Hockey Is Back: Players to Watch This NHL Season
- Mayline Ruiz
- Oct 15
- 5 min read
It's crazy to think that hockey season is already upon us. The offseason has been exciting as we have seen drastic changes in the league. From the Toronto Maple Leafs Mitch Marner trade, Connor McDavid's two-year contract extension with the Edmonton Oilers, and Matthew Schaefer going No.1 in the 2025 NHL Draft. With the season starting back on October 7, let's take a look at the hockey players we need to keep our eyes on this season.
Matthew Schaefer
After being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer made his debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In only his first game in the NHL, Schaefer scored his first point when he assisted Jonathan Drouin's goal. Two days later, Schaefer scored his first NHL goal against the Washington Capitals, where the Islanders lost 4-2. At only 18 years old, Schaefer will be playing on a team with Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat. Schaefer spent the past two seasons with the Erie Otters, where he played in 17 games, garnering 22 points from seven goals and 15 assists during the 2024-25 season.
With it being Shaefer’s first year, hockey fans are eager to see what his impact can be with the Islanders during his rookie year. As a defenseman, Schaefer has incredible puck movement that allows him to succeed offensively and defensively.
Alexander Ovechkin
With it potentially being Alexander Ovechkin's final year, people should try to watch as many Washington Capitals games as they can before Ovechkin hangs up the skates. Ovechkin was drafted in 2004 and had multiple breakout seasons, specifically his first year in 2005.
In his first year, Ovechkin played in 81 games, scoring 52 goals and having 54 assists, for a total of 106 points. Ovechkin was part of the Capitals' first championship in 2018, where they defeated the Golden Knights in Game 5 by a score of 4-3. Ovechkin also won the Conn Smyth Trophy as a playoff MVP.
During the 2024-25 season, Ovechkin tied Wayne Gretzky's NHL goal record against the Chicago Blackhawks and then broke the goal record by scoring his 895th goal against the New York Islanders. Ovechkin played in 65 games, where he had 73 points from 44 goals and 29 assists.
With Ovechkin having 897 career goals, people will want to see when and where he will get to 900 career regular-season goals. Even at 40 years old, we have seen his dominance on the ice shine, and we want to take any opportunity we can get to see him play, in what could potentially be his last year.
Frank Nazar
Frank Nazar played his first official season in 2024-25, and he did not disappoint. Before he signed his entry-level contract, Nazar played at the University of Michigan, where he played in 54 games. In those games, Nazar scored 19 goals and had 29 assists. Nazar also won gold with Team USA during the 2024 World Junior Championship, silver at the 2022 U18 World Championship, and silver in the 2020 Youth Olympic Games.
During his first year with the Blackhawks, Nazar played with players such as Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno. Nazar played in 53 games last season, accumulating 26 points from 12 goals and 14 assists.
Nazar deserves some appreciation this upcoming season due to his dominance at the University of Michigan and at the pro level. Nazar also does an incredible job at manipulating players in the neutral zone, which allows him to make plays for his teammates. With almost a week into the season, Nazar has already started hot. In the Blackhawks' first game, Nazar scored a goal and had an assist against the 2024 and 2025 Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers. Nazar also had an assist against the Boston Bruins and assisted in two goals against the Montreal Canadiens, placing him at five points in just three games.
Mitch Marner
On June 30, 2025, Mitch Marner was traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights. Following the shocking trade, Marner then signed an eight-year deal with the Knights. Many people were shocked as Marner spent nine years with the Maple Leafs and was someone who always dreamed of playing for the Leafs.
During his time with the Maple Leafs, Marner scored 221 goals and had 520 assists, totaling 741 points. Marner was even part of the NHL All-Rookie team in 2017 and later on played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2020, 2023, and 2024.
With Vegas already being a competitive team, Marner’s offensive ability can give them an extra boost. Just last season, Marner scored 27 goals and had 75 assists. In Marner's regular-season debut, he assisted in two goals for Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev, where the Golden Knights fell short to the Los Angeles Kings 6-5. Despite the criticism he has faced in Toronto, Vegas could be a fresh start for him that would allow him to find success.
Macklin Celebrini
After playing his first year with the San Jose Sharks, Celebrini’s name has lived up to many people’s expectations. In his rookie year, Celebrini played in 70 games, where he garnered 63 points from 25 goals and 38 assists.
Celebrini has done an incredible job at helping his team defensively while having incredible offensive skills, such as accuracy. Celebrini has always played at a high level, and in his first year, he even scored his first hat trick against the Minnesota Wild. With the Sharks in their rebuild era, fans have a lot of faith that they’re nearing the end of their rebuild because of Celebrini's direct impact on the Sharks' offense at a fast rate.
If there’s anyone you need to look at on the Sharks, it’s Celebrini for his strong rookie year. Heading into his second year, fans are hoping to see his adjustment to the NHL and how his offense will continue to improve.
Anže Kopitar
After 20 years in the National Hockey League, Anže Kopitar has decided to retire following the 2025-26 season. Kopitar played in 1458, where he has scored 440 goals and has 842 assists. During his career, he has won two Stanley Cups and the Mark Messier Leadership Award in 2022.
Even at 38 years old, Kopitar has shown just how dominant he is by finishing the 2024-25 season with 67 points from his 21 goals and 46 assists. Throughout his career, Kopitar has been a consistent player due to his puck management and passing skills.
There’s no doubt that Kopitar will be a future Hall of Famer. This season means a lot to Kings fans as Kopitar has spent his whole career with the organization. During his time with the Kings, Kopitar has inspired many players. It’s also important to note that the Kings have been in playoff contention for the past few years, which will be a meaningful experience for Kopitar as he’s set to hang up his skates.
Now that hockey season is back, what other players do you think we should keep an eye out for? Let me know what you think!
Edited by Mary Merensky
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