Three Contenders and One Dark Horse For The '21-'22 Rocket Richard Trophy

Since the season hasn't even started yet, let's make some far-too-early predictions about who will be adding to their personal accolades when the next NHL awards season comes around in the summer of 2022. Here are three strong contenders and one dark horse for next season's Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL's top goal scorer.

David Pastrnak (Boston Bruins)

"Pasta" has been in the running for this trophy for years, but injuries and hot streaks from some of the other players on this list have left him just shy of the league-lead in goals. He'll have another shot this year, and with a bit of luck and some good health, he can absolutely take home the hardware. The perfection line he plays on in Boston only helps his case; he may be part of the best trio in the NHL alongside Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. A healthy season from all three could decide the scoring race well before the end of the regular season. 

Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs)

The reigning scoring champion, Matthews has emerged as one of the best pure goal scorers in the league. While his playoff success leaves something to be desired, there is no denying that Matthews absolutely owns the regular season. He can score on any goalie, from any angle. The big question will be if his new linemate - the one replacing Zack Hyman - will help or hinder his cause. He'll still put up some of the best scoring numbers in the league, but his ability to come out on top relies as much on the players around him as it does on Matthews' considerable skill. Injuries have also followed Matthews through his career, and he may not be healthy to start the season, but even with that in consideration, he shouldn't be counted out of the goal-scoring race.

Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)

Never count Ovi out of the scoring race. People have before, and he's consistently proven them wrong. Despite his age, Ovechkin continues to score at a pace that few players can match. He just signed a new contract with the mostly-open secret that he intends to try and break Wayne Gretzky's goal-scoring record. He needs 33 goals over the next 5 years to do it, a mark he's had no problem achieving before now. Odds are he finishes the year near the top of the NHL in goals, he usually does, but no one should count him out of being able to eclipse any other player's totals once again. 

Dark Horse: Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)

The last time Draisaitl played a full NHL season, he scored 50 goals. Since then, he played 71 games in a Covid-shortened season (43 goals) and last year's 56-game season (31 goals). A full 82 games may see Draisaitl finish around the 50-goal mark once again, and there aren't many players that will be up there with him. 

Who do you think takes home the '21-'22 NHL goal-scoring title?

Photo credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports