NHL Players with the Best Chance to Score 50 Goals in 2017-18

For NHL scorers, tallying 50 goals in a season is a noteworthy achievement. Last season, however, marked the first time since 2003-04 that no one reached the vaunted milestone in a non-lockout year. Entering 2017-18, notable stars such as Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid and Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews could reach the 50-goal mark.

McDavid and Matthews are rising young NHL superstars. Several previous 50-goal scorers such as Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin and Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby also have a shot at returning to that level.

Here's a look at the NHL players with the best chance to score 50 goals in 2017-18. Feel free to express your views on this topic in the comments section below.

Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

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After scoring 40 goals in 2015-16 and 39 in 2016-17, St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko could be poised to reach the 50-goal plateau this season.

Tarasenko is the engine that drives the St. Louis offense. He's a natural scorer with a powerful shot, leading the Blues in scoring in each of the past three seasons. He's finished fourth among NHL goal scorers in each of the past two seasons. His 286 shots last season ranked sixth.

His 37-goal, 73-point breakout performance occurred in 2014-15, and the 25-year-old is now in his playing prime. This season could see him elevate his game and possibly challenge for the Maurice Richard Trophy as the league's top goal scorer. That could put the Blues star within range of the 50-goal plateau.

Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

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Winner of the Art Ross Trophy in 2015-16 as the NHL's leading point-getter, Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane came close to reaching 50 goals that season. Though his production dropped in 2016-17, he has the ability to get within range of 50 this season.

During Kane's award-winning performance, he was the only player to reach 100 points (106) and finished second in goal scoring with 46. Renowned for his playmaking ability, Kane possesses a quick and accurate shot. He led the Blackhawks in shots (292) last season, ranking fifth in the league.

Kane's numbers last season dipped to 34 goals and 89 points. Still, he tied for second in points with Crosby and finished 10th in goals. Given Kane's offensive skills, the 28-year-old shouldn't be discounted as a potential 50-goal performer.

Patrik Laine, Winnipeg Jets

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Making his NHL debut in 2016-17, Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine tallied an impressive 36 goals in 73 games. Only 19, he has the potential to become a 50-goal scorer.

The 6'5", 206-pound Laine was the Jets' top goal scorer last season and finished second among league rookies. Had he not missed eight games with a concussion, he could have reached 40 goals. The skilled Finn possesses a heavy shot and strong all-around offensive skills. Though a streaky scorer last season, his consistency should improve over time.

With his best seasons ahead of him, Laine is already a significant player for the Jets. He should become a perennial contender for the Maurice Richard Trophy over the next decade. Don't be surprised if he gets within range of 50 goals this season.

Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers

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In his sophomore NHL season, McDavid won the league scoring title with 100 points. With his dazzling combination of speed and offensive prowess, the 20-year-old has the ability to become a 50-goal scorer.

Like Crosby, McDavid is primarily known for his playmaking abilities. However, he can also create scoring chances at top speed, using his stick-handling abilities to deke opposing defenders and goalies. He also led the Oilers in shots last season (251).

McDavid tallied a respectable 30 goals in 2016-17. Given his youth and place among the league's elite stars, he's only scratched the surface of his goal-scoring potential. Should he take a page from Crosby's book this coming season and improve his shot, he could reach 50 goals.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Crosby won his second straight Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2017, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins to their second consecutive Stanley Cup and their third since 2009. He also won his second career Maurice Richard Trophy, tallying a league-leading 44 goals.

Though renowned for his playmaking skills, the center has proved he's also an effective goal scorer. He reached the 50-goal level once before, tallying 51 in 2009-10. Had he not missed six games last season with a concussion, he might have reached that mark again.

During the 2017 playoffs, Crosby reverted to his usual playmaking form, putting up eight goals and 19 assists in 24 games. His goal production could drop if he's more comfortable in a setup role with the promising Jake Guentzel on his wing. However, one shouldn't dismiss the possibility of Crosby getting in range of 50 goals this season.

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

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Ovechkin is one of the greatest goal scorers in NHL history. Having tallied 50 goals seven times in 12 seasons, the Washington Capitals left wing has the ability to once again reach those heights in 2017-18.

The charismatic and energetic Russian has won the Maurice Richard Trophy an all-time best six times since it was created in 1998-99. He's deadly with the man advantage, tying Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov and then-Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (now with St. Louis) for the league lead last season with 17 power-play goals.

Reaching 50 goals could prove difficult this season for Ovechkin, who turns 32 on Sunday. He netted 33 goals in 2016-17, which suggests a scorer in decline after scoring 50 or more in each of the previous three seasons. However, he overcame scoring slumps earlier in his career. Still possessing a powerful shot, the Capitals captain could have a 50-goal season left in him.

Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs

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Scoring four goals in his first NHL game, Matthews made an impressive debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. That opening-game performance set the stage for his 40-goal campaign, earning him the Calder Memorial Trophy as rookie of the year.

Matthews possesses considerable offensive skills, including an accurate shot. The center was the league rookie scoring leader as well as the Leafs' top scorer in the regular season and playoffs. He also finished tied for second in league goal scoring with Kucherov.

Turning 20 on Sunday, Matthews will face heightened expectations in 2017-18. Given how well he adjusted to the NHL pace last season, he'll be motivated to excel. Surrounded with talented young teammates such as forwards William Nylander and Mitchell Marner, Matthews has the potential to reach 50 goals.

Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Despite missing eight games in 2016-17, Kucherov reached 40 goals for the first time in his NHL career. He's emerged from the shadow of Lightning captain Steven Stamkos into a scoring star in his own right.

Kucherov was the Lightning's leading scorer last season. He also tied for second with Matthews in goals. He's lethal on the power play, tying Schenn and Ovechkin for the league lead in goals (17) with the man advantage.

Now 24, Kucherov is entering the prime of his career. A swift-skating forward with dazzling offensive skills, his production has steadily improved over the past four years. Skating alongside talented stars such as Stamkos or center Tyler Johnson on the Bolts top line should improve his chances of reaching 50 goals this season.

Stats via NHL.com and Hockey Reference.