As the 2026-27 NHL season looms, an exciting array of milestones and records are within reach for some of the league's most iconic players. From goal-scoring legends to iron men and assist masters, this season promises to be a showcase of hockey's greatest talents and their enduring legacies.
The Great Goal Scorers
One of the most anticipated milestones is Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of 1,000 career goals. Having already surpassed Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 goals, Ovechkin is now closing in on the four-digit mark, which he could reach in the next two seasons. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the pace at which he's scoring, which is the fastest in NHL history among players with significant careers.
Sidney Crosby, another legendary player, is on the cusp of moving into seventh place all-time in assists. With a strong season, he could also climb the total points list, potentially reaching fifth place. Crosby's longevity and consistent performance at the highest level are a testament to his skill and dedication to the game.
Milestones of Endurance
Brent Burns, a converted forward turned defenseman, is on the verge of breaking the NHL's Iron Man record. With 1,007 consecutive games played, he needs just 58 more to surpass Phil Kessel's mark. Burns' resilience and consistency are remarkable, especially considering the physical demands of the position he plays.
Evgeni Malkin, another Pittsburgh Penguins stalwart, is chasing his own milestone. With 874 career assists, he's just 26 short of reaching the 900-assist plateau, a feat achieved by fewer than two dozen players in NHL history. This season could also be the last for Malkin, who has signed a one-year contract widely believed to be his final NHL season.
Goaltending Greatness
Sergei Bobrovsky, a two-time Cup winner, is moving up the all-time wins list. Currently seventh with 456 wins, he's poised to overtake Henrik Lundqvist's 459 wins within the first two weeks of the season. With a successful season, he could also surpass Ed Belfour and Roberto Luongo, putting him in the top five all-time. Bobrovsky's achievement is notable for the speed at which he's reached this milestone, having played fewer games than most goaltenders near him on the all-time list.
Assist and Point Leaders
Connor McDavid, the league's youngest superstar, is on track to reach 1,300 career points around mid-season. What's remarkable about this milestone is the pace at which he's achieving it, having reached four-figure totals in fewer games than most players his age.
Patrick Kane, another prolific scorer, is climbing the all-time points list. Currently 24th with 1,400 points, he's within reach of Evgeni Malkin, Dale Hawerchuk, and Doug Gilmour, and very much in range of Adam Oates and Bryan Trottier. Kane's consistency and skill have made him one of the most respected American-born players in the league.
A Season of Milestones
The 2026-27 NHL season promises to be a celebration of hockey's greatest players and their remarkable achievements. From goal-scoring records to assist milestones and endurance feats, these players are writing their legacies in the history books of the sport. As fans, we are privileged to witness these milestones and the impact these athletes have on the game we love.
