Projecting the NHL's Top Scorers for the 2027 Season

25 April 2026

Let’s be real for a second: predicting the NHL’s top scorers three seasons from now feels a bit like trying to guess what your favorite coffee shop’s secret menu will be in 2027. It’s fun, a little risky, and you might end up with a caramel-lavender-latte disaster—or a masterpiece. But here’s the thing: hockey is all about the future. Right now, as the 2024-25 season heats up, we’re already seeing the seeds of dominance that’ll bloom by 2027. So grab a seat, maybe a cold one, and let’s dive into the crystal ball. I’m not just listing names; I’m painting a picture of who’ll be lighting lamps, stacking assists, and owning the scoreboard when the calendar flips to 2027.

Why 2027? Because it’s far enough out to feel speculative but close enough to be grounded in current talent. We’re talking about players who are either peaking right now, entering their prime, or just about to explode. Think of it like forecasting a storm: you see the clouds gathering, the wind shifting, and you know something big is coming. So, who’s going to be the Connor McDavid of 2027? Spoiler: it might still be Connor McDavid, but there are some hungry young guns ready to steal his thunder.

The Reign of the Old Guard: Still King in 2027?

You can’t talk about NHL scoring without starting with the aliens. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been dominating the Art Ross Trophy conversation for years, and by 2027, they’ll be 30 and 31 years old, respectively. That’s not old—it’s veteran prime. Think of a fine wine or a seasoned chef: they know the recipes, the tricks, and when to push the gas. McDavid’s speed might dip a fraction, but his hockey IQ and vision will only sharpen. By 2027, I project McDavid still finishes top three in scoring, likely around 110-120 points. Why? Because he’s like a great quarterback who learns to read defenses better as he ages. He’ll rely less on pure speed and more on positioning and playmaking.

Draisaitl? He’s the power forward with a sniper’s touch. By 2027, he’ll be a perennial 50-goal threat, even if Edmonton’s supporting cast shifts. But here’s the twist: both might not be the top scorer. Why? Because the league is getting younger, faster, and more skilled. The old guard will still be elite, but the new wave is crashing hard.

The 2027 Breakout Star: Connor Bedard

If you’ve watched Connor Bedard play for the Chicago Blackhawks, you know he’s not just a prospect—he’s a phenomenon. By 2027, Bedard will be 21 years old, entering his prime at an age when most players are still figuring out how to tie their skates. I’m projecting him as the NHL’s top scorer in 2027. Why? Let’s break it down.

First, his shot is already NHL-elite. His release is so quick and deceptive that goalies look like they’re trying to catch lightning in a jar. By 2027, he’ll have three full seasons of experience, plus a summer of training that’ll turn his frame from “skinny kid” to “grown man.” He’s currently on pace for around 80-90 points as a rookie—imagine what he’ll do when Chicago builds around him. The Blackhawks are in a rebuild, sure, but by 2027, they’ll have a solid supporting cast, including top draft picks and free agents. Bedard will be the engine, and he’ll hit 130 points. Mark my words.

But here’s the rhetorical question: can a 21-year-old really outscore McDavid? Yes, because McDavid’s production might plateau while Bedard’s skyrockets. It’s like comparing a Ferrari that’s been tuned for years to a brand-new hypercar with a fresh engine. Both are fast, but one has more room to rev.

The Dark Horse: Jack Hughes

Remember when Jack Hughes was labeled a bust after his first two seasons? Yeah, that aged like milk. By 2027, Hughes will be 25 years old—right in the sweet spot of a forward’s prime. He’s already a point-per-game player for the New Jersey Devils, and his skating is borderline supernatural. He’s like a water strider on ice: effortless, smooth, and always moving.

I project Hughes to finish second in scoring in 2027, with around 115-120 points. Why not first? Because Bedard’s ceiling is higher, but Hughes’ consistency is terrifying. He’s got the Devils’ system built around him, with Jesper Bratt and Nico Hischier as linemates. By 2027, that trio could be the best line in hockey. Hughes’ ability to create chances off the rush and in tight spaces makes him a perennial Art Ross threat. Plus, he’s got that “chip on his shoulder” energy that fuels greatness.

The European Invasion: Kirill Kaprizov and David Pastrnak

Let’s not sleep on the international talent. Kirill Kaprizov is already a superstar for the Minnesota Wild, and by 2027, he’ll be 29 years old. That’s prime age for a winger. Kaprizov’s game is built on creativity and a shot that’s as deadly as a sniper’s bullet. He’ll likely hit 100+ points again, but his supporting cast in Minnesota might hold him back from the top spot. Still, expect him to be top five.

