Oilers’ Connor McDavid becomes third-fastest player to reach 700 assists.
The greatness that is Connor McDavid continues.
In the Edmonton Oilers’ 3-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday night, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner picked up his 53rd assist of the season on Evan Bouchard’s empty-net goal to seal the victory.
It also marked the 700th assist of McDavid’s already illustrious NHL career, making him the 61st player in league history to accomplish the feat. The Oilers captain reached the milestone in 699 games, making him the third-fastest player to 700 helpers. Only Hockey Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky (478) and Mario Lemieux (579).
The Richmond Hill, Ontario native is three assists behind catching the recently inducted Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick for 60th all time. McDavid is eighth among active NHL skaters in helpers. Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby leads the crew with 1,048 assists.
It’s another milestone McDavid has reached this season in quick fashion. Back in November, he notched his 1,000th NHL point in his 659th game, making him the fourth-fastest player to reach the mark.
In 54 games this season, the 28-year-old has scored 22 goals and 53 assists for 75 points. He is fourth in assists and tied for fourth in points.
Outside of winning the Stanley Cup, there isn’t much McDavid hasn’t done in this game. He’s won five Art Ross Trophies, the Rocket Richard Trophy, four Ted Lindsay Awards and three Hart Trophies. He has posted over 100 points in seven of his first nine seasons in the league (97 points in the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season), including a career-high 153 points during the 2022-23 campaign. Currently, he’s on pace for 105 points.
In 699 appearances, McDavid has scored 357 goals and 1,057 points. He is second in Oilers history in assists and points behind Gretzky.
McDavid recently became a Canadian hero when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime in the 4 Nations Face-Off Final against the United States, further staking his claim as one of the best ever.
The Oilers (35-21-4) are still in second place in the Pacific Division, two points back of the Vegas Golden Knights for first.
Oilers React to Historic Connor McDavid News
The Edmonton Oilers closed out their five-game road trip on Saturday night with a meeting with the Carolina Hurricanes. They had lost their last five games, and Connor McDavid said he hadn’t been playing up to his usual standards.
“I’d be lying if I said I’ve been feeling good out there,” McDavid said. “It’s been tough to get going, which is obviously not an excuse. I’ve got to find a way to get going here.”
Meanwhile, he came into Saturday’s game with 699 career assists, looking to become the third NHL player all-time to reach 700 assists in 700 games or less.
He did exactly that with under one second remaining in the game. Edmonton was up 2-1 and had a powerplay with Carolina’s net empty. Defenseman Evan Bouchard blasted home a slap shot to secure a 3-1 win, and McDavid got the secondary assist on the play.
Following the game, the Oilers shared a reaction to their star’s major achievement.
“🍎❌7️⃣0️⃣0️⃣🫡,” the Oilers wrote.
McDavid, 28, is in his 10th season in the NHL after being drafted first overall back in 2015.
The three-time Hart Memorial Trophy winner may be having a down season statistically, but his focus remains on winning a Stanley Cup—especially after falling one game short against the Florida Panthers last year.
“The year hasn’t gone the way I would have loved it to, personally. But we’re not after personal success.” McDavid stated.
Through 54 games, he’s recorded 22 goals and 53 assists, on pace to finish well below his 132-point mark from last year.
He and the Oilers will return home for their matchup with the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
