NHL Players Most Likely to Set Career Milestones in the 2014-15 Season

NHL veterans are closing in on some of the game's most storied records. These players will change the all-time lists in wins, scoring and other categories before the end of the season.

Jaromir Jagr is the most dominant European scorer in NHL history, and he is now closing in on the highest reaches of league scoring numbers. Martin Brodeur has set all the records and is increasing his totals with each game. It is a wonderful time for NHL fans to watch some of the greatest to ever play the game set new targets for the next generation.

Here are the six NHL players closing in on the most incredible career milestones in the 2014-15 season.

6. Sergei Gonchar Moving into Top 15 All-Time for Points by a Defenseman

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What Is He Chasing?

Sergei Gonchar's 807 career points has him rising up the list of defensemen all-time. He is currently No. 16 on this list and looking to break into the top 15.

When Will He Get There?

Gonchar is slowing and is not posting a lot of points this season. He's 20 points behind No. 15 Doug Wilson at this time, so he may not pass him until next season.

Where Will He Finish When His Career Is Over?

The Russian defender will finish No. 15 or No. 16 all-time, depending on how long he plays. Gonchar will turn 41 in April and is nearing the end of the line. There's a chance he will retire after this season, although his play with the Montreal Canadiens has been productive.

5. Jarome Iginla Close to Top 20 in Career Goals

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What Is He Chasing?

Jarome Iginla is on the verge of entering a very exclusive club—top 20 goal scorers of all time. He currently ranks No. 21 overall in career goals.

When Will He Get There?

His 572 goals trail the great Mike Bossy by a single tally, and Iginla could tie and pass Bossy for No. 20 overall this week.

Where Will He Finish When His Career Is Over?

Iginla is signed to a contract with the Colorado Avalanche through 2016-17, so we should be enjoying his play through the spring of 2017. Given his current scoring levels, it's reasonable to project him to score more than 600 NHL goals and approach or pass Bobby Hull before he retires. 

4. Alex Ovechkin to Reach 450 Goals Before Age 30

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What Is He Chasing?

Alexander Ovechkin is the surging name on the NHL's list of all-time goal scorers. He is not yet 30 and is less than two full seasons from 500 if he can remain healthy. This season, fans will have to be content with seeing him reach the 450 marker.

When Will He Get There?

His 444 goals has him well within range of 450 this year. Once he reaches that total, the Russian sniper will join the 58 men in league history who have accomplished that number before him.

Where Will He Finish When His Career Is Over?

Alexander Ovechkin has a small chance to pass Wayne Gretzky and become the all-time scoring leader in NHL history. Scoring 444 goals at age 29 is a tremendous start, but he'd need to average 50 goals for 11 more seasons to approach Gretzky's 894. It is far more likely he ends up inside the top five overall and approaches 800 career goals.

3. Joe Thornton Reaches 900 Assists

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What Is He Chasing?

Joe Thornton has been an exceptional playmaker since entering the NHL, and it'll pay off this season when he reaches 900 assists. He will join 18 players in the game's history who have reached the mark.

When Will He Get There?

Thornton is on track for more than 40 assists this season, and that will get him very close to the goal. He has 24 assists so far and is 24 away from 900 on his career.

Where Will He Finish When His Career Is Over?

He is 35 and very productive, suggesting several years are ahead of him. At his current level of play, Thornton could easily pass 1,000 career assists before retirement.

2. Martin Brodeur on His Way to 700 Career Wins

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What Is He Chasing?

Martin Brodeur has long ago passed all other netminders when it comes to career wins. His 691 victories tower over every other goalie in the game's history. Only Patrick Roy—with 551—is within 200 wins of Brodeur. 

When Will He Get There?

If he gets another 15 starts in the second half, he could do it this year. Brodeur has three wins in five starts for the St. Louis Blues and needs nine more to reach 700.

Where Will He Finish When His Career Is Over?

The end is near for Brodeur. It took him forever to find employment this season, and it could be even more difficult a year from now. One thing in Brodeur's favor: He's performed fairly well with the St. Louis Blues compared to his recent past.

1. Jaromir Jagr on His Way to Top Five All-Time Goal Scorer

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What Is He Chasing?

Jaromir Jagr is chasing several all-time records, the most prestigious of which is goals scored for a career. He currently ranks No. 6 overall and could find his way into the top five this year.

When Will He Get There?

His 714 goals trail Phil Esposito by three, so Jagr could get there any time. It's possible he could reach the goal before the All-Star Game.

Where Will He Finish When His Career Is Over?

This might be the most interesting question fans can ask about the generation about to retire from the game. Jagr spent three seasons in the KHL, which impacted his all-time NHL totals in a big way. If he had stayed in North America, Jagr might be within reach of Gordie Howe and Wayne Gretzky for the very top of the scoring list. As it is, he will likely finish No. 3 overall if he plays another season. Marcel Dionne and Brett Hull are within reach if Jagr plays in 2015-16.