Connor McDavid’s remarkable skill and ability to score goals have put him on pace to surpass Wayne Gretzky’s record.

In the world of professional ice hockey, few names are as synonymous with excellence as Wayne Gretzky. The “Great One” is widely considered the greatest player to ever grace the ice, holding numerous records that have remained untouched for decades. However, a new challenger is rising up the ranks with a pace that could rewrite the sport’s history books. That challenger is Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers, whose incredible skill, speed, and scoring ability have put him on a trajectory to potentially surpass Wayne Gretzky’s most coveted records.

The Great One: Setting the Bar

Wayne Gretzky’s legacy in the National Hockey League (NHL) is unparalleled. Throughout his career, Gretzky amassed an incredible 894 goals, 1,963 assists, and 2,857 points, all of which remain the highest in NHL history. He set numerous records, many of which were considered unbreakable due to the way the game was played and the level of competition in his era.

The most remarkable of these records is Gretzky’s 2,857 career points. To put this in perspective, the second-highest point total in NHL history belongs to Jaromir Jagr, who finished his career with 1,921 points—over 900 fewer than Gretzky. His point-per-game pace, his ability to find the back of the net, and his vision on the ice are all a part of what has made Gretzky’s records so difficult to touch.

However, as the game evolves, so too do the players. Hockey has changed in many ways since Gretzky’s heyday, but one thing that has remained consistent is the drive for greatness. Enter Connor McDavid, a player whose combination of skill, speed, and hockey IQ has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Connor McDavid: The Phenomenon

When Connor McDavid entered the NHL in 2015, he was immediately regarded as one of the most highly anticipated talents in hockey history. His junior career with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) was nothing short of extraordinary, where he demonstrated unparalleled speed, vision, and a scoring touch that suggested he could one day be a generational talent. Drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015, McDavid wasted little time in making an impact on the NHL, earning the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie in his debut season.

What sets McDavid apart from other players in the league is his combination of elite attributes that make him nearly unstoppable on the ice. His speed is arguably the fastest in the history of the game, often leaving defenders and goaltenders in his wake. But McDavid isn’t just about raw speed. His ability to make plays at high speeds, combined with his exceptional puck-handling skills and vision, make him a complete player—one capable of creating scoring opportunities not just for himself but for his teammates as well.

McDavid’s scoring ability is where his chase for Gretzky’s records starts to take shape. In his first full season in the NHL (2016-2017), McDavid finished as the league’s top scorer with 100 points, a feat that would be the first of many to come. His consistency at producing points year after year has made him one of the most dominant players in the league. But beyond just scoring goals, McDavid’s playmaking ability has allowed him to elevate the entire Oilers’ lineup, making the team a perennial playoff contender during his tenure.

The Numbers Behind McDavid’s Success

To understand how McDavid could one day challenge Gretzky’s records, it’s important to look at the numbers. As of the 2024-2025 NHL season, McDavid has accumulated over 800 career points in less than 700 games played. At this rate, he is on pace to finish his career with over 2,500 points, a number that puts him in striking distance of Gretzky’s record.

Let’s break this down further. McDavid’s career point-per-game (PPG) average is a staggering 1.34. If he continues at this pace for the remainder of his career, assuming he plays another 10 seasons (a reasonable assumption given his age and health), McDavid could rack up an additional 1,000+ points, bringing his career total to over 2,500. This would still be nearly 400 points behind Gretzky’s all-time record, but McDavid is still in the prime of his career, and the pace he is setting suggests that he may surpass that number before he hangs up his skates.

One of the reasons McDavid is able to produce points at such an extraordinary rate is his consistency in both goals and assists. Unlike many players who rely on one aspect of their game, McDavid’s ability to score goals and set up his teammates has made him a dual-threat on the ice. In the 2023-2024 season, for instance, McDavid recorded 60 goals and 80 assists, further solidifying his status as one of the most complete players the game has ever seen.

Breaking Gretzky’s Records: A Realistic Possibility

The prospect of McDavid breaking Gretzky’s records is not without challenges. For one, Gretzky’s longevity allowed him to maintain an extraordinary pace throughout his career. McDavid, while exceptionally gifted, will need to maintain his level of play for many more years if he is to eclipse the Great One’s marks.

In addition, the modern game is different in many ways from the one Gretzky played in. The NHL today is faster, with more emphasis on team defense and goaltending. It’s also important to note that players today often face tougher competition, with defensive strategies tailored to limit the effectiveness of star players like McDavid. As such, while McDavid’s scoring pace is impressive, surpassing Gretzky’s numbers will require both sustained excellence and a bit of good fortune in terms of health and team dynamics.

Yet, McDavid’s work ethic and drive suggest that he is more than capable of rising to the occasion. As Gretzky himself has said, records are made to be broken, and McDavid’s trajectory is proof that new generations of players will continue to redefine the game. While Gretzky’s legacy is cemented, the stage is being set for a new era, one in which McDavid may very well claim the title of the greatest player of all time.

The Bigger Picture: Changing the Game

While the possibility of Connor McDavid breaking Wayne Gretzky’s records is a compelling storyline, the larger significance lies in how McDavid is changing the game. Much like Gretzky revolutionized hockey with his vision, passing, and leadership, McDavid is redefining what it means to be a dominant player in the modern NHL.

McDavid’s influence extends beyond his individual achievements. His style of play has forced teams to adjust their strategies to account for his speed and skill. Coaches around the league have had to develop new defensive systems to slow him down, and goaltenders have had to become even more agile to keep up with his ability to make quick, unpredictable plays.

Additionally, McDavid’s presence has rejuvenated the Edmonton Oilers, a franchise that had struggled for years before his arrival. His leadership, paired with his incredible on-ice performance, has helped elevate the team to championship contention. McDavid’s success has also provided hope for a new generation of young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps, whether it’s through developing their own unique playing styles or simply learning from his work ethic and dedication to the game.