In the NHL, goal scorers often receive the majority of attention, yet playmakers play a crucial role in setting up these goals. This analysis focuses on each NHL team to project which player is most likely to lead their respective teams in assists by the end of the 2024-25 season. Some selections may be predictable, highlighting the league's top playmakers who have consistently led their teams in recent years, while others may represent players on the verge of breakout seasons.
Trevor Zegras faced challenges in the 2023-24 season, marked by a holdout, injuries, and unfortunate circumstances that hampered his development. Despite entering the current season with only one assist in six games, there is optimism for a rebound performance. Should other young players on the Anaheim Ducks improve their finishing ability, Zegras, who led the team in assists during the 2022-23 season, is poised to demonstrate his offensive talent once again.
David Pastrnak stands as the Boston Bruins' leading goal-scorer and playmaker, showing his overall excellence as a player. He has led the Bruins in assists for two consecutive years, accumulating 31 more than any other teammate in that span. With 115 assists during this period, Pastrnak ranks 16th in the NHL. Assuming he remains injury-free, he is expected to lead the Bruins in major offensive categories again this season.
The Jack Eichel trade offered the Buffalo Sabres a silver lining, particularly with the arrival of Alex Tuch, a top-line scorer dedicated to the team's rebuild. Over the last three seasons, Tuch has averaged 1.67 assists per 60 minutes, second among Sabres players. Although he has started slowly with only two assists in eight games, he averaged 45 assists per 82 games since joining the Sabres, making him a serious contender for the assist title this season.
Nazem Kadri experienced a bounce-back season in 2023-24 with the Calgary Flames, recording 46 assists and 75 points in 82 games. Now in his age-34 season, he continues to be a key offensive player on the Flames’ roster. While expectations were set high for Jonathan Huberdeau when he was acquired, he has struggled offensively since arriving. Kadri now emerges as the primary offensive driver for the Flames.
Sebastian Aho remains the best offensive player for the Carolina Hurricanes, having matched his career-high with 53 assists last season. Aho is recognized for his efficiency in playmaking, averaging 1.71 assists per 60 minutes. He is expected to continue leading the Hurricanes, particularly as his offensive peak is anticipated to be considerable this season.
Connor Bedard is not only expected to lead the Chicago Blackhawks in assists but is also anticipated to challenge the NHL’s elite playmakers. Despite being an 18-year-old rookie and missing 14 games due to injury last season, Bedard led Chicago in assists. With additional experience and improved talent around him, he is on track to achieve impressive numbers this season.
Nathan MacKinnon is a prime candidate for leading the Colorado Avalanche in assists, especially considering his gradual increase in production over the past four seasons, culminating in a career-high of 89 assists last season. If the Avalanche’s offensive corps, including Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin, returns to health, MacKinnon could aim for a 100-assist season.
Zach Werenski's career has been marred by injuries, yet when healthy, he has proven to be an exceptional playmaker. With the Columbus Blue Jackets lacking playmakers, Werenski is expected to receive ample opportunities for high ice time and significant point contributions. After recording 46 assists in a full season last year, expectations are high for him this season.
Jason Robertson has emerged as a star in the Dallas Stars' lineup, combining speed and creativity to make him one of the NHL’s most productive forwards. He has led the Stars in assists for two consecutive seasons, and though he began the current season with a modest two assists in his first eight games, his potential remains strong to top the assists leaderboard again.
The Detroit Red Wings are amid a lengthy rebuild, but Lucas Raymond has emerged as a promising young talent. After a strong offensive performance in 2023-24, Raymond is expected to build on his success if the team continues to improve around him.
Connor McDavid is widely regarded as the most dominant offensive player in the NHL. Assuming he remains healthy, he is favored to lead the Edmonton Oilers in assists and points. McDavid holds a substantial lead in assist totals since the beginning of the 2021-22 season.
Matthew Tkachuk is often recognized for his scoring and physical play, yet his playmaking ability is equally impressive. With over 60 assists in each of the past three seasons, Tkachuk is expected to continue leading the Florida Panthers in assists this year while also maintaining his scoring prowess.
The Los Angeles Kings boast several talented players, but Quinton Byfield is projected as a leading playmaker this season. After a successful 2023-24 campaign with 35 assists, Byfield is primed to take even greater steps forward in his development.
Kirill Kaprizov has established himself as one of the best offensive players in Minnesota Wild history. As the centerpiece of their offense, he is on pace for an impressive season, recording 11 assists in his first eight games. With prior seasons exceeding 50 assists, he is set to lead the Wild once more.
The Montreal Canadiens are in a rebuilding phase, but the synergy between Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield represents a positive aspect. As both players continue to enter their peak years, Suzuki, who logged 44 assists last season, could aim for an increase in assists with Caufield as a key finisher.
Roman Josi has continually been a leading offensive defenseman in Nashville, recording five consecutive years at the top of the Predators' assists leaderboard. As the roster improves and offensive firepower is added, there are expectations for Josi to reach 50 or more assists once again.
Quinn Hughes has been recognized as a premier playmaking defenseman in the NHL, consistently increasing his assists over the past three years. With his present abilities and players surrounding him, he has potential for a significant jump in production this season.
Jack Eichel, now with the Vegas Golden Knights, has been a point-per-game player since his arrival and played a key role in their Stanley Cup success. Off to a strong start this season with 12 assists in nine games, he is projected to surpass his previous career best in assists.
The Washington Capitals underwent a significant roster overhaul, but John Carlson remains an impactful player. After managing 42 assists last season, there are expectations for Carlson to produce once more, given the enhanced talent around him.
The Winnipeg Jets have begun the season strongly, benefiting from the offensive contributions of Josh Morrissey. Having led the team in assists for the past two seasons, Morrissey consistently performs at a high level and has started the current season with seven assists in eight games.
