NHL Records That Could Be Broken in 2016-17

The NHL season is just over 10 percent complete, and we are already seeing spectacular starts by the game's greatest players. These are early days, so most of the records and accomplishments we will discuss are career marks, but there are some very interesting single-season achievements that are in play in the early portion of the schedule.

From moving up the all-time list for games played, to shooting more pucks in the first 10 games than anyone in the game's 100-year history, this season has all kinds of possibilities.

Here are five NHL records that could fall this year, along with a few career achievements that should be celebrated for longevity and high performance.

Most Shots on Goal by a Defenseman in a Single Season

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

What's the Record? In 1969-70, Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins set the all-time record for shots on goal by a defenseman, with 413. In spite of all of the tremendous offensive players who have followed, no one has approached the remarkable total. Ray Bourque got the closest, with 390 in 1995-96.

Who Is the Challenger? In the first 11 games of the 2016-17 season, Brent Burns of the San Jose Sharks has posted 63 shots—a pace that will see him reach 469—if he plays all 82 games.

Chance the Record Will Fall? Any record that has survived for over 40 years has stood the test of time, but Burns has a real chance this year. His previous high in a season is 353—but this early spike represents an extreme jump in performance. Burns is one of the truly unique players in the game, and this early start adds to his value.

Single-Season Save-Percentage Record

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

What's the Record? In 2012-13, Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators posted a record save percentage— .9409. No regular goalie has bested the number since that season.

Who Is the Challenger? It appears this record is in real danger of falling this season, as no less than six men are currently posting superior numbers. Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings, Carey Price and Al Montoya of the Montreal Canadiens, Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins, Cory Schneider of the New Jersey Devils and Devan Dubnyk of the Minnesota Wild are all in the mix to break the record.

Chance the Record Will Fall? This is a record that has been broken frequently this century, and it seems we are in an era where elite goaltending is being redefined every five years or so. Expect one of these men to break the record this year, possibly posting a number that stands for some time. Betting on Price is probably wise in this case.

All-Time Games Played Record Within Jaromir Jagr's Grasp

Joel Auerbach/Associated Press

What's the Record? The all-time record for games played belongs to the legend—Gordie Howe. He played in an incredible 1,767 between 1946 and 1980.

Who Is the Challenger? Jaromir Jagr of the Florida Panthers has been as phenomenal in his era as Howe was in his—and is within reach of the record should he decide to continue his NHL career. Jagr is currently at 1,640 games and could reach 1700 by season's end.

Chance the Record Will Fall? The games-played record is an extremely difficult mountain to climb, but Jagr has been healthy and effective for a very long time. Although he cannot pass Howe this season, Jagr could set the stage for the historic game sometime in 2017-18—and it would represent a monumental accomplishment.

Most Times Leading the NHL in Goals

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

What's the Record? In the NHL's long history, Bobby Hull—mostly of the Chicago Blackhawks—holds the record for most times leading the league in goals. Hull did it seven times, one more than Phil Esposito and Alexander Ovechkin.

Who Is the Challenger? Ovechkin started winning goal-scoring titles early, beginning at age 22. He is a relentless shooter, and there is little doubt we are witnessing an all-time great and an inner circle Hall of Fame player in real time.

Chance the Record Will Fall? Ovechkin will pass Hull; it is only a matter of time. This is a major record, and the Russian winger is going to pass the all-time record while still in his prime. Ovechkin could put the record out of sight before the end of his career.

Playoff Record for Shots on Goal

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

What's the Record? The record for career shots belongs to Brett Hull, who sent 803 bullets on net over a 20-year playoff career beginning in 1986.

Who Is the Challenger? There are two challengers, both impact players worthy of the honor. Marian Hossa of the Chicago Blackhawks currently sits at 697 shots, and Jaromir Jagr of the Florida Panthers is at 682 shots.

Chance the Record Will Fall? It is unlikely the record falls during the playoffs next spring, but there is a chance for one of these men. Marian Hossa has delivered 100 shots in one playoff season, and Jaromir Jagr has never done it. A lot of the success in this area depends on either Chicago or Florida going deep into the postseason.