Auston Matthews is just six goals away from breaking Mats Sundin’s record of 420 goals with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While Sundin took 981 games to reach his mark, Matthews has already netted 415 in 660 games. Meanwhile, Steven Stamkos of the Nashville Predators is chasing his own milestone. He needs four more goals to join the elite 600-goal club, a feat only 21 players have achieved in NHL history.
On January 17, Moncton, New Brunswick, will host the 26th annual Scotiabank Hockey Day. Fans can look forward to an exciting lineup, with all seven Canadian NHL teams playing throughout the day. The action kicks off with the Calgary Flames facing the New York Islanders, followed by matchups featuring the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and more.
This season also marks a special return for Jonathan Toews and Mitch Marner. Toews will play his first game as a visitor at United Center against the Chicago Blackhawks, after 16 seasons with the team, including three Stanley Cup victories. Meanwhile, Marner will don a different jersey as he takes the ice against the Maple Leafs when the Vegas Golden Knights visit Scotiabank Arena on January 23. He had just been traded after signing a massive eight-year deal worth $96 million.
Anze Kopitar is set to make history as he approaches his 1,500th NHL game with the Los Angeles Kings. Scheduled for January 24 against the St. Louis Blues, Kopitar would be the 25th player to reach this milestone. At 38, he’s nearing the end of his 20-year career, with plans to retire this season. Notably, he will be among a select group of players who spent their entire careers with one franchise.
In other exciting news, the Tampa Bay Lightning will host the Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series on February 1, 2026, against the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium. This outdoor game marks a significant occasion for Tampa Bay, which previously played outdoors as visitors during the 2002 NHL Stadium Series. The Bruins have a strong outdoor game record of 4-1-0, making this matchup all the more thrilling.
These moments not only highlight the players’ achievements and the excitement of the NHL, but they also bring fans together in support of their teams. Social media buzzes with discussions and excitement about milestones and games, enhancing the shared experience of hockey fans across Canada and the U.S.
For more information on player stats and milestones, you can visit the NHL’s official site for up-to-date statistics and records.
