Connor McDavid: A Potential Top-Five Player in NHL History
The label generational talent was placed on Connor McDavid before his NHL career even began. Tremendous hype surrounded the Erie Otter as the Edmonton Oilers chose him first overall, giving him some lofty comparisons. Since then, McDavid has proven he is the best player to enter the league since Sidney Crosby, with a career trajectory that will pass the Pittsburgh phenomenon.
McDavid is the most sound hockey player in the NHL. His IQ of the game rivals only Crosby, his speed Mathew Barzal, and his passing Leon Draisaitl. The eye test says everything one would need to know about the captain of the Oilers, but his statistics are Wayne Gretzky-esque.
Reaching the 600 point mark in 421 games only begins to explain his talent. This feat, only accomplished faster by only five other players, including Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Islanders’ legend Mike Bossy, puts him in an elite category. Scoring at over a two-point-per-game pace this season, along with Draisaitl, is a feat not been seen since Lemieux.
Connor McDavid has dazzled, dangled and left us speechless countless times on his way to 600 career NHL points.
His 421 games required to reach the milestone bests Sidney Crosby (430 GP) for the fewest by any active player. #NHLStats: https://t.co/AzHnHQwaje pic.twitter.com/2NHky5MgVD
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 15, 2021
Scoring 150 points in his last 82 games, including 100 in a shortened 56-game season due to the ramifications of COVID-19, McDavid is an offensive dynamo that keeps on going, as proven by his multiple highlight-reel goals, including walking through defenses on a nightly basis.
McDavid’s award cabinet yields multiple Hart, Art Ross and Ted Lindsay Trophies, with a spot reserved for the Stanley Cup he is trying to win. McDavid has done everything an NHL player can do before his 25th birthday. His excellence knows no bounds and his leadership is becoming stronger by the season.
Blame regarding lack of team success is not entirely McDavid’s fault. The best player in the world should have the capability to drag his team to the playoffs, which he has done on multiple occasions, but the lack of proper team building surrounding him is not his fault. This season is looking different. A revitalized offense, somewhat strong goaltending and an okay defense that has not been too shaky give hope to Oilers fans that this will be the year they bring the Stanley Cup back to Canada.
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Following in Gretzky’s footsteps is not easy. But, McDavid does have the potential to be one of the greats as his awards and pace set him up to break many boundaries the game has not seen since the Great One. McDavid’s legacy will hinge on if he can win a Stanley Cup; but, with his talent level, even one would be somewhat disappointing. Assuming McDavid keeps up this pace and adds a few rings to his jewelry collection, McDavid will be a top-five NHL player of all time.
