NHL Players with Potential to Score 50 Goals in the 2015-16 Season

The 50-goal plateau is the most notable annual milestone for NHL scorers. Today's players are hampered by tight-checking defensive systems, which makes the 50-goal realm achievable only for an elite few.

While the number of NHL players achieving 50-goal seasons is declining, there are several stars with the potential to reach that mark in 2015-16.

Some, like Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin (pictured above), have scored 50 goals several times. Others, like Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin, have the potential to do so for the first time in their NHL careers.

The following slideshow lists 10 NHL players who could reach the 50-goal plateau in 2015-16. Recent production, offensive abilities and linemates factored into this compilation. As always, feel free to voice your opinions in the comments section.

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

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Recent production: Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn won the 2015 Art Ross Trophy as the NHL's leading scorer. He tallied 35 goals and 87 points last season. He also scored 34 goals in 2013-14. 

Notable factors: Since Benn's NHL debut in 2009-10, his offensive numbers have steadily improved. The 6'2”, 210-pounder plays a physical game, possesses superb offensive instincts and is regularly among the Stars' shot leaders. Skating alongside fellow scoring star Tyler Seguin, the 26-year-old left wing could reach 50 goals this season. Offseason hip surgery, however, could affect his performance.

Outlook: On Aug. 5, NHL.com's David Satriano reported that Benn was skating more frequently and could be ready for training camp. If he's fully recovered when the season begins, the Stars captain has a decent shot at tallying 50 goals. Benn's chances might improve with the promising Valeri Nichushkin or recently acquired veteran Patrick Sharp on his right wing.

Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins

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Recent production: Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Phil Kessel is coming off a down year. Playing for the moribund Toronto Maple Leafs last season, the 27-year-old tallied 25 goals and 61 points in 82 games.

Notable factors: Kessel's an explosive skater with a very quick release. In nine NHL seasons, he reached or exceeded 30 goals six times. He led the Leafs in scoring from 2009-10 through 2014-15 and was among the NHL's top 10 scorers from 2011-12 to 2013-14.

Outlook: During Kessel's tenure in Toronto, he played without a true first-line, playmaking center. With the Penguins, he'll be skating with two of the league's top passers in Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. For the first time in his NHL career, Kessel has an excellent opportunity to reach the 50-goal plateau.

Rick Nash, New York Rangers

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Recent production: New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash tallied 42 goals and 69 points in 79 games last season. It was his best season with the Rangers. The 31-year-old winger also set a career high for goals.

Notable factors: With his 6'4”, 220-pound frame and outstanding offensive skills, Nash is a serious scoring threat whenever he touches the puck. In addition to goals, he led the Rangers last season in points, shots, game-winning goals and shorthanded goals. Had the Blueshirts possessed a better power play, Nash might have reached 50 goals.

Outlook: Nash proved last season that, when healthy, he can still get within range of 50 goals. If the Rangers power play significantly improves in 2015-16, he could flirt with that milestone again.

Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

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Recent production: Over the last 10 years, no NHL player has reached 50 goals as often as Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin. His 53 tallies in 2014-15 marked the sixth time he's reached the milestone. 

Notable factors: The 6'3”, 230-pound Ovechkin is the NHL's top scorer. Last season, he won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the league's goal-scoring leader for an unprecedented fifth season. He was also the only player last season to reach 50 goals. Ovechkin remains the Capitals' dominant offensive force. He led the club in several offensive categories last season.

Outlook: Now 30, Ovechkin shows no signs of slowing down. His production this season could be affected if first-line center Nicklas Backstrom remains hampered by offseason hip surgery. However, the addition of playmaking winger T.J. Oshie could offset Backstrom's absence. Don't bet against him reaching 50 goals in 2015-16. 

Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens

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Recent production: Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty scored 37 goals and 67 points in 80 games last season. In 2013-14, he tallied a career-best 39 goals. 

