Who’s the best candidate to break each franchise’s single-season (era-adjusted) points record?

Jul 31, 2024

Who’s the best candidate to break each franchise’s single-season (era-adjusted) points record?

Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

With the calendar flipping to August tomorrow, the dog days of the NHL’s offseason are here.

Incredibly, it’s been 15 weeks since teams that missed the playoffs last played a game. It’s the perfect time of year to check in with each franchise. We’re looking for the highest single-season point total on record — with a twist.

So many milestones and team records were achieved by players competing from the mid-1970s to mid-1990s. With goal-scoring levels through the roof at the time, NHL record books are hardly on a level playing field. Consider the tweet below:

It’s accurate. But as usual, we get a list of players who have been retired for decades, and one of Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, or Alex Ovechkin as the only representative from the 21st century. Maybe an Auston Matthews or Cale Makar sighting if we’re lucky. Full respect to the players from high scoring generations, but offensive achievements in the days of seven or eight goals per NHL game are simply not the same as the last 30 years.

Today, we’re diving into each team’s best – adjusted to era. To keep things recent, it’s a countdown of the single-season point record in the salary cap era (2005 to present) by franchise.

The burning question: Who on the team is most likely to break the franchise’s cap era or all-time record?

The only threshold is that the NHL schedule had to be at least 60 games – nothing before 1947 or from any abbreviated lockout (1995, 2013) or pandemic (2021) seasons. No gimmicky projections for partial seasons. Shoutout to hockey-reference.com and their invaluable Stathead tool.

From least points to most, here’s every franchise’s best…

32. Seattle: 66 adjusted points, Jared McCann (2022-23)

Franchise Record: McCann

Who Could Break the Record?: With only three seasons in team history, it’s by far the lowest bar to climb. While McCann might be the best candidate to top himself, the Kraken front office must be hoping it’s Matty Beniers. After his 57-point, Calder-winning debut, Beniers’ follow up in his sophomore year was vanilla — just 37 points. Reminder: he’s still only 21.

31. Vegas: 79, William Karlsson (2017-18)

Franchise Record: Karlsson

Who Could Break the Record?: Time flies when you’re having fun. It’s already seven years since Vegas rocketed into the NHL as an aggressive and immediately successful outfit. Record holder ‘Wild Bill’ Karlsson is still a fixture, but it’s Jack Eichel who’s the best bet. The issue? Health. Eichel scored at an adjusted 87-point pace last year but has missed significant time each of the last four seasons.

30. St. Louis: 83, Vladimir Tarasenko (2015-16) & Robert Thomas (2023-24)

Franchise Record: 118, Brett Hull (1990-91)

Who Could Break the Records?: Despite the 2019 Stanley Cup banner in the rafters, the Blues have been light on signature offensive seasons in the cap era. No one on this roster is sniffing Hull’s team record. But heading into his age-25 season fresh off another big step forward, Robert Thomas is well-oiled to grab the solo lead on the cap era mark he shares with Tarasenko.

29. Utah: 85, Ray Whitney (2011-12) with Phoenix

Franchise Record: 107, Teemu Selanne (1992-93) with Winnipeg

Who Could Break the Records?: Let’s get this straight. Selanne holds the franchise record for a team that hasn’t played a game yet… from his Winnipeg days… before they moved to Phoenix, rebranded as Arizona, and now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. Got all that? Franchise chaos aside, Clayton Keller led the Coyotes in scoring the last three seasons, maxing out at adjusted 81 points in 2022-23. He’s our horse to pursue Whitney’s modern record.

28. Columbus: 87, Artemi Panarin (2018-19)

Franchise Record: Panarin

Who Could Break the Record?: After 23 seasons, the Jackets are where they always seem to be — in some stage of a long-term rebuild. With leading man Johnny Gaudreau coming off an adjusted 58-point season, let’s make like the fan base and pin our hopes on Adam Fantilli. Still 19, the third overall pick in 2023 showed flashes in his injury-shortened debut (27 points in 49 games).

27. Montreal: 91, Alex Kovalev (2007-08)

Franchise Record: 122, Guy Lafleur (1976-77)

Who Could Break the Records?: It’s no secret that Montreal has been scarce on superstar scoring talent for decades. Their last 40-goal scorer (Vincent Damphousse) was thirty years ago. Now built around young guns Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, their respective ceilings fuel constant public debate. While Suzuki is closest (74 adjusted points last year) and Caufield the most dynamic, the young Slovak’s breakout year (50 point, with only 14 on the power play) makes him most likely to chase Kovalev one day.

