Can Anyone Top Ovechkin? 9 NHL Players With A Realistic Chance

5 min read Post on May 09, 2025

Can Anyone Top Ovechkin? 9 NHL Players With A Realistic Chance

The Unlikely Candidates: Young Guns With Explosive Potential

This group represents the future of NHL goal-scoring. While their current stats might not scream "Ovechkin challenger," their raw talent and potential for exponential growth make them intriguing long-term possibilities.

Connor Bedard (Chicago Blackhawks): The Next Ovechkin?

Connor Bedard’s arrival in the NHL has generated significant buzz. His exceptional skill and prolific goal-scoring ability in junior hockey have many whispering about a potential "next Ovechkin."

Junior Stats: Dominated the WHL with incredible goal-scoring numbers, consistently exceeding a point-per-game pace.
NHL Draft: Selected first overall, highlighting his immense talent and future potential.
Comparisons: Already drawing comparisons to other elite young players, showing his potential to become a generational talent and challenging the record.

Matvei Michkov (Philadelphia Flyers): Potential to Surpass, But a Long Shot

Matvei Michkov is a high-risk, high-reward prospect. His raw talent and impressive performance in the KHL are undeniable, but his transition to the NHL presents a significant hurdle.

European League Performance: Demonstrated exceptional goal-scoring ability and a dynamic playing style in the KHL.
NHL Adjustment: Adapting to the NHL's physicality and pace will be key to unlocking his full potential and becoming a long-shot contender for the record.
High-Risk, High-Reward: His potential to surpass Ovechkin's record is undeniable, but reaching that potential will require overcoming numerous challenges.

Established Stars: Proven Goal Scorers Aiming High

This group consists of established NHL stars who consistently score at an elite level. They represent a more realistic threat to Ovechkin's record, although surpassing it remains a monumental task.

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs): A Realistic Contender

Auston Matthews is a consistent goal scorer with a powerful shot and a knack for finding the back of the net. His current trajectory makes him a realistic contender, but consistency over an extended period is key.

Career Stats: Already boasts impressive career goal totals, demonstrating his elite scoring ability.
Consistent Performance: Maintains a high level of performance year after year, showcasing his ability to be a top goal-scorer.
Team Support: Playing on a high-powered team with exceptional supporting players gives him the best opportunity to challenge the record.

Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers): A Serious Contender

Leon Draisaitl's offensive prowess is undeniable. While his playmaking abilities are also exceptional, his goal-scoring capability makes him a serious contender for challenging Ovechkin’s record.

Point Totals: Consistently among the league leaders in points, showcasing his remarkable offensive talent.
Offensive Contributions: His impact extends beyond goals; his assists and overall offensive creation makes him a key player in Edmonton's attack.
Longevity: His ability to maintain his high level of performance for years to come is crucial for his chances of closing in on the record.

The Dark Horses: Players With Unexpected Potential

These players might not be immediate frontrunners, but their skills and potential for growth could make them surprising contenders in the long run.

Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild): An Underdog Contender

Kirill Kaprizov’s exceptional skill and scoring ability make him an unexpected challenger to Ovechkin’s record. His creativity and scoring touch make him a dangerous offensive weapon.

Creativity: Possesses a unique ability to create scoring chances and score goals in unconventional ways.
Scoring Touch: A proven goal scorer with a remarkable ability to find the back of the net consistently.
Team Elevation: His offensive abilities elevate his teammates’ performances, contributing to overall team success.

Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars): Consistent Scorer With Hidden Potential

Jason Robertson’s consistent goal scoring and overall offensive production make him a sleeper candidate. His ability to adapt and contribute in various roles will play a crucial role in his potential to challenge the record.

Impressive Goal Totals: Consistently scores at a high rate, making him a reliable offensive threat for the Stars.
Overall Offensive Production: Contributes significantly to the team’s offense, not just through goals but also assists and overall playmaking.
Versatile Role: Able to adapt his game to different roles and situations, showcasing his adaptability and overall value.

The Long Shots: Players With a Remote, But Intriguing Chance

These players face a steep uphill battle, but their exceptional talent makes them intriguing long-term possibilities.

Jack Hughes (New Jersey Devils): Potential for Greatness

Jack Hughes’ blazing speed and offensive skill make him a potential future star. While surpassing Ovechkin’s record is a long shot, his potential for greatness cannot be denied.

Offensive Instincts: Possesses remarkable offensive instincts and an innate ability to find the back of the net.
Scoring Chance Creation: Creates numerous scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, contributing to his team’s overall offensive output.
Potential for Improvement: Still relatively young, and his potential for continued growth and development make him an interesting long-term possibility.

Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning): An Unlikely Challenger

Brayden Point's clutch performance and offensive talent make him an unexpected threat. While his goal-scoring rate might not be as high as some other players on this list, his ability to score crucial goals could make him an unlikely contender.

Playoff Success: Has a proven track record of performing well in high-pressure situations, highlighting his ability to perform under pressure.
Scoring Crucial Goals: Has a knack for scoring important goals in critical moments of the game, showcasing his clutch performance.
Overall Offensive Contributions: Contributes significantly to his team’s offense through a combination of goals and assists, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Conclusion: Can Anyone Truly Top Ovechkin's Legacy?

While surpassing Alex Ovechkin's record is a monumental task, the nine players discussed above offer a glimpse into the future of NHL goal-scoring. Each possesses unique strengths and faces unique challenges. Connor Bedard's explosive potential, Auston Matthews' consistent excellence, and Leon Draisaitl's offensive firepower stand out, but the road to surpassing Ovechkin remains incredibly long and arduous. Ultimately, the question of who can top Ovechkin? remains open to debate. Who do you think has the best chance of overcoming Ovechkin's record? Share your thoughts!