An Edmonton Oilers star is attempting to break the Wayne Gretzky record alongside Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.

The NHL has witnessed some of the most remarkable players in sports history, but very few stand in the same category as Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time. Gretzky’s legendary records, many of which still stand today, are seen as unbreakable by many. However, in the 21st century, a new generation of hockey stars has emerged, seemingly destined to challenge some of these long-standing milestones.

Among these rising stars is Edmonton Oilers’ captain, Connor McDavid, a player whose skill, speed, and hockey IQ have already made him a force to be reckoned with. McDavid, who has already established himself as one of the greatest players of his generation, is now on the verge of joining an exclusive group of players who could challenge Gretzky’s records. Alongside two other legendary figures—Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby—McDavid is positioning himself to break some of the records that have been firmly held by Gretzky for decades.

In this article, we will dive into the historical significance of Wayne Gretzky’s records, why Connor McDavid is in the conversation to break them, and how McDavid stacks up against Ovechkin and Crosby in this quest to etch his name into the NHL record books.

Wayne Gretzky’s Unbreakable Records

Before delving into McDavid’s pursuit of these records, it’s important to understand just how significant Wayne Gretzky’s achievements have been in the context of NHL history. Gretzky, who played in the league from 1979 to 1999, amassed a staggering number of records, some of which many analysts believed would never be broken. Some of his most iconic records include:

• NHL Career Points: 2,857 points (more than 900 points ahead of second-place Jaromir Jagr).
• NHL Career Goals: 894 goals (this record still stands despite the remarkable goalscoring feats of Ovechkin).
• Single-Season Goals: 92 goals in the 1981-82 season.
• Single-Season Points: 215 points in 1985-86, a record that many view as the most difficult to break.
• Assist Records: Gretzky also holds the record for most assists in both a single season (1,963) and a career (1,963).

For years, these records have been considered unassailable. Gretzky’s dominance was not just due to his goal-scoring abilities but also his unprecedented ability to set up teammates and orchestrate plays. He redefined what it meant to be a playmaker in the NHL, and his place as the league’s all-time leader in many categories is a testament to his greatness.

However, as modern hockey has evolved and the pace of the game has increased, some of these records are beginning to be viewed as more attainable—especially by a select few players who possess the same combination of skills, work ethic, and determination that defined Gretzky’s career.

Connor McDavid: A New Generation of Greatness

There is no doubt that Connor McDavid is one of the most electrifying players the NHL has ever seen. His speed, vision, and hockey IQ have set a new standard for excellence in the league. Drafted first overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2015, McDavid wasted no time establishing himself as a superstar. Since then, his accomplishments have been nothing short of incredible:

• 4-time Art Ross Trophy winner (awarded to the NHL’s leading point scorer).
• 2-time Hart Trophy winner (awarded to the league’s most valuable player).
• Multiple 100-point seasons, including a 2020-2021 season where he reached 105 points in just 56 games, an outstanding pace for the 24-year-old at the time.

What truly separates McDavid from other greats is his unmatched combination of speed and skill. His ability to burn past defenders with effortless speed and still maintain control of the puck is something that sets him apart from most players in history. He has become the most dynamic offensive player of his generation, and his ability to produce points on a consistent basis is putting him in the conversation to eventually challenge Gretzky’s most prestigious records.

McDavid is currently on pace to break many records, and as the Oilers’ captain, he is in prime position to have a lasting impact on the NHL’s all-time statistics. But what makes his pursuit of Gretzky’s records particularly intriguing is the fact that he is already being compared to some of the other greats of the modern era: Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby.

The Other Candidates: Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby

Before diving deeper into McDavid’s chase of Gretzky’s records, it’s essential to understand the role of Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in the conversation.

Alex Ovechkin: The Ultimate Goal Scorer

Alex Ovechkin is, of course, one of the most prolific goal scorers in NHL history. As of the 2023-2024 season, Ovechkin is actively chasing Gretzky’s all-time goal record. He has already surpassed Brett Hull (801 goals) and is rapidly closing in on Gretzky’s 894 goals. Ovechkin’s pursuit of Gretzky’s goal-scoring record has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, as the Russian winger has maintained an incredible level of consistency throughout his career.

Ovechkin’s slapshot, power, and ability to score from almost any position on the ice have made him a force to be reckoned with. As of 2024, Ovechkin is the only active player in a position to break Gretzky’s career goal-scoring record. The Washington Capitals forward has continued to produce at a high level even as he nears his 40s, making it increasingly likely that he will eventually claim this legendary record.

Sidney Crosby: The Total Package

While Sidney Crosby may not be in the same conversation for the all-time goal-scoring record, he is undoubtedly one of the most complete players to ever play in the NHL. Crosby’s career has been marked by an exceptional balance of scoring, playmaking, and leadership. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, and has consistently ranked among the league’s top players in both points and assists.

Crosby’s style of play, based on vision, passing, and leadership, has made him a true franchise player. While he may not be on track to break Gretzky’s goal-scoring or points records, Crosby’s longevity and sustained excellence make him a crucial part of the discussion for any player attempting to dethrone Gretzky.

McDavid’s Pursuit: Can He Break Gretzky’s Records?

While both Ovechkin and Crosby have solidified their places in NHL history, Connor McDavid represents the future of the NHL. McDavid is currently on pace to surpass 100 points in almost every season, with his offensive production showing no signs of slowing down. Given his current trajectory, McDavid could be a serious contender to challenge some of Gretzky’s records, particularly in the points and assists categories.

McDavid’s numbers have been exceptional from the very start of his career. If he continues on his current pace, he could challenge Gretzky’s single-season points record of 215 points and even move closer to Gretzky’s career points total of 2,857 points. McDavid is already at the top of the NHL in terms of points per game, and his dominance on the ice is undeniable.

His speed, combined with his elite stickhandling, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and it’s this unique combination of skill sets that makes him so dangerous in all situations. McDavid is also a playmaker, capable of setting up teammates as easily as he scores. This ability to consistently rack up assists could be one of the major factors in his ability to break Gretzky’s assist records, as McDavid’s playmaking ability is truly second to none.

Challenges Ahead for McDavid

While McDavid’s skill and pace are undeniable, there are a few challenges that could stand in his way as he attempts to break some of Wayne Gretzky’s records. First and foremost is the longevity aspect. Gretzky’s career lasted 21 seasons, and his ability to maintain an elite level of play for such an extended period is one of the key reasons he set so many unbreakable records. McDavid, at only 26 years old, has plenty of time to reach Gretzky’s records, but he will need to avoid serious injuries and maintain his current level of performance for many years to come.

Another challenge is the nature of the game itself. The NHL is faster and more competitive than ever, and McDavid’s offensive success will rely on both his physical ability and the surrounding talent around him. The Oilers have built a strong supporting cast, but McDavid will need to continue playing alongside talented players, like Leon Draisaitl, to reach his full potential in terms of points.