Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images
It’s relatively rare to see established NHL veterans suddenly surge up to 50 goals for the first time a decade or more after they were drafted.
That’s why it was so remarkable that it happened for two players last season.
At 28, Sam Reinhart shattered his previous career high of 33 goals and finished second in the Rocket Richard Trophy race with 57 goals. Zach Hyman came third after jumping from 36 goals to 54 as a 31-year-old.
With 10 goals in 13 games, Reinhart’s on track to go even higher and break 60 this season. Hyman needed 11 games to get his first but is now heating up with goals in three of his last four games.
Maybe Reinhart has inspired some other members of his 2014 draft class. Now in their late 20s, four notable names are off to impressive starts this year. If they can sustain their current pace, they’ll have a shot at joining the 50-goal club for the first time.
Sam Bennett, C, Florida Panthers (Age 28)
Let’s start with Reinhart’s Sunshine State teammate, Sam Bennett. Selected fourth overall in 2014, he has been known more for his bruising physical style than for his soft hands.
Over his 10-year career, Bennett has accumulated more than 1,100 hits but only 145 goals.
His best offensive season was the Panthers’ Presidents’ Trophy year in 2021-22 when he logged 28 goals and 49 points. But this year, Bennett has eight goals and 13 points in his first 13 games — a pace that would get him to 50 if he can keep it up.
Like Reinhart, Bennett saw his career revitalized when he got to Florida, where he signed a four-year extension at a cap hit of $4.425 million. He’s heating up at a great time, due for a new deal as unrestricted free agency looms on July 1.
Nikolaj Ehlers, RW, Winnipeg Jets (Age 28)
Another pending UFA, Ehlers became the highest-scoring Danish player in NHL history last Sunday when he recorded the 474th point of his career. Ehlers has been a consistent part of the Jets’ offense for the last nine years but has never cracked through to superstar scoring levels — until this season. His eight goals and 17 points in 13 games have him tracking for 50 goals and 107 points.
Taken ninth overall in 2014, Ehlers’ previous bests were 29 goals and 64 points in the late 2010s, when overall scoring rates were lower than they are now. He is catching up to the modern game just in time for his next contract. He’s wrapping up a seven-year deal that carries a cap hit of $6 million.