The National Hockey League (NHL) is a dynamic stage where elite talent consistently rises to the occasion, making each season more thrilling than the last. Last season, we witnessed some extraordinary individual performances that have set the bar high for the upcoming campaigns.
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov: Masters of Assists
It's rare to see any player register 100 assists in a single season, but last year, both Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov managed this phenomenal feat. McDavid, a perennial favorite for any accolade available, also leads the league in assists (268), points (408), and power play points (159) over the past three seasons. His contribution isn't limited to the regular season; his playoff statistics are equally remarkable, with 37 goals and 80 assists in 74 career playoff games. During last season, the Edmonton Oilers generated 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) when McDavid was on the ice at five-on-five, underscoring his immense impact on the game.
Auston Matthews’ Goal-Scoring Brilliance
Auston Matthews had an astonishing season, netting 69 goals, amplifying his reputation as one of the league’s most prolific scorers. Over his career, which spans eight years, Matthews has accumulated a staggering 368 goals. His scoring prowess was a key story in a year filled with offensive fireworks.
Nathan MacKinnon: A Season of Triumph
Nathan MacKinnon had a year to remember, amassing 140 points and securing his first Hart Trophy, awarded to the league’s most valuable player. His dominance is further highlighted by his league-leading 79 five-on-five points. Additionally, the Avalanche team controlled 52.7% of the expected goals with Cale Makar—a defenseman who also had a standout season with 69 assists and 90 points—on the rink.
Defensive Stalwarts Making Offensive Impacts
Quinn Hughes and Nikita Kucherov also had seasons worth celebrating. Hughes recorded 17 goals and 75 assists, contributing significantly to a plus-37 goal differential for the Canucks at five-on-five when he was on the ice. Kucherov not only made a mark with his assists but also scored 44 goals and finished the season with 144 points. He ranked third in the NHL with 67 five-on-five points, showcasing his multifaceted talent.
Leon Draisaitl: Consistency in Excellence
Leon Draisaitl has been a model of consistency over the past six years, registering 272 goals and 371 assists. His power play proficiency is unmatched, with 77 power play goals since the 2021-22 campaign, making him a constant threat anytime he’s on the ice with the man advantage.
Rising Stars and Reliable Veterans
Aleksander Barkov, Kirill Kaprizov, and Elias Lindholm also had seasons that demonstrated their importance to their respective teams. Barkov scored 23 goals and provided 57 assists, with the Panthers having a low 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) when he was on the ice at five-on-five. Kaprizov tied for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons and ranks 12th in points with 279. His defensive contributions were notable as well, with Minnesota allowing just 2.23 xGA/60 with him on the ice at five-on-five.
Meanwhile, Elias Lindholm steps into a crucial role as the new No. 1 center for the Bruins. The team will rely heavily on him to fill the void left by departing players. David Pastrnak, with his 47 goals and 63 assists last season, demonstrated how vital top-tier forwards are to a team’s success. The Bruins scored at an impressive rate of 3.59 goals for per 60 minutes (GF/60) with Pastrnak on the ice at five-on-five, which dropped significantly to 2.25 GF/60 when he wasn’t on the ice, showcasing his influence on the team's offensive output.
As the NHL continues to evolve, the contributions of these elite players both offensively and defensively highlight the diverse talent across the league. Each season, new thresholds of excellence are reached, setting the stage for what promises to be another exhilarating year of hockey.