The National Hockey League (NHL) continues its trajectory as a premier stage for the most elite talents in the world, with each new season introducing and solidifying the reputations of its stars. The latest campaign was no different, punctuated by extraordinary displays of skill by some of the league’s most exceptional players.
McDavid and Kucherov: Playmaking Excellence
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov joined an exclusive club last season, each recording 100 assists. This spectacular milestone underscores their vision and playmaking prowess — attributes that position them well above their peers. McDavid, in particular, leads the league in several categories over the past three seasons, including assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159). His ability to orchestrate plays is matched by his playoff performance, where he has accrued 37 goals and 80 assists in his 74 career playoff games. McDavid's impact is clear, as the Edmonton Oilers generated an impressive 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) with him on the ice at five-on-five.
Goal-Scoring Titans
Auston Matthews emerged as the top goal-scoring titan last season, netting an astonishing 69 goals. His career total now stands at 368 goals over eight years, cementing his reputation as one of the most lethal scorers in the NHL. Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl has notched 272 goals over the past six years and has been a formidable force on the power play, with 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign.
Nikita Kucherov also showcased his goal-scoring and playmaking abilities by finishing the season with 44 goals and a staggering 144 points. Kucherov ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, proving his versatility and continuous threat on the ice.
Defensive Dominance
On the defensive end, players like Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar demonstrated their invaluable contributions. Hughes registered 17 goals and 75 assists, with the Vancouver Canucks enjoying a plus-37 goal differential when he was on the ice in five-on-five situations. Makar, a potent force from the blue line, set new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points last season. His influence was further highlighted as the Colorado Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals when he was on the rink.
The New Guard and Rising Stars
Nathan MacKinnon further solidified his standing as one of the NHL’s premier players by amassing 140 points last season and claiming his first Hart Trophy. His league-leading 79 five-on-five points emphasize his dominance and influence on the ice.
Kirill Kaprizov tied for fifth in goals over the past three seasons with 133 and ranked 12th in points with 279. His two-way game has also been commendable, with the Minnesota Wild allowing just 2.23 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) with Kaprizov on the ice in five-on-five play.
Team Dynamics and Impact Players
Several players demonstrated that individual brilliance can significantly affect team dynamics. David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins had 47 goals and 63 assists last season. With Pastrnak on the ice, the Bruins scored at a rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) at five-on-five. Without him, that rate plummeted to 2.25 GF/60. Such a stark contrast underscores Pastrnak's vital role in the Bruins' offensive success.
Aleksander Barkov provided a steadying presence for the Florida Panthers, scoring 23 goals and 57 assists last season. His defensive contributions were equally significant, as the Panthers recorded an impressive 1.98 xGA/60 with him on the ice in five-on-five play.
League Leaders and Standout Performers
Equally noteworthy, Elias Lindholm has emerged as the new No. 1 center for the Bruins, filling a crucial role within the team's lineup. As the NHL continues to celebrate its stars, each season brings a new chapter of achievements and records. The consistent performances and remarkable contributions from these players not only enthrall fans but also elevate the game to new heights.