Because the 2024-25 NHL season approaches, a number of gamers — together with Connor McDavid, Alex Ovechkin, and Sidney Crosby — are on the cusp of reaching historic milestones that can additional etch their names into hockey’s historical past books. From profession factors to targets, these athletes are set to make vital marks within the league.
Earlier than final night time’s hockey recreation between the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers, Sportsnet‘s David Amber did a section about gamers who’re on the verge of reaching milestones. Right here’s a breakdown of the information they’re chasing and what these achievements might imply for his or her legacies.
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Connor McDavid: One of many Quickest NHL Gamers to 1,000 Factors
At simply 27 years outdated, Connor McDavid continues to cement his legacy as one of many biggest gamers in NHL historical past. At the moment, with solely 18 factors shy of reaching 1,000 profession factors, McDavid has the potential to grow to be the third-fastest participant to attain this milestone, trailing solely legends Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux.
If he reaches this mark inside his first ten video games, he may even be the third-youngest participant to hit 1,000 factors, simply two days youthful than Steve Yzerman was on the time. McDavid’s unimaginable tempo of 1.8 factors per recreation over the previous two seasons showcases his dominance, making him one of the generational skills the game has ever seen.
Sidney Crosby: Nearing 1,600 Factors and High 10 in All-Time Scoring
Sidney Crosby, the face of the Pittsburgh Penguins for almost 20 years, is near yet one more vital milestone. The 37-year-old is simply 4 factors shy of 600 profession targets and solely six factors away from reaching 1,600 profession factors. As soon as Crosby hits each of those marks, he’ll grow to be solely the ninth participant in NHL historical past to take action.
Moreover, he’s 46 factors away from surpassing Joe Sakic for ninth place on the NHL’s all-time factors listing. Regardless of being in his nineteenth season, Crosby reveals no indicators of slowing down, having come off a 42-goal marketing campaign final season—the third-highest of his illustrious profession.
Evgeni Malkin: Two Targets Shy of 500
Crosby’s longtime teammate, Evgeni Malkin, can also be on the verge of a big profession achievement. Malkin is simply two targets away from changing into the second Russian-born participant to attain 500 targets, becoming a member of the elite firm of Alexander Ovechkin. Recognized for his energy and scoring potential, Malkin has been an important a part of the Penguins’ success and continues to be a key contributor.
Blake Wheeler: 57 Factors Away from 1,000
Blake Wheeler, a veteran ahead with an extended and constant profession, is inching nearer to the 1,000-point milestone—at the moment a free agent, the 38-year-old wants simply 57 factors to hitch the celebrated 1,000-point membership. Nevertheless, uncertainty looms on account of a number of offseason surgical procedures and his present free-agent standing. If Wheeler can return wholesome and safe a spot on a group, reaching this milestone can be a becoming capstone to his spectacular profession.
Patrick Kane: 29 Targets Shy of 500
Three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane is 29 targets away from changing into the fifth American participant to attain 500 profession targets. Having achieved the 29-goal mark six instances in his profession, Kane has the potential to succeed in this milestone if he can keep his kind. His scoring prowess has lengthy been an indicator of his recreation, and becoming a member of the 500-goal membership would additional solidify his place among the many NHL’s greats.
Alexander Ovechkin: Chasing Wayne Gretzky’s All-Time Targets File
Arguably, essentially the most vital milestone being pursued this season is by Ovechkin. The Washington Capitals captain is simply 41 targets away from breaking Gretzky’s document of 897 profession targets. Final season, Ovechkin scored 31 targets, and if he can internet at the least 40 this season, he’ll stand alone as the best goal-scorer in NHL historical past. Ovechkin, a nine-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, has persistently been dominant all through his profession, and all eyes shall be on him as he makes an attempt to surpass “The Nice One.”
Because the season unfolds, watching these gamers chase their milestones and solidify their legacies within the NHL shall be thrilling.
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