26. Nashville: 92, Roman Josi (2021-22)

Franchise Record: Josi

Who Could Break the Record?: A testament to his understated brilliance, Josi is the only defenseman to top any team’s cap era or all-time list. In Nashville, he holds both spots. Last season’s Norris runner-up remains a sublime scorer, but it’s unlikely he has a career year at 34. Instead, long-time teammate Filip Forsberg is the best bet. Quietly a second-team all-star, he fell a single point shy (91) of Josi’s mark last season.

25. Los Angeles: 94, Anze Kopitar (2017-18)

Franchise Record: 146, Wayne Gretzky (1990-91)

Who Could Break the Records?: We can file Gretzky’s mark as extremely safe for the foreseeable future. Nearing his 37th birthday, the ageless Kopitar is still going strong but isn’t going to top himself in Year 19. It’s tempting to go with 2023-24 team scoring leader Adrian Kempe or high-upside talent Quentin Byfield. But two years removed from an 85-point season, Kevin Fiala is the only King previously in the ballpark.

24. Buffalo: 96, Daniel Briere (2006-07)

Franchise Record: 119, Pat LaFontaine (1992-93)

Who Could Break the Records?: It’s surely no coincidence that both Briere’s cap era best and the Sabres‘ playoff series victory drought are both 17 years ago now. While Buffalo has long struggled to acquire, develop and keep high end talent, they are accumulating good, young players. Sure, Dylan Cozens and Zach Benson are promising pros, but we have to go with Tage Thompson, right? The lanky American recently scored at a shocking era adjusted 94-point pace in 2022-23.

23. NY Islanders: 96, John Tavares (2014-15)

Franchise Record: 113, Bryan Trottier (1978-79)

Who Could Break the Records?: When you scan the roster, Long Island looks as secure as Alcatraz when it comes to accessing Trottier’s record. Even Tavares’ signature season — where he lost the Art Ross by a point on the last day of the schedule — feels unattainable. The only viable candidate for the Isles is Mat Barzal. The good news? His recent 77 adjusted points were his most in six years. The bad news? He’s never approached that rookie year peak (87).

22. Carolina: 98, Eric Staal (2005-06)

Franchise Record: Staal

Who Could Break the Record?: It’s been a hot minute since Staal busted out in the organization’s lone Stanley Cup year. Sebastian Aho is the current Cane that could re-write this one. Coming off an adjusted 86-point season where he missed four games, you can squint and see another mini-breakout at 27 leading to more offense and a shot at the Carolina/Hartford record.

21. New Jersey: 98, Zach Parise (2008-09)

Franchise Record: 104, Patrik Elias (2000-01)

Who Could Break the Records?: Two underappreciated stars in Parise and Elias headline the Devils leaderboards. Coming off adjusted 94 and 99-point paces, Jack Hughes is the man with the pedigree and results to record chase. The only thing in his way is playing enough games. Hughes has dealt with significant injuries and time on the sidelines two of the last three seasons. Still just 23 years old, these team records are highly vulnerable.

20. Winnipeg: 102, Marian Hossa (2006-07) with Atlanta

Franchise Record: Hossa

Who Could Break the Record?: Ah yes, Jets‘ icon Marian Hossa. Another relocation has the current Jets 2.0 holding the history of its predecessor, the Atlanta Thrashers. For contemporary Jets purists, Blake Wheeler (93) holds the record since Winnipeg returned to the NHL. As for who could pursue the franchise’s best, both Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor have reached 90 adjusted points. On age alone (31 vs. 27), we’ll take Connor as the livelier option.

19. Philadelphia: 104, Claude Giroux (2017-18)

Franchise Record: 110, Eric Lindros (1995-96)

Who Could Break the Records?: As Travis Kocecny watches trucks carrying duffle bags of money back into his driveway, he’s unlikely to be the guy that can stick 100-point seasons. While he’s yet to play an NHL game, Matvei Michkov is the long-term play in terms of projectability in Philly. How will he adjust to North America? To John Tortorella? To a roster that just came 27th in goals scored? Only time will tell.

18. Dallas: 104, Jason Robertson (2022-23)

Franchise Record: Robertson

Who Could Break the Record?: Raise your hand if you thought Jason Robertson would hold both records. No one? His third NHL season was that special. Better than Mike Modano’s peak (95 adjusted points). Better than Jamie’s Benn Art Ross-winning season (97 adjusted points). Better than anyone in the 26 years in Minnesota. While Robertson’s 77 adjusted points last year were a setback, he’s the easy bet in Dallas.

