Connor McDavid is delivering one of the most electrifying starts to a season in NHL history. The Edmonton Oilers captain has already tallied 26 points in just nine games, including a rapid three assists in Tuesday’s win over Minnesota that made him the fastest player ever to reach 20 assists in a season. At this pace, he could hit 100 points before Christmas and challenge Wayne Gretzky’s single-season record of 215 points set in 1985-86.
More importantly, McDavid’s fireworks have propelled the Oilers to a 7-1-1 record, their best start since the 1983-84 season when they began a run that led to five Stanley Cups in six years. The team has won all five road games so far, setting a franchise best for away wins. Their only regulation loss came against Utah, and they dropped the season opener in overtime to Vancouver.
McDavid, who is a plus-17 already, credits the team’s success to everyone playing with structure and hard work. “The team is just playing well, and when that happens, you’re going to have success throughout the lineup,” he said. “Everybody is paying attention to details and playing hard. A lot of good things are happening.”
He’s not doing it alone. Defenceman Evan Bouchard leads all NHL blueliners with 18 points, while Leon Draisaitl has chipped in with eight goals and 16 points. Vasily Podkolzin, playing on the top line with McDavid and Draisaitl, has scored seven goals. With Freddie Andersen injured, goalie Devon Levi has stepped up, posting a 5-1 record.
“It all starts with Connor,” forward Zach Hyman, who’s been limited to two games by injury, said. “He drives the bus for us. When he plays like this, it makes it easier for everyone else. He’s off to one of the best starts of his career, and he’s the one driving our record.”
The Oilers specifically sought out coach Mike Babcock for his tough, forceful style after being ousted by Anaheim in last year’s playoffs. McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins led the charge. Babcock praised McDavid’s leadership: “Connor has done everything I’ve asked, and he does it with joy. He takes pride in doing things right. It’s impossible to coach a team when your best player isn’t driving it, but he is. He’s a great player, but an even better person who leads by example.”
