Ovechkin's Record In Jeopardy? 9 NHL Players Who Could Break It

Luna Greco

7 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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The Current Landscape: Ovechkin's Reign and the Chasing Pack

Alex Ovechkin's 822 goals stand as a testament to his unparalleled skill and longevity in the NHL. This monumental achievement, a record that once seemed insurmountable, is now within striking distance for a new generation of hockey stars. The gap between Ovechkin and the closest contenders is shrinking, making the pursuit of this iconic record one of the most captivating storylines in the NHL today.

The following table shows the top 5 players currently closest to Ovechkin's goal-scoring record:

• Ovechkin's Longevity and Scoring Power: Ovechkin's sustained scoring prowess over nearly two decades is unprecedented. His powerful shot, incredible hockey sense, and relentless drive have consistently placed him among the league's top scorers.
• Increased Scoring Rates and NHL Competition: The NHL has seen an increase in overall scoring in recent years, making it more feasible for players to accumulate goals at a faster pace. The league's intense competition pushes players to constantly improve their skills.
• Impact of Advanced Analytics: Advanced analytics have revolutionized player development and strategic approaches to scoring. Teams are using data-driven insights to optimize offensive strategies and maximize scoring opportunities.

The Top Contenders: 9 Players Poised to Chase History

Several players possess the talent and potential to challenge Ovechkin's goal record. Here are nine of the most likely candidates:

Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)

McDavid's exceptional speed, skill, and vision make him a dominant offensive force. His ability to create scoring chances seemingly at will is undeniable. However, maintaining this level of production over a long career, avoiding injuries, and the Oilers' overall team success will all significantly impact his chances of surpassing Ovechkin.

• Key Statistics: High goals per season average, relatively young age.
• Playing Style: Exceptional speed, playmaking ability, elite hockey IQ.
• Potential Challenges: Reliance on linemates, potential for injury, team playoff success.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: High, if he maintains his current trajectory and stays healthy for a long career.

Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)

Playing alongside McDavid provides Draisaitl with ample scoring opportunities. His powerful shot and impressive playmaking skills make him a consistent goal scorer. Similar to McDavid, his longevity and the Oilers' sustained success will be crucial factors.

• Key Statistics: High points per season, consistent goal scorer.
• Playing Style: Powerful shot, excellent vision, strong on the power play.
• Potential Challenges: Reliance on McDavid, potential injuries, playoff success.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: High, given his talent and playing alongside McDavid, but faces similar challenges.

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Matthews is known for his incredible goal-scoring ability and a powerful, accurate shot. His injury history, however, is a concern. The Maple Leafs' overall playoff performance will also influence his potential to reach Ovechkin’s record.

• Key Statistics: High goal-scoring average, consistent production.
• Playing Style: Powerful shot, strong around the net, clinical finisher.
• Potential Challenges: Injury history, Toronto's playoff struggles.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: Moderately High, dependent on health and sustained performance.

Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche)

MacKinnon's speed, skill, and offensive instincts make him a threat to score every time he’s on the ice. His consistent performance and the Avalanche's success are critical factors in assessing his chances.

• Key Statistics: High points per season, consistent goal scorer.
• Playing Style: Exceptional speed and agility, creative playmaker.
• Potential Challenges: Injuries, team success.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: Moderately High, pending health and sustained team performance.

Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils)

Hughes' rapid development and the Devils' recent offensive emergence significantly boost his potential. His playmaking and goal-scoring abilities are rapidly improving, making him a strong contender in the long run.

• Key Statistics: Improving goal-scoring numbers each season.
• Playing Style: Dynamic playmaker, improving shot accuracy.
• Potential Challenges: Sustaining current improvement trajectory, injuries.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: High potential, but more time needed to demonstrate sustained high-level scoring.

Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild)

Kaprizov's unique skill set and the Wild's offensive system give him a strong platform for goal scoring. His creativity and puck handling abilities make him a difficult player to defend.

• Key Statistics: Consistently high points per season, strong goal-scoring numbers.
• Playing Style: Creative playmaker, exceptional puck skills.
• Potential Challenges: Team success, consistency over a long career.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: Moderately High, dependent on sustained production and team success.

Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars)

Robertson's pure goal-scoring prowess is evident, consistently scoring at a high rate. The Stars' overall success is a key factor in whether he can maintain this offensive output over a long career.

• Key Statistics: High goal-scoring rate, consistent production.
• Playing Style: Excellent shot, strong net-front presence.
• Potential Challenges: Team's playoff success, consistency over long term.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: Moderately High, dependent on consistent high-level production and team success.

Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Point's consistent scoring and the Lightning's success create a promising environment for him to reach the top. However, maintaining peak performance over a long career, and the Lightning's continued contention, is crucial.

• Key Statistics: Consistent scoring over multiple seasons, playoff success.
• Playing Style: Two-way center, consistent goal scorer.
• Potential Challenges: Maintaining production consistently, team’s long-term success.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: Moderately High, dependent on longevity and Tampa Bay’s continued success.

Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers)

Zibanejad's scoring ability and the Rangers' offensive capabilities put him in the conversation. Sustaining this high level of production and the Rangers' ongoing success will be key to his chances.

• Key Statistics: High point totals in recent seasons.
• Playing Style: Powerful shot, strong offensive instincts.
• Potential Challenges: Consistency, team success.
• Likelihood of Breaking the Record: Moderately High, dependent on continued high-level production and team success.

Factors Affecting the Record Chase

Several factors beyond individual talent will influence the race to break Ovechkin's goal record:

• Player Longevity and Health: Remaining healthy and playing at a high level for an extended period is essential. Injuries can derail even the most talented players' careers.
• Team Success and Offensive Strategies: Playing on a consistently successful team with a strong offensive system significantly increases scoring opportunities.
• Rule Changes and League Trends: Changes to NHL rules or shifts in playing styles could impact scoring rates.
• Competition from Other Players: The emergence of other talented young players could create a competitive environment that makes surpassing Ovechkin's record even more challenging.

Conclusion

Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring record, once seemingly untouchable, is now within reach for several exceptionally talented NHL players. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Auston Matthews, and Nathan MacKinnon stand out as the most likely candidates, but players like Jack Hughes, Kirill Kaprizov, Jason Robertson, Brayden Point, and Mika Zibanejad also have the potential to make a serious run. Their chances depend on a multitude of factors, including individual longevity, team success, and the ever-evolving landscape of the NHL. Who do you think will break Ovechkin's goal-scoring record? Let us know in the comments below! Keep following our coverage for updates on the thrilling race to surpass this legendary NHL achievement.