The 2026-27 NHL season is set to be a significant one for several players as they chase impressive milestones. Here's a breakdown of some of the key players and their pursuits:
Alex Ovechkin: The Washington Capitals star is on the cusp of breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time goal-scoring record. With 929 goals, Ovechkin is just 71 away from 1,000, and his recent scoring pace suggests he'll reach that milestone within the next two seasons. He's also on track to surpass Mario Lemieux for ninth place on the all-time scoring list.
Sidney Crosby: Crosby is set to move into the top seven all-time in assists, with 1,107 career assists. He's just two behind Joe Thornton, and within reach of Paul Coffey, Jaromír Jágr, and Ray Bourque. Crosby is also seventh all-time in total points, and a strong year could push him into the top five.
Connor McDavid: McDavid's pace is remarkable, reaching 1,220 points in 794 games. He's on track to surpass 1,300 points midseason, a feat that has historically taken players into their thirties. McDavid's points-per-game rate is the fastest in NHL history among players with significant career length.
Brent Burns: Burns is chasing Phil Kessel's Iron Man record, with 1,007 consecutive games played. He needs 58 straight appearances to break the record, which he's projected to reach in late January. Burns' longevity is remarkable, especially as a converted forward who moved to defense.
Evgeni Malkin: Malkin is on the cusp of reaching 900 career assists, a milestone achieved by fewer than two dozen players. He's also close to 1,300 career games and 550 goals. Malkin's partnership with Crosby in Pittsburgh is likely to come to an end this season.
Sergei Bobrovsky: Bobrovsky is moving up the all-time list in goaltender wins, with 456. He's set to surpass Henrik Lundqvist for sixth place, and if Toronto has a successful season, he could move into the top five. Bobrovsky's win total is impressive, considering he's reached it in 802 games.
Patrick Kane: Kane is climbing the all-time points list, with 1,400 points. He's just behind Evgeni Malkin, Dale Hawerchuk, and Doug Gilmour, and within reach of Adam Oates and Bryan Trottier. Kane's longevity is notable, especially as an American-born player.
John Tavares: Tavares is on track to reach 1,200 career points, with 1,185 already. He's also close to 550 goals, and his 17th NHL season is split between the Islanders and Maple Leafs. Tavares' consistency is remarkable.
Connor Hellebuyck: Hellebuyck is set to reach 350 career wins, a feat achieved quickly relative to his games played. He's the 2025 Hart Trophy winner and a three-time Vezina Trophy winner, establishing himself as the league's best goaltender.
William Nylander: Nylander is on the cusp of 400 career assists, with 399 already. He's signed to an eight-year contract extension with Toronto and is a consistent point producer. Nylander's development is notable.
Jack Eichel: Eichel is on track to reach 700 career points, with 698 already. He's a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2023 and reach the Cup Final in 2025.
Jamie Benn: Benn is eight points away from 1,000 career points, a realistic goal within the first few weeks of the season. He's a veteran player and has served as team captain since 2013.
Ryan O'Reilly: O'Reilly is two points away from 900 career points, a remarkable achievement. He's a former Selke Trophy winner and Conn Smythe winner, building a strong résumé.
Nico Hischier: Hischier, New Jersey's captain, is one goal away from 200 career goals. He was the first Swiss-born player selected first overall in the NHL Draft, and he's a key player for the Devils.
Veterans Chasing 400 Goals: Matt Duchene and Claude Giroux are both in their late 30s and on track to reach 400 goals. Duchene is 13 goals away, while Giroux is 21 away. Jeff Skinner, who also sits at 379 goals, has signed with EHC Biel-Bienne in Switzerland, ending his chase for now.
1,000-Game Club: Several players are within reach of 1,000 career games, including Ian Cole, Taylor Hall, Reilly Smith, Brandon Saad, and Casey Cizikas. These players are on the cusp of a significant milestone in their careers.
