Who topped the NHL in goals this season? Leon Draisaitl, Alex Ovechkin and William Nylander lead the 2024–25 point race

Edmonton Oilers centre Leon Draisaitl was the most prolific goal scorer of the 2024-25 NHL regular season with 52 goals, winning the Maurice ‘Rocket’ Richard Trophy. The veteran centre dominated foes from face one opening, with a top-of-the-shelf mix of accuracy, poise, and power that stumped goaltenders all year.

Toronto Maple Leafs winger William Nylander silenced his critics with 45 goals. His elite-level skating and quick release were poison in the tight games — none more thrilling than his overtime goal in a 5–4 fight with the Colorado Avalanche on January 21.
Buffalo Sabres power forward Tage Thompson also broke records, scoring 44 goals, the ideal blend of size and skill. On December 9th, he exploded against the Detroit Red Wings with a four-goal performance that finished in a 6–2 win, displaying his arrival as a top-of-the-line scoring threat.

Washington Capitals legend Alex Ovechkin continued building plays towards hockey history by scoring 43 goals this season, equalling Wayne Gretzky's record career goal total of 894. Alex Ovechkin, 39, also became the oldest in NHL history with 40 or more goals in a season.

Tampa Bay Lightning centre Brayden Point posted 42 goals, including four game-winners in overtime. His two-goal, game-winning performance on April 2 vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs was the epitome of his goal-scoring abilities in pressure situations.
Winnipeg Jets right winger Kyle Connor tied Point's 42-goal count as he set the team high in shots and was at +18. He registered one goal and one assist against Seattle Kraken on November 18 in a 5–1 win.
Meanwhile, Jake Guentzel, in his first full season with the Lightning, contributed 41 goals — 20 of them in the final 30 games. One of his gems came against his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he scored two goals, one an empty-netter that clinched the 4–2 win on March 13.
Also read: Alex Ovechkin sparks playoff buzz as Washington Capitals gear up for the 2025 NHL postseason
With the playoffs now in full swing, these all-time top scorers aren't merely scoring goals — they're scoring for the Cup, with visions of seeing their names inscribed on playoff legend.