Post-Olympics NHL EDGE Metrics Leaders
Kraken vs. Bruins on January 6, 2026. Photo credit: Jenn G.
Written By Josie Dinonsie
NHL EDGE Overview
NHL EDGE is an advanced technology system that tracks numerous in-game statistics using a sensor placed in players’ jerseys. The technology collects data on players’ speed, puck movement, shot speed, skating distance, and zone positioning. These numbers are updated daily, giving fans the opportunity to dive into detailed post-game summaries of the most striking statistics from the night before.
Here are some of the league’s top players in EDGE categories as the NHL enters the prime playoff push, when players must perform at their highest potential, especially for teams on the cusp of making the playoffs.
Max Skating Speed: 24.61 mph — Connor McDavid (F, Edmonton Oilers)
With this extreme skating speed reached in the Oilers’ home opener in October, McDavid still remains on top. Even five months later, no other player has recorded a faster speed. McDavid continues to prove himself as the most explosive skater in the league, consistently producing speed bursts of over 22 mph.
In the speed category, McDavid ranks in the 99th percentile for overall max speed, bursts over 22 mph, bursts between 20–22 mph, and bursts between 18–20 mph. These figures are multiple times higher than the league averages.
In terms of skating distance, McDavid also ranks in the 99th percentile with 250.46 miles skated during gameplay. This number is more than double the league average, further emphasizing his position as one of, if not the strongest, skaters in the league.
Hardest Shot on Net: 103.51 mph — Tyler Kleven (D, Ottawa Senators)
Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven recorded the league’s hardest shot so far on New Year’s Eve against the New Jersey Devils. At 103.51 mph, he surpassed the previous leader, Morgan Geekie, who had recorded a 103.03 mph blast.
However, with 33 shots between 90–100 mph and three shots over 100 mph, the Islanders’ Ryan Pulock makes the race for the most powerful shot much tighter.
Offensive Zone Time Percentage: 49.5% — Shayne Gostisbehere (D, Carolina Hurricanes)
This statistic is notable because it provides insight into which players make the most of their shifts by controlling play in the offensive zone and generating scoring chances. Sitting just below 50% offensive zone time is Gostisbehere. With most players on the leaderboard in this category being forwards, his place at the top as a defenseman is even more impressive.
Edmonton’s Zach Hyman is a close second at 49.3%, followed by Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk at 49.1%, making this a tight race. The current league average for offensive zone time percentage is 41.8%.
On the defensive side, to go along with his offensive impact, Gostisbehere’s defensive zone average is 32.6%. This places him in the 99th percentile for the lowest percentage of time spent in the defensive zone.
With one of the highest offensive zone percentages and one of the lowest defensive zone percentages in the league, Gostisbehere stands out as a player who consistently pushes play in the right direction, helping the Hurricanes secure first place in the Metropolitan Division.
