NHL: Nashville Predators at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn — Looking at five NHL stars who are approaching career milestones in the 2024-25 season (Image credit: Imagn)

5 NHL stars chasing major personal milestones in 2024/25 season feat. Sidney Crosby's hunt for 600 goals

Modified Aug 16, 2024 17:01 GMT

Several players will look to cement their place in NHL history this season. From seasoned veterans and future Hall of Famers chasing legendary numbers like 600 goals to players who have become stars in recent years, this season is poised to deliver fireworks.

This year, preseason action will begin on Sep. 21 with a three-game slate before regular season action begins on Oct. 4. The regular season will start with two highly-anticipated games between the New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres at the O2 Arena in London.

As we look ahead to the upcoming season, let's look at five NHL stars who could make NHL history this year.

5 NHL stars chasing major personal milestones in 2024/25

#1: Auston Matthews - 400 goals

Stanley Cup playoffs-Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins - Source: Imagn

Newly-minted Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is just 32 goals away from reaching the 400-goal mark. Matthews' 69 goals last season marked the second time he led the league in scoring, putting him in a great position to eclipse 400 goals this season.

Given he has scored over 32 goals in each of his eight years in the league, the question is when Matthews will cross the 400-goal mark.

#2: Jamie Benn - 400 goals

Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Dallas Stars - Source: Image

Like Matthews, Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn is also chasing the 400-goal mark. With just 17 goals to go, Benn sits on the cusp of cementing his place in NHL history before hitting free agency next summer.

Last season, Benn logged 21 goals, putting in 33 the year before. He needs just 17 goals to cross the 400 mark. Benn could cross the 400-goal mark if he remains healthy.

#3: Patrick Kane - 500 goals

Detroit Red Wings at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn

A future Hall of Famer, Patrick Kane showed late last season that he can still compete with the best. The Chicago legend is just 29 goals shy of the 500-goal mark after logging 20 goals in 50 games last season. After signing a one-year deal to remain in Detroit, he will look to keep the momentum rolling from late last season.

#2: Evgeni Malkin - 500 goals

Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders - Source: Imagn

Evgeni Malkin could wind up crossing the 500-goal mark on opening night depending on how things play out. The Penguins legend is just two goals away from crossing the 500-goal mark after logging 27 goals in back-to-back seasons with the Penguins.

With Malkin sitting on the cusp of becoming just the 48th player in NHL history to eclipse 500 goals, this season will be a big one for him and the Penguins.

#5: Sidney Crosby - 600 goals

Nashville Predators at Pittsburgh Penguins - Source: Imagn

Sidney Crosby is just eight goals shy of the 600-goal mark. Throughout his career, Crosby has never scored less than eight goals in a season, including the 2011-12 season where he played in just 22 games.

To date, only 20 players have crossed the 600-goal mark, with Crosby in a position to become the 21st player to do so. With the future Hall of Famer poised to sign a contract extension with the Penguins, the question is if he can join the 700-goal club.