17. Minnesota: 104, Kirill Kaprizov (2021-22)

Franchise Record: Kaprizov

Who Could Break the Record?: Kirill Kaprizov‘s sophomore season shredded Marian Gaborik’s 2016-17 adjusted team mark by 13 points. While you could dream really big and hope Matt Boldy becomes an all-world scorer, Kirill the Thrill is most likely to top himself on the Wild. The only caveat is at age 27 and having been a rookie at 23, Kaprizov is much further along his age curve than you might expect.

16. Detroit: 105, Pavel Datsyuk (2007-08)

Franchise Record: 131, Gordie Howe (1952-53)

Who Could Break the Records?: Despite 11 years without a playoff series win, Hockeytown has failed to land a top-three pick. So, it’s tough sledding to pursue a Gordie Howe record. As for the cap era record, Dylan Larkin’s era adjusted best is 75 and he’s quietly just had his 28th birthday. So, we’ll go with the next wave, led by Lucas Raymond. The Swede broke out with an impressive 31 goals and 72 points in his age-21 season.

15. Toronto: 105, Auston Matthews (2023-24)

Franchise Record: Tied at 105 – Matthews and Darryl Sittler (1977-78)

Who Could Break the Records?: One things’ for sure: nobody wants to hear more technicalities about why the Leafs haven’t done something… but here goes. Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have scored at an adjusted pace of 95 points or more a total of ten times. But both seem to miss just enough games to avoid snagging Sittler’s adjusted single-season record. On production, we’d take Matthews here by a moustache hair. But given he’s under contract for four years (to Marner’s one), this becomes a slam dunk call of the two.

14. Anaheim: 106, Corey Perry (2010-11)

Franchise Record: 122, Teemu Selanne (1998-99)

Who Could Break the Records?: It’s going to be some time before anyone on the rebuilding Ducks gets visions of catching Perry, let alone Selanne. Of current roster players in their 20s, Troy Terry’s 65 adjusted points in 2021-22 is best in class. While any of Terry, Mason McTavish, or prodigal son Trevor Zegras are defensible picks, we’ll bet on highest ceiling. Say hello to second overall 2023 draft choice Leo Carlsson, who dazzled at times after debuting at just 18 years old.

13. Ottawa: 107, Dany Heatley (2006-07)

Franchise Record: 108, Alexei Yashin (1998-99)

Who Could Break the Records?: While the Sens‘ progress may be stuck in neutral, they’ve stocked up on young studs. Door Number One? Brady Tkachuk’s grinning mug. Just shy of his 25th birthday, the rugged American has hit 79 adjusted points. Door Number Two? Tim Stutzle. While finishing and power play woes slowed his ascension, he’s just 22 and a year removed from an adjusted 89-point pace. We’ll go with Stutzle. P.S. how about none of Heater, Alfie, or Spezz — on a dazzling line together — topping Yashin’s best?

12. Florida: 110, Jonathan Huberdeau (2021-22)

Franchise Record: Huberdeau

Who Could Break the Record?: The three-headed monster of Cup-winning Panthers‘ forwards each make for compelling candidates. Alexander Barkov has missed enough games the last three seasons to rule him out. Sam Reinhart’s breakout at 28 seems tough to top. The answer then is Matthew Tkachuk, the youngest of the trio and a season removed from an adjusted 103-point year as a Hart finalist.

11. Calgary: 111, Johnny Gaudreau (2021-22)

Franchise Record: Gaudreau

Who Could Break the Record?: Seeing both Huberdeau and Gaudreau’s names in succession shows how life can come at you fast. Any candidate on Calgary right now is a total stretch. Nazem Kadri led the team in scoring, but heading into his age-34 season we can’t expect miracles. We’ll throw up a Hail Mary shot on 22-year-old Connor Zary (34 points in 63 games), having made a promising Flames’ debut last season.

10. Boston: 112, David Pastrnak (2019-20)

Franchise Record: 141, Phil Esposito (1970-71)

Who Could Break the Records?: David Pastrnak has methodically built a Hall of Fame career. With a roster almost exclusively over age 25, the Czech sniper is the only Bruin capable of bettering his own cap era mark in the short term. His last two seasons? Adjusted totals of 107 and 108 points. He’s been knocking on the door. Quick stick tap to franchise record holder Esposito — the NHL goals leader for six consecutive years.

9. San Jose: 115, Joe Thornton (2006-07)

Franchise Record: Thornton

Who Could Break the Record?: After finishing last in goals against and second-last in goals for in 2023-24, it’s going to be a glacial process before any offensive records are set in San Jose. Help is on the way in Macklin Celebrini, the future of the franchise and logical choice here. Highly touted as dynamic and well-rounded in the NCAA, Mike Grier doesn’t need him to score like Jumbo Joe. But he does need him to dominate one day.

