The National Hockey League released its list of the most recent 50-goal scorers by franchise. Active players like the Bruins’ David Pastrňák (2022–23), the Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon (2023–24), and the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin (2021–22) made the list. Some franchises, however, featured much older names, such as the Kings’ Luc Robitaille (1992–93), the Canadiens’ Stéphane Richer (1989–90), and the Flyers’ John LeClair (1997–98). Seven teams were listed as “N/A,” having never had a 50-goal scorer in franchise history. Which teams didn’t make the list? The Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, Seattle Kraken, Utah Mammoth (no surprise there), Vegas Golden Knights, and, last but not least, the New Jersey Devils. Out of all the teams that didn’t have a 50-goal scorer, the Vegas Golden Knights are the only other team with a Stanley Cup win besides the Devils. That’s right: the New Jersey Devils have won three Stanley Cups, and never had a 50-goal scorer in franchise history. They’ve had players come close, but none have hit the milestone. John MacLean had three 40-goal seasons and leads the franchise in most such seasons by a single player. He scored 42 goals in 1988–89, 41 goals in 1989–90, and posted a career-high 45 goals in 1990–91. Eight other players have recorded one 40-goal season each for the Devils: Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta, Jack Hughes, Claude Lemieux, Alexander Mogilny, Wilf Paiement, Zach Parise, and Pat Verbeek. Brian Gionta holds the franchise record for most goals in a single season with 48 in 2005–06. He finished that year with 89 points, just two goals shy of the elusive 50-goal mark. Wilf Paiement scored 41 goals in 1976–77 while playing for the Colorado Rockies, a predecessor to the Devils. Paiement was drafted second overall in 1974 by the Kansas City Scouts, who later became the Rockies, and eventually, the New Jersey Devils. Paiement played two seasons in Kansas City before the team relocated to Colorado. It’s worth noting that Alexander Mogilny hit the 50-goal mark before joining New Jersey. In 1995–96, he scored 55 goals and 107 points for the Vancouver Canucks. But his most impressive season came in 1992–93, when he scored an astounding 76 goals and finished with 127 points. There is hope for a future 50-goal scorer in New Jersey. Jack Hughes tallied 43 goals in 78 games during the 2022–23 season. However, over the past two years, Hughes has been limited to 62 games due to two shoulder injuries. He underwent surgeries on April 9, 2024, and March 3, 2025. Could Hughes become the first 50-goal scorer in Devils history? If he stays healthy, it’s possible. And if not him, perhaps someone else will finally remove that “N/A” from New Jersey’s entry on the NHL’s 50-goal list. Photo Credit: © Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
