Unfortunately, that does not occur regularly enough in reality. Instead, people largely perceive an ongoing threat. Whether that threat be from within themselves, other individuals within their environment, or from without. Dylan LarkinBrian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn ImagesIt is rare for established NHL veterans to score 50 goals for the first time a decade or more after they were first drafted, making last season even more remarkable in that regard. Sam Reinhart broke his previous career high of 33 goals with an astounding performance of 57 and finished second place in Rocket Richard Trophy race at 28 years old. Zach Hyman finished third after scoring 54 goals as a 31-year-old, with 10 in 13 games from Reinhart on track to exceed his mark and crack 60 altogether this season. Hyman took 11 games before getting his first goal but is now on an incredible scoring spree with goals in three of his past four matches. Reinhart must be leaving an impression with several members of his 2014 draft class; four notable names from that draft class have made an outstanding start this year. Reinhart could join Florida Panthers teammate Sam Bennett (age 28) as one of those approaching 50 goals this season, provided their current pace can continue. Let’s begin with Bennett first as Reinhart joins Florida. Bennett was selected fourth overall in 2014 and quickly established himself as one of the team’s physical centers, becoming known for his hard, physical play rather than his soft hands. Over his 10-year career he amassed more than 1,100 hits but only scored 145 goals; during 2021-22’s Presidents Trophy year however he recorded 28 goals and 49 points. Bennett started this season off strong, scoring eight goals and 13 points through 13 games – an astounding pace which could put him over 50 if sustained. Much like Reinhart, Bennett saw his career revive when he joined Florida where he signed a four-year extension at a cap hit of $4.425 million. Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets (Age 28), currently due for an unrestricted free agency deal come July 1, is enjoying an outstanding stretch. On Sunday he became Denmark’s all-time points scorer by notching 474th point overall in his NHL career. Ehlers has been an integral component of the Jets offense over the last nine seasons but had never achieved superstar scoring levels — until this season. Ehlers already has eight goals and 17 points through 13 games this year and is poised to hit 50 goals and 107 points overall this year – taking 9th overall in 2014! His previous bests had been 29 goals and 64 points back when overall scoring rates were lower. Just in time to enter his next contract, Dylan Larkin is quickly adapting to modern hockey – his current deal carries a cap hit of $6 Million over seven years and promises him that same potential of 30 goals and 65 points yearly production from his Red Wings captain status. Dylan Larkin missed some time due to injuries last season but averaged one point per game when in action. Now this season, however, his scoring has improved considerably; scoring four times in three consecutive games to put up eight goals and 10 points through Detroit’s initial 12 matches this year alone. Last season, he scored 33 goals – his personal career high! Right now, Larkin appears on track for 54 points during 2024-25 as Detroit looks to return to postseason play for the first time since Larkin debuted as a rookie during 2015-16. Selected 15th in 2014 draft and signing an extension contract March 2023 he currently appears poised for success as Red Wings captain. Ryan Donato (RW, Chicago Blackhawks; Age 28). Rookie Ryan Donato has seen more changes than anyone on this list since being selected late in Round Two at 56th overall in 2014. Originally being chosen at No 56 overall of Round 2, in 2014. Since being chosen on that fateful night in April 2014 – at Draft 56! – Donato has seen six teams across two seasons before ultimately signing with Chicago at 56th overall (Baltic Road Warriors in 2011-12 and Chicago Blackhawks from 2014). Donato currently plays on his fifth NHL team; his finest season came during Seattle Kraken’s inaugural campaign when he scored 16 goals and 31 points. Since being assigned as right wing for Connor Bedard this season, Donato has already netted seven goals – an unbelievable pace of 47! Donato likely enjoys some puck luck as well, despite having such an elite linemate on his team. At 10.2 percent, his career shooting percentage had reached over 30 percent before going 0-for-5 against Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday and is most likely to regress among these four players. Donato has already come far in 2024-25 season compared with his peak output from previous campaigns, nearly matching it almost exactly. Players from 2015 Draft Class Should Also Consider as Breakout VeteransOn his third team since being picked 25th overall, Jack Roslovic (25th Overall pick in 2015 Draft class) has never scored more than 22 goals annually despite playing for four different franchises since entering the league as 25th Overall draft choice in 2015. Roslovic has quickly made his presence felt in just 11 games with Carolina Hurricanes since being signed as an undrafted free agent in August 2018. Skating on Carolina’s top line and second power-play unit alongside Sebastian Aho and Andrei Svechnikov as well as skating for Carolina on special teams power play unit 2, Roslovic is in an ideal spot to thrive and gain confidence on an already talented squad. In Ottawa nobody could have anticipated Adam Gaudette and Tim Stutzle would tie for six goals each despite Gaudette being selected in 2015 in fifth round from Vancouver prior to spending most of last season in AHL where he led in league scoring with 44 goals! Gaudette typically does not translate his youth and enthusiasm for hockey into NHL production; however, this season he has found more ice time thanks to returning with Travis Green as his original NHL coach, giving him greater chances and playing on an entry-level contract on a league minimum contract despite showing so much passion when celebrating goals! His exuberant goal celebrations prove how much Gaudette enjoys scoring goals! Should he keep on taking risks and turning things around, this story could become one of the year’s heartwarming tales. Stay informed by trending stories by subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here, then share your opinions by leaving comments beneath articles posted here or by joining one of our forums!