Greg Wyshynski, ESPN’s senior NHL writer, reported that Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his 100th assist of the season during a match against the San Jose Sharks.
This accomplishment makes McDavid only the fourth player in NHL history to achieve triple-digit assists in a single season. McDavid’s return to the lineup after missing three games due to a lower-body injury added to the excitement surrounding his achievement, as he entered the game with 99 assists in 74 matches.
Joining the ranks of hockey legends Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr, McDavid expressed his admiration for these players and the significance of sharing such an achievement with them. Orr was the first to accomplish this feat in the 1970-71 season, followed by Lemieux in 1988-89, and Gretzky, who achieved it a remarkable 11 times, with his last occurrence in the 1990-91 season. Gretzky remains the all-time leader in career assists with an impressive 1,963.
McDavid’s personal record of assists has been steadily climbing, with his previous career high at 89 assists in the previous season. The possibility of two players reaching the 100-assist mark in the same season adds further intrigue to the NHL, especially considering the rarity of such accomplishments in recent decades. Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning stands on the cusp of this milestone with 99 assists in 80 games.
In the match against the San Jose Sharks, the Edmonton Oilers secured a resounding 9-2 victory, bolstering their pursuit of the Pacific Division title. McDavid not only achieved his 100th assist but also contributed significantly to the team’s success by scoring his 32nd goal of the season. This victory reflects the Oilers’ determination and sets a promising tone as they head towards the culmination of the season.
McDavid’s achievement highlights his exceptional talent and places him among the elite players in NHL history. With the season nearing its conclusion and playoff aspirations on the line, McDavid’s performance serves as a testament to his skill and dedication, further cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
