The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to elevate its level of competition, fueled by an increasing influx of elite talent each season. This past season was no exception, as several players etched their names in the history books with standout performances and remarkable achievements.
An Outstanding Season for Offense
Two of the league's premier talents, Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov, reached a rare milestone by each recording 100 assists last season, showcasing their playmaking prowess. McDavid's influence extends beyond the regular season, as evidenced by his impressive playoff record—37 goals and 80 assists in 74 career playoff games. With McDavid on the ice at five-on-five last season, the Edmonton Oilers generated 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60), underlining his critical role in their offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, Auston Matthews had a sensational year, netting an astonishing 69 goals. Over his eight-year career, Matthews has accumulated a total of 368 goals, a testament to his consistent scoring ability. Nathan MacKinnon, another standout, amassed 140 points last season and secured his first Hart Trophy. His league-leading 79 five-on-five points highlight his dominance in even-strength situations.
A Season of Personal Bests
On the back end, Quinn Hughes made significant contributions with 17 goals and 75 assists, helping the Vancouver Canucks to a plus-37 goal differential while he was on the ice at five-on-five. Likewise, the Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar set new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points, steering the team to a 52.7% share of expected goals with him skating.
Nikita Kucherov also enjoyed a prolific season, finishing with 44 goals and 144 points. Notably, he ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points, tallying 67 in such situations, illustrating his versatility and clutch performance.
Power Play Specialists
Leon Draisaitl has been nothing short of exceptional with 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. His power play prowess is unmatched, as he has notched 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign, maintaining his reputation as an elite scorer in man-advantage situations.
Aleksander Barkov demonstrated his defensive reliability and offensive skill, scoring 23 goals and adding 57 assists last season. The Panthers benefited greatly from his presence, recording a 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) with him on the ice at five-on-five.
Rising Stars and Defensive Stalwarts
Kirill Kaprizov continued to impress, tying for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons and ranking 12th in points with 279 during that span. His two-way game is highlighted by Minnesota's 2.23 xGA/60 with him on the ice at five-on-five.
New faces are also stepping up. Elias Lindholm has taken on the role of No. 1 center for the Bruins, a team that has seen substantial contributions from David Pastrnak. Pastrnak scored 47 goals and 63 assists last season, catalyzing the Bruins' offense to a rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) with him on the ice at five-on-five, compared to just 2.25 GF/60 when he was off the ice.
In summary, the NHL continues to thrive thanks to its emerging stars and seasoned veterans. The incredible accomplishments of players like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Nathan MacKinnon, and many others not only highlight their individual talents but also underline the increasing competitiveness and excitement of the league. As these athletes push the boundaries of the sport, fans can look forward to even more electrifying performances in the coming seasons.