David Pastrnak? By 2027, he’ll be 30, but he’s like a fine Scotch—gets better with age. His chemistry with Brad Marchand and Charlie Coyle (or whoever Boston has by then) will keep him in the conversation. Pastrnak’s one-timer is legendary, and he’s added playmaking to his game. I see him scoring 50 goals and finishing with 105 points. But here’s the catch: Boston’s aging core might drag him down slightly. He’ll be top ten, but not top three.

The Young Guns to Watch: Mathew Barzal, Tim Stützle, and Owen Power (Wait, He’s a Defenseman?)

Okay, I know Owen Power is a defenseman, but hear me out. By 2027, Power could be the first blue-liner to crack the top ten in scoring since Erik Karlsson. He’s got the size, vision, and offensive instincts to quarterback a power play like a quarterback. But for forwards, Mathew Barzal is a wildcard. He’s inconsistent now, but by 2027, at age 30, he could finally put it all together. I see him as a 90-point player, not top five.

Tim Stützle, on the other hand, is a lock for top ten. The Ottawa Senators’ star is only 21 now, and by 2027, he’ll be 24. His speed, hands, and hockey sense are elite. If Ottawa builds a winner around him, Stützle could hit 110 points. He’s like a Swiss Army knife—does everything well, and he’ll be a nightmare for defenders.

The Surprise Candidates: Who’s Coming Out of Nowhere?

Every season has a surprise. In 2027, keep an eye on Lane Hutson (if he’s a forward, but he’s a defenseman, so maybe not). For forwards, Quinton Byfield of the Los Angeles Kings is a giant with skill. He’s 6’5”, 220 pounds, and by 2027, he’ll be 24. Imagine a power forward who can skate like a center and score like a winger. I’m projecting him for 90 points, but if he clicks with a top-line center like Anze Kopitar or a younger star, he could hit 100.

Another name: Cole Caufield. The Montreal Canadiens’ sniper is tiny but lethal. By 2027, he’ll be 25 and could score 50 goals if Montreal’s power play improves. He’s like a heat-seeking missile for the net. But will he get enough assists? Probably not. He’ll be a top-ten goal scorer, but not overall points.

The Impact of Rules and League Trends

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the NHL’s rules. By 2027, goalie equipment might shrink again, or the league might crack down on obstruction even more. If scoring goes up, expect Bedard and Hughes to benefit. If the game slows down, McDavid and Draisaitl’s experience will shine. The NHL is also leaning into skill—less clutching, more speed. That favors young stars. So, my projection leans toward a high-scoring era, similar to the 1980s but with better defense. It’s like a chess match on rocket skates.

The Final Top 10 Projection for 2027

Here’s my list, with points estimates. Remember, this is a projection, not a prophecy. I’m not a wizard, just a fan with a calculator and a dream.

1. Connor Bedard – 130 points (Chicago Blackhawks) – He’s the future, and the future is now.
2. Jack Hughes – 120 points (New Jersey Devils) – Consistency and speed win the race.
3. Connor McDavid – 115 points (Edmonton Oilers) – Still elite, but age and team dynamics slow him slightly.
4. Leon Draisaitl – 112 points (Edmonton Oilers) – A goal-scoring machine, but assists dip.
5. Kirill Kaprizov – 108 points (Minnesota Wild) – Creativity keeps him in the mix.
6. David Pastrnak – 105 points (Boston Bruins) – The one-timer never gets old.
7. Tim Stützle – 103 points (Ottawa Senators) – The German superstar arrives.
8. Nathan MacKinnon – 100 points (Colorado Avalanche) – At 31, he’s still a beast, but mileage adds up.
9. Auston Matthews – 98 points (Toronto Maple Leafs) – Goals will be high, but assists limit his total.
10. Quinton Byfield – 95 points (Los Angeles Kings) – The breakout we’ve been waiting for.

Why This List Works (And Why It Might Fail)

Here’s the honest truth: sports projections are like weather forecasts—they’re educated guesses. Injuries, trades, and coaching changes can flip everything. What if Bedard gets hurt? What if Hughes signs with a defensive system? That’s the beauty of hockey: chaos. But I’m betting on talent, trajectory, and opportunity.

Think of this list as a roadmap, not a destination. By 2027, we’ll look back and laugh at some of these picks. But for now, it’s fun to imagine a world where a 21-year-old kid from Vancouver is the best scorer on Earth, while a 30-year-old legend still chases history.

The Human Element: Why We Love Scoring

At the end of the day, we watch hockey for the goals. The roar of the crowd, the red light, the celly. It’s pure joy. Projecting top scorers isn’t just about stats—it’s about stories. Bedard’s rise from teenage phenom to NHL king. Hughes’ redemption from “bust” to superstar. McDavid’s relentless pursuit of greatness. These narratives make the game alive.

So, as you watch games this season, keep an eye on the young stars. Watch how they carry the puck, how they read defenses, how they celebrate. Because in 2027, they might just be the names at the top of the leaderboard. And when they score, you’ll remember you saw it coming.