As Alex Ovechkin approaches Wayne Gretzky's seemingly unbreakable all-time goals record, the question of who might succeed him as the NHL's next great goal-scorer arises. Four prominent names surface in this debate due to their impressive scoring capabilities and potential longevity in the league.

Auston Matthews, at just 27, has netted 397 goals in 622 games, consistently scoring at least 34 goals per season. If he maintains this pace, he could reach 800 goals. Connor McDavid, while an elite playmaker with 361 goals in 708 games, may struggle to reach the record unless he significantly boosts his goal tally as he ages. Leon Draisaitl, with 399 goals in 789 games and a history of 50+ goal seasons, emerges as a dark horse. Meanwhile, David Pastrnak, with 385 goals in 749 games, would need to replicate his 61-goal season more frequently to stay in contention.