Updated stat reveals who the best even strength goal scorer ever is and it's not Gretzky or Ovechkin

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Josh tupper
August 7, 2022 (12:13)

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Wayne Gretzky and Alexander Ovechkin are regarded as the two greatest goal scorers of all time. But due to each player playing in different eras it's difficult to compare who truly is the greatest goal scorer of all time. A new statistic which examines Era Adjusted statistics now has taken a look at who the best goal scorer of all time really is.

When you examine these numbers for all situations (Even Strength, Powerplay and Short Handed) the list reads as follows:

Era-Adjusted Goals Per GP, First 6 Seasons, Since Original Six Era (All Situations)

1. Wayne Gretzky 0.69
2. Alex Ovechkin 0.68
3. Brett Hull 0.68
4. Auston Matthews 0.66
5. Mario Lemieux 0.65
6. Steven Stamkos 0.64
7. Teemu Selanne 0.64
8. Mike Bossy 0.61
9. Eric Lindros 0.60

The top 3 of this list should surprise no one with Gretzky, Ovechkin and Brett Hull rounding out the top 3. All 3 players had very prolific powerplay production, but when the stat is broken down to remove powerplay and short-handed goals we get a new, surprising leader.

Era-Adjusted Goals Per GP, First 6 Seasons, Since Original Six Era (Even Strength)

1. Auston Matthews 0.50
2. Wayne Gretzky 0.48
3. Alex Ovechkin 0.45
4. Brett Hull 0.44
5. Teemu Selanne 0.44
6. Eric Lindros 0.42
7. Steven Stamkos 0.41
8. Connor McDavid 0.39
9. Mike Bossy 0.39

For the definition of what goes into Era Adjusted stats, we refer to the team at Hockey Reference

In order to account for different schedule lengths, roster sizes, and scoring environments, some statistics have been adjusted. All statistics have been adjusted to an 82-game schedule with a maximum roster size of 18 skaters and league averages of 6 goals per game and 1.67 assists per goal.

It will be very interesting to see if Auston Matthews can maintain his scoring prowess and someday challenge for the NHL goal record.