Jabobber Hockey

Scoring goals is no easy task in today’s NHL and scoring consistently is even tougher. Last season, only 13 players eclipsed the 40-goal mark and only 21 the year prior. There are, of course, the staple names that post big numbers every year: Ovechkin, Stamkos, Draisaitl, Kucherov, and Tavares. But there have been a few consistent snipers that have flown under the radar. There is no doubt that these players are studs, but, for one reason or another, their goal-scoring abilities have been quiet – lethal, but quiet. Here are four such players who can silently net 40 goals or more this upcoming season.

Alex DeBrincat – Shrouded by a disappointing season for the Chicago Blackhawks, DeBrincat notched 41 goals in 82 games last year. He scored 28 during his rookie year, and in two full seasons, he has potted 69 goals. A pure goal scorer, he maintained an 18.6% shooting percentage, a 3.1% increase from 2017-18. This boost is even more impressive when considering that he took 39 more total shots. While the percentage may be difficult to maintain – especially if he shoots more – it will not be surprising if DeBrincat registers even more goals.

DeBrincat produced last season despite the Blackhawks’ struggles, so if Chicago finds their rhythm, who knows what he will be able to accomplish. He has played alongside Kane on the Blackhawks’ top line and proven that he can handle the opponent’s top defensemen and forwards. While 50 might be too high of an expectation, 45 seems probable and even likely. Alex DeBrincat will continue to cement himself as an elite goal scorer for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Jake Guentzel – Guentzel has proven himself in the regular season and playoffs for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Each season, he has increased his goals and assists totals, culminating with 40 and 36 last year. Only 6 of those 40 came on the powerplay. For comparison, 19 of Steven Stamkos’ 45 goals were powerplay tallies. Guentzel is a 5-on-5 threat, and that is valuable on any team. Pittsburgh will play with a vengeance this season after their disappointing playoff exit.

The team will continue to lean on Guentzel – especially after Phil Kessel’s departure – who has solidified himself as a vital component of their offensive core. Playing alongside either Crosby or Malkin, Guentzel will easily score 40 this year. He avoided the sophomore slump and thrived during his second full NHL season. He plays first-line minutes and matches against the best. This kid continues to improve, and it will show in his goal production during the 2019-20 season.

Mark Scheifele – He has not scored 40 goals in a season but came close last season with 38 goals in 82 games. Though he puts up elite numbers – 84 points in 82 games – Scheifele’s production goes somewhat unnoticed. Perhaps, it is because he has been somewhat inconsistent. Nevertheless, all signs point toward Scheifele continuing his point production from last season. With Kyle Connor and Patrik Laine signed, either winger will add to his offensive numbers. And, it never hurts to play alongside one the best playmakers in the game, Blake Wheeler. 

While it is certainly no guarantee, Mark Scheifele has the potential to score 40 goals and to do so quietly. Laine might have a bounce-back season, but Scheifele is looking to build off the solid foundation he laid last year.

Johnny Gaudreau – Johnny Hockey dominated last year, posting 36 goals and 99 points, both career highs. The 26-year old’s speed and vision control the pace and play of a game, making him a dominant force on the ice. But last year he really ramped up his goal production. With Matthew Tkachuk signed, the Flames have their forward core intact heading into the season, so there is no reason to think Gaudreau will not put up similar numbers to last year.

He is a natural playmaker, but his 36 tucks last season indicate an evolution in his game. Registering an extra four more goals next season seems likely, especially if Johnny Gaudreau continues the upward trajectory he has maintained over the past three seasons. Each year, he has increased his goal and point production and has shown no signs of slowing down. While he certainly is acknowledged as a superstar, his goal-scoring abilities are beginning to rival his playmaking talent. Gaudreau drives the Flames’ offense, and 40 goals from him in 2018-19 will only make them scarier upfront.

Aleksander Barkov – No longer does Barkov’s talent go unnoticed. For his first few seasons, Aleksander Barkov quietly showed his offensive talent, steadily improving each year. But with 96 points last season Barkov made his name known as an elite-level forward. He notched 35 goals in 82 games and dazzled players and fans alike with his skill. Barkov is fulfilling his potential as the 2^nd overall pick of the 2013 NHL draft, and he’s only 24.

The Florida Panthers signed Sergei Bobrovsky to replace Roberto Luongo and the legendary Joel Quenneville to serve as head coach. All signs point to the Panthers posing a serious threat as they aim to make a deep playoff run. Of course, their captain, Aleksander Barkov, will lead that charge. With all the pieces in place, Barkov could easily eclipse that 40-goal mark and lead the Panthers through an extremely successful season.

^{Featured Image: Icon Sportswire, Getty Images}