9 Young NHL Stars With A Shot At Ovechkin's Scoring Record

Natalie Brooks

4 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Connor McDavid – The Frontrunner

McDavid's exceptional skill and point production already put him in elite company. He consistently ranks among the league leaders in assists and points, showcasing a level of play rarely seen in the NHL. While his goal-scoring pace might not yet match Ovechkin's peak, his overall offensive dominance is undeniable. Considering his age and consistent performance, projecting his career totals suggests a very real possibility of surpassing Ovechkin's record. His ability to both score and create scoring chances for his teammates gives him a significant advantage. His style of play, characterized by exceptional speed, vision, and playmaking ability, is highly sustainable, meaning he's unlikely to experience a significant drop-off in production as he ages.

• Consistent point leader: McDavid has led the league in points multiple times.
• Exceptional speed and vision: His ability to control the puck and create scoring opportunities is unmatched.
• High shooting percentage: Though not his primary focus, his finishing ability is elite, improving his chances at breaking Ovechkin's Scoring Record.

Auston Matthews – The Sniper

Matthews' incredible goal-scoring prowess is reminiscent of Ovechkin's early career. He possesses a powerful, accurate shot, consistently finding the back of the net from various positions on the ice. His lethal one-timer is arguably the most feared shot in the NHL today. While his overall point totals might not always reach McDavid's, his goal-scoring ability is arguably even more potent. His consistent high goals-per-game ratio showcases a remarkable scoring touch and positions him as a serious contender for Ovechkin's record. Maintaining his current level of performance will be crucial to achieving this monumental feat.

• High goals-per-game ratio: Matthews consistently scores at an elite rate.
• Lethal one-timer: His one-timer is arguably the best in the NHL, giving him a high chance of scoring on every shot.
• Strong net-front presence: Matthews excels at getting to advantageous scoring positions.

Other Promising Young Guns

While McDavid and Matthews are the clear frontrunners in the race to break Ovechkin's scoring record, several other young NHL stars possess the talent and potential to make a serious run. These players, while perhaps less likely to ultimately surpass Ovechkin, still represent a strong future for NHL goal-scoring.

• Jack Hughes: Possessing exceptional speed and agility, Hughes’ goal-scoring ability is steadily increasing, positioning him as a potential contender in the long term. His playmaking skills also contribute to his team's offensive output.

• Kirill Kaprizov: A dynamic offensive force, Kaprizov combines elite skill with a relentless work ethic. His shot accuracy and ability to create scoring chances make him a threat every time he's on the ice.

• Jason Robertson: Robertson has become known for his accurate and powerful shot, regularly finding the net from the left circle. His consistency in scoring makes him a player to keep a close eye on in the years to come.

• Elias Lindholm: Lindholm's two-way capabilities and consistent offensive production make him another solid candidate for a top spot in NHL goal-scoring.

• Mika Zibanejad: Known for his powerful shot, Zibanejad is a force to be reckoned with, and his consistent scoring ability makes him an unlikely, but potential challenger to Ovechkin's record.

• Brayden Point: A dynamic, fast forward with strong offensive instincts, Point possesses the attributes to contribute significantly to his team's goals each season.

• Leon Draisaitl: While he already has high point totals, his focus on playmaking could hinder his chance at breaking Ovechkin's record. Still, with the right circumstances and focus, he could surprise everyone.

These players exemplify the exciting young talent in the NHL, capable of thrilling fans with their offensive performances for years to come, and giving Ovechkin's record a real run for its money. The future of NHL goal-scoring is bright.

Conclusion

While Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring record remains a monumental achievement, the emergence of exceptional young talent like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and others presents a compelling case for its potential future breaking. Their skills, dedication, and longevity in the league make them serious contenders for challenging and potentially surpassing Ovechkin's impressive legacy. The next decade promises exciting competition, and many players in this generation have a real shot at etching their names into NHL history as the all-time leading goal scorer.

Who do you think has the best shot at breaking Ovechkin's scoring record? Let us know your predictions in the comments below! Share this article with fellow hockey fans and join the discussion about the future of NHL goal-scoring and the potential challengers to Ovechkin's Scoring Record.