What do you guys think Kovalchuk's numbers will look like in the next few years? I realize that he affects a game in many areas besides his offence - terrific defensive play, physical play, even dropping the mitts if it's called for. I also realize his offensive numbers have been held back while playing in New Jersey because NJ plays a defensive system.
But he is turning 30 this season. And from what I have read, goal scoring forwards tend to peak early in their careers.
So considering this, but also considering his elite talent and the system he plays in and all the other factors, what do you think his offensive numbers will look like in the coming years?
Here are his goal totals so far.
Age (at start of season) - Goal Total
18 - 29
19 - 38
20 - 41 -- Peak Beginning
21 - na
22 - 52
23 - 42
24 - 52
25 - 43
26 - 41 -- Peak End
27 - 31
28 - 37
He scored in the 40s or 50s every single season between ages 20 - 27. Was this his peak?
I wouldn't necessarily say it was his peak. Keep in mind that while in Atlanta, the one and only thing Kovalchuk had to do was score goals, hence the high goal totals for that long stretch. Since coming into NJ, he's been called on to be more defensively responsible and has become a much better all-rounded player as of late. While he hasn't potted 40 since, he still put up 37 last season and 30 on a terrible Devils team the season before. I don't think Kovy's goal scoring abilities will disappear because of the kind of game he plays. Kovy's game seems to be based on using his speed and hockey sense to create room for himself to get a pass or shot off that, more often than not, results in a goal. Players whose game doesn't rely so heavily on being physical tend to remain consistent longer. For these reasons, I believe Kovy will continue to pot 30-40 for atleast 4-5 more seasons before slowing down to pot 20-30.