The National Hockey League (NHL) continues to be a cauldron of elite talent, with each season introducing a fresh wave of incredible performances by its stars. Last season was no exception, featuring a host of standout achievements that captured the imagination of hockey fans worldwide.
Exceptional Playmakers
Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov joined an exclusive club last season, each recording an impressive 100 assists. This rare milestone underlines their exceptional playmaking abilities and their integral roles in their respective teams' offenses. McDavid's season was particularly spectacular as he continues to lead the league over the past three seasons with 268 assists, 408 points, and 159 power play points. His leadership on the ice is further demonstrated by his playoff performance, where he amassed 37 goals and 80 assists in 74 games, and the Oilers' impressive 3.95 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) rate when he was on the ice.
Nikita Kucherov, who finished the season with 44 goals and 144 points, proved to be an indispensable asset for his team. He ranked third in the NHL for five-on-five points with 67, illustrating his consistent performance in various game situations.
Goal-Scoring Machines
Auston Matthews had a phenomenal season, netting 69 goals, a testament to his sharp shooting and offensive prowess. Over his eight-year career, Matthews has totaled 368 goals, cementing his reputation as one of the league's elite goal scorers.
Leon Draisaitl continues to be a force on the ice, with 272 goals and 371 assists over the past six years. A significant part of his contribution comes from his power-play performance, where he has scored 77 power-play goals since the 2021-22 campaign.
Kirill Kaprizov also showcases his goal-scoring capabilities, tying for fifth in goals with 133 over the past three seasons. His overall performance places him 12th in points with 279 during the same period, underscoring his dual threat as both a scorer and a playmaker.
Diverse Talents Shining Through
Nathan MacKinnon's last season was one for the history books, accumulating 140 points and securing his first Hart Trophy. His dominance is further highlighted by his league-leading 79 five-on-five points, reflecting his versatile gameplay and significant influence during even-strength situations.
The defensive might of Quinn Hughes for the Vancouver Canucks cannot go unmentioned. With 17 goals and 75 assists, Hughes was instrumental on both ends of the rink. His presence clearly shifted the balance for the Canucks, who recorded a plus-37 goal differential with him on the ice at five-on-five.
Meanwhile, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche also set new personal bests with 69 assists and 90 points. The Avalanche controlled 52.7% of the expected goals with Makar on the rink, demonstrating his crucial role in driving the team's offensive and defensive efforts.
Useful Assets in the Defensive Zone
Aleksander Barkov continues to be a defensive stalwart for the Panthers. With 23 goals and 57 assists last season, Barkov's influence extends beyond scoring, as evidenced by the Panthers' impressive 1.98 expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) with him on the ice at five-on-five.
Similarly, the Minnesota Wild benefit greatly from Kirill Kaprizov's defensive play. The team allowed a mere 2.23 xGA/60 when Kaprizov was on the ice at five-on-five, highlighting his effectiveness in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities.
Emerging and Established Stars
Elias Lindholm is stepping into a more prominent role as the new No. 1 center for the Boston Bruins. As the team recalibrates, his performances will be crucial alongside David Pastrnak, who had a stellar previous season with 47 goals and 63 assists. The Bruins' scoring rate with Pastrnak on the ice at five-on-five was an impressive 3.59 goals-for per 60 minutes (GF/60), a significant uptick from their 2.25 GF/60 without him, highlighting his importance in their offensive setup.
The NHL landscape continues to be shaped by these remarkable athletes whose performances push the boundaries of the sport. As the league progresses, fans can eagerly anticipate many more seasons of extraordinary talent and thrilling hockey action.