The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to showcase a remarkable influx of elite talent each season, with last year being no exception. Several players delivered standout performances that not only set personal records but also shifted the competitive landscape of the league.
Connor McDavid: The Assist Maestro
Connor McDavid, a perennial highlight in the NHL, achieved the rare milestone of 100 assists last season, a testament to his exceptional vision and playmaking ability. Over the past three seasons, McDavid has led the NHL in assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159). His regular season brilliance seamlessly translates to the postseason, where he has scored 37 goals and assisted on 80 goals in 74 career playoff games. When McDavid is on the ice, the Edmonton Oilers generated an impressive 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at five-on-five, indicating his massive influence on the team's offensive output.
Auston Matthews: The Goal Scoring Titan
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting an astonishing 69 goals last season. This tally contributed to his career total of 368 goals over eight years, cementing his status as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the modern era.
Nathan MacKinnon: A Dominant Force
Having accumulated 140 points last season, Nathan MacKinnon did not just stop there; he secured his first Hart Trophy, awarded to the league's most valuable player. His league-leading 79 five-on-five points underscore his dominance on the ice, setting him apart as a crucial component of the Colorado Avalanche's success.
The Defensive Dynamos: Hughes and Makar
Quinn Hughes continued to solidify his reputation as a defensive stalwart for the Vancouver Canucks. He recorded 17 goals and 75 assists last season, and with Hughes on the ice at five-on-five, the Canucks boasted a plus-37 goal differential. Similarly, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche set new career highs with 69 assists and 90 points. The Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals with Makar patrolling the blue line, underlining his two-way prowess.
Nikita Kucherov: A Season of Milestones
Nikita Kucherov matched his playmaking prowess with goal-scoring ability, finishing the season with 44 goals and 144 points. Kucherov ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, showcasing his balanced offensive skill set. His ability to influence the game in all situations makes him one of the league's most versatile talents.
The Versatile Duo: Draisaitl and Barkov
Leon Draisaitl has stamped his authority in the NHL, accumulating 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. Since the 2021-22 campaign, he has notched an incredible 77 power play goals. Similarly, Aleksander Barkov continues to provide incredible value for the Florida Panthers. Barkov scored 23 goals and assisted on 57 more last season. The Panthers had a 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) with Barkov on the ice at five-on-five, reflecting his defensive reliability alongside his offensive contributions.
Kaprizov and Lindholm: Emerging New Roles
Kirill Kaprizov of the Minnesota Wild tied for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons and ranks 12th in points with 279 during the same span. His presence on the ice brought defensive stability as well, with Minnesota allowing just 2.23 xGA/60 at five-on-five. Elsewhere, Elias Lindholm steps into a pivotal role as the new No. 1 center for the Boston Bruins, aiming to make his mark in the upcoming seasons.
Pastrnak: The Offensive Catalyst
David Pastrnak had an outstanding season with 47 goals and 63 assists. His impact was most pronounced in the Bruins' scoring rate; 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. His offensive dynamism was critical in driving the team's success.
As we reflect on these remarkable individual performances from last season, it's evident that the NHL is brimming with exceptional talent. Each player, through their unique skill sets and contributions, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the sport, setting new benchmarks and thrilling fans worldwide.