Ovechkin's Record In Jeopardy: 9 NHL Players With A Shot

7 min read Post on May 09, 2025

Ovechkin's Record In Jeopardy: 9 NHL Players With A Shot

This article will delve into the chances of these players, considering their current performance, age, and future potential. We'll assess their statistical trajectories, playing styles, and team contexts to determine who has the most realistic shot at etching their name into NHL history alongside Ovechkin's.

The Current Top Contenders: Analyzing the Closest Pursuers

These three players are currently considered the frontrunners in the chase for Ovechkin's record. Their exceptional talent and consistent high-level performance put them in a unique position.

Connor McDavid: The Edmonton Oilers' Offensive Maestro

Connor McDavid, the Edmonton Oilers captain, possesses an unparalleled offensive skillset. His vision, speed, and playmaking ability are legendary.

Current Stats: Consistently a top scorer in the league, boasting impressive goals, assists, and points per game.
Points Per Game: Among the highest in the league, indicating a remarkable scoring efficiency.
Age: Relatively young, providing a long window to accumulate goals.
Contract Status: Long-term contract secured, ensuring continued contribution to the Oilers.
Team Success: The Oilers' playoff success is crucial for McDavid's potential to accumulate goals in high-stakes games. His ability to perform under pressure will be a key factor.
Realistic Chance: McDavid has a very real chance of surpassing Ovechkin, especially if he maintains his current pace and the Oilers consistently perform well in the playoffs. He is arguably the most likely candidate.

Leon Draisaitl: The Edmonton Oilers' Power Play Specialist

Leon Draisaitl, McDavid's Oilers teammate, is another elite scorer known for his power-play prowess. His shot accuracy and ability to find the back of the net are significant assets.

Current Stats: High-scoring forward, frequently ranked among the league's top point producers.
Playing Style: While similar to McDavid in terms of offensive production, Draisaitl's power play expertise makes him a potent offensive weapon in specific situations.
Edmonton Oilers' Impact: The Oilers' success heavily influences his scoring opportunities. Consistent playoff runs are crucial for his goal-scoring potential.
Longevity Predictions: His age and consistent performance suggest a long and productive NHL career.
Realistic Chance: Though slightly less likely than McDavid due to a slightly lower goals-per-game average, Draisaitl's sustained performance and potent power-play skillset give him a solid chance.

Auston Matthews: The Toronto Maple Leafs' Sniper

Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs' star center, is renowned for his incredible shooting accuracy and goal-scoring consistency.

Shooting Accuracy: Matthews consistently ranks amongst the highest in shooting percentage, a testament to his precision.
Goal-Scoring Consistency: He has been a consistent high-scorer throughout his career.
Toronto Maple Leafs' Playoff Performance: The Leafs' playoff success will significantly impact his chance at chasing Ovechkin's record.
Contract Situation: His contract status needs to be factored into projections, ensuring he will continue his prolific career in Toronto.
Realistic Chance: Matthews' exceptional goal-scoring ability gives him a strong chance, however, his injury history and the Leafs' playoff struggles present obstacles.

The Next Generation: Young Stars With Potential

These players are younger and have a longer time horizon to chase Ovechkin's record, but their potential is undeniable.

Jason Robertson: The Dallas Stars' Rising Star

Jason Robertson's rapid goal-scoring progression is remarkable. His age and offensive potential make him a serious contender in the years to come.

Goals Per Season: A steadily increasing number of goals each season, showcasing a clear upward trajectory.
Improvement Trajectory: Robertson demonstrates consistent improvement, suggesting sustained growth.
Dallas Stars' Success: The Stars' performance will influence Robertson's goal-scoring opportunities.
Potential Longevity: His age presents significant potential for a long career, adding to his chances.
Realistic Chance: While he's a long shot in the short term, Robertson's trajectory positions him as a future threat to Ovechkin's record.

Kirill Kaprizov: The Minnesota Wild's Skillful Winger

Kirill Kaprizov's unique skill set and offensive capabilities make him a formidable player to watch.

Playing Style: His agility and creativity in scoring goals present a different style of attack to the other players listed.
Minnesota Wild's Team Performance: The Wild's performance will influence his scoring opportunities.
Potential for Increased Scoring: As he continues to develop, his goal-scoring potential could significantly increase.
International Success: His success on the international stage is testament to his skill and capability.
Realistic Chance: Kaprizov's skillset is exciting but needs sustained high-level offensive output over a long period to truly threaten the record.

Long Shots: Players with a Slim but Possible Chance

These players have a smaller chance statistically, but their skill and potential for growth shouldn't be discounted entirely.

Jack Hughes: The New Jersey Devils' Playmaker

Jack Hughes' improved goal-scoring numbers and the rise of the New Jersey Devils suggest potential for increased offensive production.

Recent Improvements: Hughes has shown consistent improvement in his goal-scoring ability in recent seasons.
Playmaking Ability: His strong playmaking can lead to assists and create scoring opportunities.
Team Dynamics: The Devils' improved team structure is beneficial to his overall scoring opportunities.
Potential for Increased Scoring Volume: With continued growth, his scoring potential could significantly increase.
Realistic Chance: While a long shot, consistent performance and team success could push Hughes' goal totals significantly.

Brayden Point: The Tampa Bay Lightning's Playoff Performer

Brayden Point is a consistent scorer, but his injury history is a significant factor in assessing his chances.

Scoring Consistency: Point is known for his regular scoring output throughout his career.
Injury Concerns: His injury history poses a considerable risk to his ability to reach Ovechkin's record.
Tampa Bay Lightning's Success: The Lightning's consistent playoff runs will heavily influence his chances.
Overall Career Arc: The uncertainty surrounding his injury history makes predictions difficult.
Realistic Chance: Point's ability to score is undeniable, but injuries present a considerable hurdle.

Mika Zibanejad: The New York Rangers' Consistent Scorer

Mika Zibanejad's consistent scoring ability makes him a player to consider, but his age might limit his chances.

Scoring Consistency: Zibanejad has regularly reached high scoring numbers, demonstrating his capability.
Age: His age is a significant factor in projecting his long-term scoring potential.
New York Rangers' Team Success: The Rangers' performance directly impacts his goal-scoring opportunities.
Realistic Expectations: While he can maintain a high level of play, catching Ovechkin is a long-shot.
Realistic Chance: While he has the talent, his age and the time needed to catch Ovechkin create a significant challenge.

Conclusion: The Future of NHL Goal-Scoring and Ovechkin's Legacy

While Connor McDavid currently stands as the most likely candidate to challenge Alex Ovechkin's NHL goals record, several other players possess the talent and potential to make a serious run. Players like Leon Draisaitl and Auston Matthews are close contenders, while the younger generation, including Jason Robertson and Kirill Kaprizov, present exciting long-term possibilities. The "long shots" also shouldn't be discounted entirely; sustained high-level performance could bring unexpected results.

Alex Ovechkin's legacy as a goal-scoring legend is undeniable. The sheer magnitude of his achievement—surpassing Wayne Gretzky's long-held record—is a testament to his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication. However, the chase is on! The next few seasons promise exciting developments as these players continue to push the boundaries of NHL goal-scoring.

Follow the chase closely! Who will break the record? Discuss your predictions and follow the careers of these remarkable players as they challenge Ovechkin's record-breaking feat!