NHL players project high goal totals for 2026-27 season

Ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, players and analysts are projecting goal-scoring leaders and potential candidates for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Following Nathan MacKinnon’s 53-goal season in 2025-26, several stars have expressed confidence in high scoring totals.

During the NHL Player Media Tour in Las Vegas, players such as David Pastrnak, Tage Thompson, and Cole Caufield discussed their goals for the upcoming year. Pastrnak, looking to rebound from a 29-goal season, projected scoring 40 or more goals, while Thompson and Caufield also expressed optimism regarding their offensive output.

Other players identified as potential dark-horse candidates for the trophy include Nikita Kucherov, who is entering a contract year, and potentially rising talents like Gauthier. The league's upcoming season is scheduled to begin on September 29.