On this Valentine’s Day, it is time to show some love to the scoring leaders in the NHL. The 2024-2025 NHL season has had much heartbreak, suspensions, and all-around chaos, but as we approach the 2024-2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s time to visit the top threats in the slot, also known as the players who get pucks in the net. Keep in mind, the numbers for these current rankings are subject to change.
Top Scoring Leaders #1 and #2
The player who has scored the highest number of goals this season so far is Leon Draisaitl. The complimentary partner to the infamous Connor McDavid. These two forwards have made some of the most memorable goals in the NHL. Draisaitl has scored a stunning 40 goals for the Edmonton Oilers since their first puck drop on October 9. Draisaitl’s highest goal-scoring season was in 2021-2022 where he ended the season with 55 goals. With plenty of time left in the regular season, playoff hockey on the horizon, and an almost guaranteed spot in the playoffs, this could be the most impressive season for this scoring leader.
The second top goal scorer in the NHL is William Nylander from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Nylander has been with Toronto since his selection in the 2014 NHL Draft. With an NHL forward as a father (Michael Nylander) it was a right of passage for William to play in the most prestigious hockey league in the world. This season, Nylander has a total of 33 goals. Although his club is three points behind the Florida Panthers to hold the Atlantic top slot, Nylander has contributed some serious points for Toronto.
Top Scoring Leaders #3 and #4
Skating in at number three, we have Mark Scheifele. Scheifele is the top center for the Winnipeg Jets and has spent his entire career (14 seasons) with the Jets. The most intimidating club on the ice this season attributes much of its success to Scheifele, who has scored 31 goals so far along with 63 points. Interestingly enough, this scoring leader played the first six years of hockey as a defenseman. Scheifele only became a center after his coach threw him on the forward line after his offensive talent became much too apparent.
For the fourth scoring leader in the NHL, we have Sam Reinhart. Reinhart was selected by the Buffalo Sabres as the No. 2 pick in the 2014 NHL Draft. He played seven seasons with Buffalo, but on July 24, 2021, he was traded to the Florida Panthers for the first-round pick of the 2022 NHL Draft and Goalie Devon Levi. Reinhart had his best season with Florida where he scored 57 goals and had 94 points in 2023-2024. This year, he has a total of 31 goals scored and 62 points. Making him not only the top goal-scorer and point-earner for his club but also the fourth goal-scorer in the NHL.
Can They Keep the Pressure?
Leon Draisaitl, William Nylander, Mark Scheifele, and Sam Reinhart are the current scoring leaders in the NHL. With roughly two months left in regular season hockey, playoff hockey is nearly here. Each player and their clubs: Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, and Florida Panthers are predicted to face off in their conference finals, which could potentially lead to more game time. No matter the outcome, these players deserve the love on this generous day for holding the top four slots for goal-scoring in the NHL.
