Top KHL Players of the 2023-2024 Regular Season

As the Gagarin Cup playoff approaches, let’s delve into the standout performers of the KHL’s 2023-2024 regular season, highlighting their remarkable achievements and contributions to their respective teams.

Nikita Gusev

F, Dynamo Moscow

Record-Breaking Scorer: Nikita Gusev has set the ice ablaze with his exceptional performance, amassing an astonishing 89 (23+66) points this season, thus shattering the KHL’s single-season scoring record.

With this feat, Gusev’s career points in the league have soared to an impressive 601 – he’s now the fifth point scorer ever, having surpassed Nigel Dawes (550 points).

Masterful Playmaker: Gusev’s prowess extends beyond scoring goals; his 66 assists this season underscore his role as a pivotal playmaker for Dynamo Moscow, elevating the team’s offensive capabilities. If that’s not enough, the elusive forward has also established a record for the most assists – he was the holder of the previous one as well, with 65. Alexander Radulov follows with his 60-assist campaign back in 2010-2011 with Salavat Yulaev.

Reid Boucher

F, Avangard

Goal-Scoring Powerhouse: Reid Boucher has emerged as a formidable force for Avangard, showcasing his scoring prowess by netting an impressive 44 goals throughout the season. Differently from Gusev, however, he failed to reach and surpass Mozyakin, who still leads the puck with his 48-goal campaign in 2016-2017.

Consistent Offensive Threat: Boucher’s contribution goes beyond mere goal-scoring; his tally of 78 points underscores his consistent offensive performance, solidifying his status as a vital asset for his team’s success. The trio of Boucher, Vladimir Tkachyov, and Ryan Spooneris definitely one of the top in the league, and it will certainly cause havoc in the Gagarin Cup playoff as well.

Vladimir Tkachyov

F, Avangard

Dynamic Forward: Despite his slight stature, Vladimir Tkachyov has dazzled audiences with his on-ice skills. Throughout 54 games for the Hawks, Tkachyov has demonstrated his prowess with 20 goals and 55 assists. He could have challenged Gusev in the scoring race if only he could play all the 68 regular-season games. However, his 55-helper campaign was good for the fourth place in the all-time rankings.

Versatile Contributor: Tkachyov’s impact extends across various facets of the game; his skills often guarantee Avangard powerplay opportunities – the Hawks are among the best in the league with the man advantage, and that skill will be key in the playoffs, when special teams often make the difference between a win and a loss. And any win will matter.

Alexander Nikishin

D, SKA

Stalwart Defenseman: Alexander Nikishin has been a pillar of strength on the blue line for SKA St. Petersburg, providing a reliable defensive presence, but not only. He played a fantastic season with excellent 200-foot presence for the St. Petersburg franchise, further cementing his position of one of the top d-men in the league.

Offensive Force: Nikishin’s contributions aren’t confined to the defensive zone; with 17 goals and 39 assists, he has played a pivotal role in SKA’s offensive endeavors throughout the season. Not only did he score 50+ points for the second consecutive season from the blue line, he was also SKA’s top scorer – not an easy feat in a team that features offensive talents like Sergei Tolchinsky, Marat Khairullin, or Alex Galchenyuk. Nikishin has surpassed his own scoring record for Russian defensemen in the regular season, which he set back in the 2022-2023 season, when he amassed 55 points.

Nikolai Goldobin

F, Spartak Moscow

Offensive Dynamo: Nikolai Goldobin has been a consistent scoring threat for the Red-and-Whites, notching an impressive 37 goals this season. Goldobin’s performance was fifth all-time, leaving behind players like Nigel Dawes, Steve Moses, and Jan Marek.

Key Team Player: Goldobin’s offensive contributions have played a crucial role in Spartak’s competitiveness within the league. The Red-and-Whites ended the season with the fourth seed in the Western Conference as they will face Severstal in the first round of the elimination stage. Moreover, Goldobin this season set several club records, including the most single-season points, goals, and assists.

These remarkable individuals have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the KHL landscape this season, setting records and propelling their teams to new heights of success. Their performances will certainly have an impact on how the different teams will enter the upcoming Gagarin Cup playoffs.