruins' offensive potency was clear. With Pastrnak on the ice at five-on-five, the team scored at a rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60), compared to just 2.25 GF/60 without him.
The NHL remains a dynamic and exciting league, with top players continually raising the bar. As fans, analysts, and newcomers to the sport admire these athletes' achievements, it’s evident that the game is in good hands with such exceptional talent on display.