The primary attacker on each team in the NHL’s Metropolitan sector.
The Metropolitan Division is loaded with top-tier NHL talent. Driving play for their respective teams, here is a star to know on each team for the upcoming 2023-2024 NHL season.
Jack Hughes: The Garden States young gun is the team’s energizer. Recording a club record of 99 points last season, the 22-year-old winger looks to lead a menacing top six into true contention in 2024.
Alex Ovechkin (WSH): In 2018 the “Russian Machine” finally captured the Stanley Cup after 13 NHL seasons. Ovechkin won the Calder Trophy (NHL Rookie of the Year award) over Sidney Crosby, has recorded four 100-point seasons, has taken home the Rocket Richard Trophy (NHL’s top goal scorer award) 9 times, the Hart Trophy (NHL MVP) 3 times, and the Conn Smythe as the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP. Ovechkin is the greatest scorer of the 21st century. Although his Capitals may be struggling, “Ovi” looks to the summit, sitting 76 goals away from breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record.
Sidney Crosby (PIT): Sidney Crosby is one of the game’s most complete players of all time. Crosby most famously scored the “Golden Goal” to win the gold medal for Canada in the 2010 Winter Olympics, has won the Stanley Cup 3 times, the Conn Smythe twice, and has posted six 100-point seasons in his career. At 35, Crosby remains a premier talent in the NHL.
Mat Barzal (NYI): In the growing legend of the 2015 draft class, the Islanders selected Mat Barzal out of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. In 2018-2019 he won the Calder Trophy for his 85-point campaign. Barzal has amassed 362 points in 420 career games. He notably led the Islanders to two conference final appearances in 2020 and 2021 where the dynamic playmaker curated 31 points in 41 contests.
Sebastian Aho (CAR): . The Finish talent posted 30 goal seasons four times in his career and inked an 8-year contract as the Hurricane's number one center and most reliable force. All eyes will be on number 20 in red when the Hurricanes need a game-breaker in pursuit of the Stanley Cup.
Johnny Gaudreau (CBJ): The Boston College product holds the second-best all-time points in a season total for the Calgary Flames. In 2022, he signed in free agency with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The speedy winger torched opponents with 74 points in his first season in his new home. He looks to help the organization's top prospects Kent Johnson, Cole Silinger, and Adam Fantilli make noise as they begin their professional careers.
Travis Konecny (PHI): Konecny play’s with a bite, can accelerate in one stride, and has incredible hands. He is the exact prototypical player that personifies the Flyers organization. Konency posted 61 points amid a rebuilding year for his club. The 26-year-old’s cousin will be on the next list. (Hint: A former Canuck, now an Islander)