Erling Haaland in NHL terms? Norway superstar compares favorably to Capitals legend, all-time record holder

Norway seems like it'd be a hockey country. 

But at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it's the Norwegians who have advanced to the quarterfinals for the first time ever. And they're led by their magnificent striker, Erling Haaland.

Still, fans are wondering what Norway might look like on the ice.

Like, who would Haaland be if he played in the NHL?

Obviously, this isn't about literally pulling Haaland on the ice. It's more about what player compares stylistically to him.

And one guy seems the obvious answer.

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Who is Erling Haaland like in NHL terms?

The most popular answer in this discussion on social media: Alex Ovechkin.

The Washington Capitals legend is the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer, and he's also big and physical.

Haaland has many of the same traits on the pitch.

"I would say a lot more Ovi," FlashDavinYT wrote on X. "Kind of float around for a bit and then lock in for a few minutes and score a huge goal."

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"It’s pretty clearly Ovechkin," @Smalls96 wrote on X. "Like there’s just way too many parallels to argue literally anyone else."

Eric Lindros was also thrown out multiple time in the comments section of this social media conversation.

Ovechkin makes sense, though, and it seems like Haaland would appreciate being compared to such a legend.

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