Brad Marchand could beat Alex Ovechkin's record this season

Marchand is on pace for 49 goals, a remarkable clip for a winger who built his reputation on edge, timing, and competitive fire rather than pure volume shooting. At this stage of his career, every goal feels earned, not gifted.

The NHL record for oldest player to score 50 goals belongs to Alex Ovechkin, who hit the mark during the 2021-2022 season. Ovechkin did it at 36. Marchand is already 37, skating deeper into territory rarely explored by modern forwards.

What makes this run believable is how he's scoring. Marchand's looks are coming from the slot, off broken coverage, and through quick puck movement rather than long perimeter shots. His release is still deceptive, and his reads on delayed entries continue to burn defenders cheating the wrong way.

The Panthers generate controlled zone time and second chances, and Marchand has become lethal arriving late around the crease. His five-on-five production remains strong, and his power-play role leans on instinct more than speed, a smart adaptation as legs age.

Marchand looks comfortable, confident, and frankly motivated by the idea that nobody expects this anymore. That edge has fueled his entire career, and it still shows every night.

Beyond the scoring pace, his overall impact remains heavy. He pressures exits, draws defenders into mistakes, and still agitates just enough to throw teams off rhythm without crossing lines. That combination keeps him stapled to top minutes and trusted situations.

If the pace holds, the conversation will only grow louder. A 50-goal season at 37 would place Marchand alongside names that define eras, not just seasons. Even falling short would not diminish the achievement, but getting close already reframes how late-career production is viewed.

The Panthers aren't chasing history alone. They're chasing wins, playoff position, and another long spring. Marchand just happens to be dragging a potential record into the hunt with him.