It`s highly probable that Wayne Gretzky`s all-time goal record will be surpassed soon.
Alexander Ovechkin has been incredibly driven recently, scoring four goals this week. After his two goals on Friday night, he only needs one more to become the NHL`s all-time leading goal scorer. With the Washington Capitals playing the New York Islanders on Sunday, we might see a new scoring record set as early as Monday.
Gretzky`s record was considered by many to be unbreakable in professional sports. This was partly because challenging it required maintaining an elite level of play for a very long career in a physically demanding sport like hockey, which is incredibly rare. While some players have played into their late 30s and early 40s, they typically take on smaller roles with diminished skills. However, Ovechkin continues to score goals at an astonishing rate and shows few signs of slowing down.
In his 39-year-old season, Ovechkin has scored 41 goals in 60 games, despite missing time due to a broken leg. This pace projects to 56 goals. Even with the missed games, Ovechkin`s goal production is the highest ever for a 39-year-old, according to Sportsnet Stats.
Most Goals in Age 39 Season
- 1) Alex Ovechkin (2024-25) – 41
- 2) Gordie Howe (1967-68) – 39
- 3) Johnny Bucyk (1974-75) – 29
- 4) Jean Ratelle (1979-80) – 28
- 5) Shane Doan (2015-16) – 28
- 6) Daniel Aldredsson (2011-12) – 27
- 7) Joe Pavelski (2023-24) – 27
- 8) Teemu Selanne (2009-10) – 27
- 9) Joe Nieuwendyk (2005-06) – 26
- 10) Jean Beliveau (1970-71) – 25
- 11) Brett Hull (2003-04) – 25
Most Goals in Age 40 Season
- 1) Gordie Howe (1968-69) – 44
- 2) Johnny Bucyk (1975-76) – 36
- 3) Teemu Selanne (2010-11) – 31
- 4) Dean Prentice (1972-73) – 26
- 5) Mark Messier (2000-01) – 24
- 6) Dave Andreychuk (2003-04) – 21
- 7) Alex Delvecchio (1971-72) – 20
- 8) Gary Roberts (2006-07) – 20
- 9) Nicklas Lidstrom (2010-11) – 16
- 10) Jaromir Jagr (2012-13) – 16
Due to some slow periods last season and his age, some fantasy hockey players avoided drafting Ovechkin this year, and when he was drafted, it was usually later than in previous years. This has proven to be a mistake, as a motivated player is always a valuable fantasy asset. Ovechkin was clearly determined to break the all-time goal-scoring record this season and remains a significant asset despite nearing 40.
Looking ahead to next season, Ovechkin is demonstrating that he should still be a high priority in fantasy drafts. He continues to provide a high volume of shots and hits. Even if he experiences a slight decline, Ovechkin will still offer excellent value to any fantasy team. His playing style is conducive to continued scoring as he ages, as he doesn`t rely on speed to create opportunities. His ability to find open ice in the offensive zone, combined with his quick shot release, remains a challenge for goalies.