Notable factors: The 6'2, 214-pound Pacioretty has a very good mix of size, speed and offensive skills, possessing a quick, accurate shot. In each season since 2011-12, he's led the Canadiens in scoring. The 26-year-old's offense tends to be streaky, and he lacks a true first-line center. He suffered a knee injury in training this summer, which could hamper his production in 2015-16. 

Outlook: NHL.com's Arpon Basu reported that Pacioretty didn't require knee surgery. A quick healer, he might be ready for action when the season opens in October. The lack of a skilled playmaker on his line remains a drawback. Given his steady improvement, Pacioretty could reach 40 goals. If he catches a hot streak, he has an outside chance of hitting 50.

Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

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Recent production: Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry scored 33 goals and 55 points in 67 games last season. In 2013-14, Perry scored 43 goals in 81 games. 

Notable factors: The 30-year-old Perry is a former 50-goal scorer, reaching the mark in 2010-11 and winning the Richard Trophy. An aggressive and physical winger, Perry's led the Ducks every year in goal-scoring since 2010-11. He and center Ryan Getzlaf form one of the league's most lethal offensive combinations. 

Outlook: Perry remains among the league's elite scorers. If he avoids injury and illness in 2015-16, he should exceed 40 goals. While it's been five seasons since Perry reached the 50-goal plateau, there's still a chance he can do it again.

Tyler Seguin, Dallas Stars

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Recent production: Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin scored 37 goals in 71 games last season. He also tallied 37 goals in 2013-14. 

Notable factors: Since joining Dallas in a trade with the Boston Bruins in 2013, Seguin's blossomed into a scoring star. His speed and puck-handling skills make him a dazzling offensive performer. Over the past two seasons, he's led the club in goals. The 23-year-old has meshed very well with left wing Jamie Benn, forming a dangerous scoring tandem. 

Outlook: Seguin has yet to reach his scoring prime. He was on pace to exceed 40 goals last season until sidelined for several games by a knee injury. Now fully recovered, Seguin stands an excellent chance of reaching 50 goals in 2015-16.

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Recent production: Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos scored 43 goals and 72 points in 82 games last season. It was the fourth time in his seven NHL seasons that he exceeded the 40-goal mark.

Notable factors: Stamkos has two 50-plus-goal seasons on his resume (2009-10, 2011-12). He's also a two-time winner of the Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal scorer. Stamkos is a strong skater and wastes little time shooting the puck. His one-timer is perhaps the best in the league. He led the Lightning last season in goals, power-play goals and shots. He also tied for the club lead in points and game-winning goals. 

Outlook: Stamkos is entering his contract year, as he becomes eligible for unrestricted free agency next July. That will provide additional motivation to boost his production in 2015-16. Reaching the 50-goal mark for the third time in his career is a definite possibility.

Vladimir Tarasenko, St. Louis Blues

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Recent production: St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko scored 37 goals and 73 points in 77 games last season. For a winger in only his second full NHL season, it was a remarkable breakout performance by the 23-year-old Russian.

Notable factors: Tarasenko led the Blues in goals, points and shots. He also finished among the league's top 10 goal scorers. He's a very strong skater with dazzling puck-handling skills. Durability is a concern, as Tarasenko has yet to play a full season without injury. He must also cash in more often on the power play.

Outlook: The Blues have a blossoming young superstar on their hands. If Tarasenko stays healthy in 2015-16 and improves his power-play production, he could end up within range of the 50-goal mark.

John Tavares, New York Islanders

Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Recent production: New York Islanders captain John Tavares scored 38 goals and 86 points last season. Those were career highs in both categories for the 24-year-old center.

Notable factors: Since his NHL debut in 2009-10, Tavares has steadily improved. He's one of the top players in the game, possessing a great shot and superb playmaking abilities. In all but one season (the injury-shortened 2013-14 campaign), he has led the Islanders in points. With a superstar linemate, Tavares could be a 50-goal, 100-point performer. 

Outlook: As Tavares enters his playing prime, he has an excellent chance of tallying over 40 goals this season. With improving potential linemates like Anders Lee, Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome, Tavares could edge toward the 50-goal plateau.

Players stats via NHL.com.