Can Anyone Break Ovechkin's NHL Goal Record? 9 Potential Candidates

6 min read Post on May 10, 2025

Can Anyone Break Ovechkin's NHL Goal Record? 9 Potential Candidates

The Current Top Contenders – Closest to Ovechkin's Record

The pursuit of Ovechkin's record is a marathon, not a sprint. These players are currently positioned to make the most significant impact in the near future.

Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers):

Known for his incredible speed, playmaking ability, and vision, Connor McDavid's goal-scoring prowess is steadily increasing. While primarily known as a playmaker, his finishing ability is rapidly improving.

High points per game average: Consistently among the league leaders in points, showcasing his overall offensive dominance.
Improving shot accuracy: McDavid is refining his shot selection and accuracy, translating to more goals.
Consistent playoff performance: His high-level play extends to the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
Young age: Still in his prime, McDavid has many years left to potentially chase down Ovechkin's record.

Considering his current goal pace and projected longevity, McDavid needs to maintain a high goal-scoring rate for several more seasons to even approach Ovechkin’s total. However, given his talent and consistent improvement, he's undoubtedly the most likely current contender to make a serious run.

The Rising Stars – Future Threats to the Record

This group represents the next generation of NHL superstars, possessing the potential to challenge the established order and chase Ovechkin's record in the years to come.

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs):

A sniper with exceptional accuracy and a powerful shot, Auston Matthews has already established himself as one of the league's top goal scorers.

High shooting percentage: Matthews consistently boasts a high shooting percentage, indicating his ability to convert scoring chances.
Consistent goal-scoring throughout his career: He's maintained a remarkably high goal-scoring pace since entering the league.
Leadership qualities: His leadership on the ice further contributes to his team's success, indirectly boosting his scoring opportunities.

Matthews' goal-scoring trajectory is impressive, and if he can maintain his health and consistency, he could realistically challenge Ovechkin's record.

Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers):

Playing alongside McDavid, Leon Draisaitl benefits from exceptional playmaking, but also possesses a potent shot and offensive instincts of his own.

Excellent vision and passing ability: His playmaking skills create many scoring opportunities for himself and his linemates.
Strong on the power play: Draisaitl is a lethal weapon on the power play, contributing a significant portion of his goals from this advantageous situation.
Consistent point production: He's consistently among the league leaders in points, demonstrating a high level of overall offensive contribution.

While his goal-scoring rate might be slightly below Ovechkin’s peak, Draisaitl’s consistent point production and potential for improvement make him a serious dark horse.

Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils):

Dynamic and elusive, Jack Hughes' offensive skills are rapidly developing. His potential is enormous.

Exceptional skating ability: His speed and agility create space and scoring opportunities.
Improving shot selection: As his career progresses, Hughes is learning to pick his spots more effectively.
Young age and high potential: With significant room for improvement and many years ahead, Hughes represents a significant long-term threat.

Hughes’ youth and explosive potential make him a wildcard in the race to break Ovechkin's NHL goal record. His development will be crucial in determining his long-term impact.

The Dark Horses – Underestimated Potential

These players might not be the immediate frontrunners, but possess the skills and drive to potentially make a late surge in the race.

Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild):

A highly skilled and creative winger, Kaprizov's unpredictable playing style makes him a constant threat.

Exceptional puck handling: His ability to control the puck in tight spaces creates scoring opportunities.
Unpredictable playing style: His creativity keeps defenders guessing, making him difficult to defend.
Consistent scoring: He’s proven to be a consistent scorer throughout his career.

Kaprizov's unique style might not translate to the sheer volume of goals Ovechkin amassed, but he is a consistent scorer and has the potential to surprise many.

Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars):

A consistent goal scorer with a powerful and accurate shot, Jason Robertson is quietly accumulating goals at a rapid pace.

High shooting percentage: Robertson's accuracy ensures he converts a high percentage of his shots into goals.
Strong on the power play: His effectiveness on the power play contributes significantly to his goal total.
Developing all-around game: Robertson’s overall game is continuously improving, suggesting potential for greater offensive output.

Robertson’s steady rise suggests he should not be underestimated in the long-term chase for Ovechkin’s record.

Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers):

A powerful forward with a hard and accurate shot, Zibanejad is a consistent offensive contributor.

Strong on the power play: Similar to others, his power-play prowess is a significant part of his goal scoring.
Increasing goal-scoring totals: His goal totals have been steadily increasing over the past few seasons.
Consistent offensive contribution: He’s consistently provided offense for the Rangers.

Zibanejad's power and accuracy make him a potential dark horse in the race, particularly if he can sustain this high level of scoring for several more seasons.

Factors Affecting the Pursuit of Ovechkin's Record

Several factors beyond individual talent significantly influence the potential for someone to break Ovechkin's record.

Injury prevention: A long and healthy career is essential to accumulate a record number of goals.
Team success and supporting cast: Playing on a consistently successful team with skilled linemates greatly increases scoring opportunities.
League rule changes: Changes in NHL rules could potentially impact offensive production.
Player longevity: Maintaining peak performance over an extended career is crucial.

These factors highlight that breaking Ovechkin's record requires more than just exceptional individual talent. It necessitates a confluence of factors working in harmony.

Conclusion

While Alex Ovechkin's goal-scoring record seems monumental, the emergence of young, talented players like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and others suggests it might not be unbreakable. However, factors like injuries and team success significantly influence a player’s ability to sustain such high-level scoring over a long career. The race to challenge Ovechkin's NHL goal record is far from over, and the coming years will be pivotal in determining who might eventually succeed him.

Call to Action: Who do you think has the best chance of breaking Ovechkin's NHL goal record? Let us know in the comments below! Join the conversation on who might challenge Ovechkin's NHL goal record and share your predictions for the future of NHL goal scoring.