8. Vancouver: 119, Henrik Sedin (2009-10)

Franchise Record: Sedin

Who Could Break the Record?: At this point on the countdown, you may need an Art Ross winner to chase these records. The Sedins famously won scoring titles back-to-back, with Henrik’s best edging Daniel’s in adjusted points 119 to 113. On the current Canucks squad, J.T. Miller (101 adjusted points last season), Elias Pettersson (97 in 2022-23), and, hey, if you’re a real optimist, Norris winner Quinn Hughes (90) can’t be ruled out entirely. We’ll take Pettersson, who at 25 with an eight-year deal, has ample runway.

7. Chicago: 119, Patrick Kane (2015-16)

Franchise Record: Kane

Who Could Break the Record?: The answer here is obvious. It’s new Blackhawk Pat Maroon, and it’s not particularly close. Okay, jokes aside, and regardless of what Connor Bedard‘s peak becomes, what’s a typical timeline for a 19-year-old to get there? I checked into generational talents in March and most are near age 23 when most productive as scorers. So, Bedard’s likely four to six years from peaking in points. And while both Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid won scoring titles as sophomores, Kane was 27 for his lone crown.

6. NY Rangers: 120, Jaromir Jagr (2005-06)

Franchise Record: Jagr

Who Could Break the Record?: After a lost lockout season, Jagr returned and put up the most era adjusted points by a 33-year-old since the 1920s. Meet Artemi Panarin. Last year, his 116 adjusted points were quietly the most ever by a 32-year-old. Does ‘The Breadman’ have an encore featuring a handful more points? Having outscored his nearest teammate by 43 last year, he’s the Blueshirts‘ only hope at Jagr’s record.

5. Pittsburgh: 122, Evgeni Malkin (2011-12) & Sidney Crosby (2006-07)

Franchise Record: 165, Mario Lemieux (1988-89)

Who Could Break the Records?: While Sidney Crosby continues to hold Father Time at bay a little longer, he’s 37 and on a Penguins team in decline. So, the cap era record is safe until another franchise savior comes along. As for Lemieux’s best (his 199 points translate to 165 in a neutral season), it’s the most in a full-schedule season behind only two Gretzky years. Untouchable. Between Lemieux, Crosby, and Malkin, there will always be a ‘what-if’ vibe given major ailments during their respective primes.

4. Washington: 122, Alex Ovechkin (2007-08)

Franchise Record: Ovechkin

Who Could Break the Record?: With Crosby sidelined with a high ankle sprain in 2007-08, Ovechkin slipped in his lone Art Ross Trophy to compliment his nine Rocket Richard Trophies. With The Great Eight turning 39 in September, there’s no one in Washington capable of getting within 30+ of this record. For perspective, Dylan Strome led the Caps with 64 adjusted points last year.

3. Colorado: 138, Nathan MacKinnon (2023-24)

Franchise Record: MacKinnon

Who Could Break the Record?: Nathan MacKinnon finally bested Joe Sakic’s franchise mark (128) from 2000-01 and smoked his own cap era mark of 110 to win his first MVP. A repeat seems like a lot to ask. But with his Avs having won just one round in the last two playoffs, MacKinnon’s relentless engine will have no shortage of motivation. A fully healthy Cale Makar can only help in 2024-25.

2. Tampa Bay: 140, Nikita Kucherov (2023-24)

Franchise Record: Kucherov

Who Could Break the Record?: There was something in the water last season. A highly competitive scoring race featuring three sublime talents at the peak of their powers led to some massive individual point totals. Nikita Kucherov won that race. His franchise-best 128 points in 2018-19 seemed a lock to stand for a generation. But five years later at age 30, Kucherov found another gear. This will be tough to top. With a swap of finisher Steven Stamkos for Jake Guentzel, the Bolts‘ power play would need to reinvent itself.

1. Edmonton: 146, Connor McDavid (2022-23)

Franchise Record: 170, Wayne Gretzky (1985-86)

Who Could Break the Records?: We all know a guy. Wears #97 and skates like the wind. Just put up 100 assists after a slow start and a late-season injury. Snagged the most playoff points since 1988. Connor McDavid‘s personal best of 153 two years ago equates to 146 in a neutral year — the Oilers‘ cap era record. Based on last year’s scoring climate, he’d need about 175 regular season points to replicate Gretzky’s best-ever mark of 170. Doubting McDavid is foolish at this point, but this one’s surely unreachable. Right?

The Franchise Records

In closing, here’s a summary of the most era adjusted points in a season by franchise. In the 15 instances where the record wasn’t set in the salary cap era, the franchise record is listed on the right.

Follow @AdjustedHockey on X; Data from Hockey-Reference.com