When one begins to ponder about some of the most elite goal scorers in the entire National Hockey League, names, such as Austin Matthews, David Pastrnak, and Alex Ovechkin all pop up. Each of these players have rightfully earned their keep due to their masterful production over the years. While each of these players are fully capable scorers, one player is often neglected from the conversation: Brayden Point.
In each of his last three seasons, The Tampa Bay Lightning forward has consistently scored above 40 goals. Additionally, Point has scored at least 15 power play goals each season since the 2022-20223 season.
Although his shooting ability is certainly impressive, his positioning on the ice is just as impressive. Especially on the power play, Point deftly manages to place himself in the slot position. Here, Point is able to redirect passes to land right in the back of the net. By using his quick speed, Point is able to assess any situation and transform it into an offensive opportunity. With a full season complete centering Jake Guentzel and Nikita Kucherov, Point is poised to have arguably the best season of his career starting in the fall of 2025. Players such as Guentzel and Kucherov help elevate Point to a whole new level. Fans should not be surprised if Point enters his name into the Rocket Richard race early next season.
During the 2024-2025 NHL season, Point scored 42 goals and 40 assists for 82 points. Admittedly, his goal scoring over the last three years has slightly decreased year over year. In the 2022, 2023 NHL season, Point scored his career highest 51 goals. The next season, he managed 46 goals. Now, he scored 42. Should the pattern continue, Point may score even less this season.
While the numbers may tell one story, Point aims to tell a different story. Brayden Point is no stranger to defying the odds. NHL.com reports that Brayden Point was the 79th overall pick in the 2014 NHL draft. For Point to become a fundamental piece of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization given his draft position is nothing short of incredible. His career is a true testament to the diligence, hard work, and stamina he has displayed in a Tampa sweater.
Now that he is more acclimated to playing alongside Guentzel, Point is ready to score goals like never before. Skating with Guentzel and practicing with Kucherov will be critical for Point before the puck drops once again in October. When the Bolts trio is playing their best hockey, the rest of the National Hockey League is put on notice. Three elite players all on one line spells excitement for Lightning fans. The playmaking of Kucherov matched with the reliable Guentzel places Point in a great position. Point has the ability to score a multitude of goals over an 82 game season. It would not be unrealistic to say Point could score 50 goals once again. Look for Brayden Point to have a career year next season.