The Edmonton Oilers have shown a clear contrast late in the season, losing four out of their last five after a five-game winning streak. This late-season slide was primarily because of defensive breakdowns, which shows there is still room for improvement before Game 1 begins.
One positive from this stretch is how their captain, Connor McDavid, has led from the front, controlling the tempo and carrying the offensive burden night after night. Now, with the scoring race decided, his season has taken on a broader meaning beyond team results, closing in on a benchmark set by Wayne Gretzky.
Connor McDavid Creeps Closer to A Major Wayne Gretzky Milestone
McDavid has once again separated himself from the rest of the league by securing his 6th Art Ross Trophy, finishing with 134 points and mathematically eliminating any late push from Nikita Kucherov and Nathan MacKinnon. The achievement places him alongside legends like Mario Lemieux and Gordie Howe, while still leaving Wayne Gretzky’s mark of 10 scoring titles as the ultimate target.
This latest accomplishment did not come without context, as McDavid carried Edmonton’s offense through inconsistent stretches and major injury setbacks to the lineup. He has delivered 48 goals and 86 assists, leading all players in total points (134) while maintaining control of the race down the final stretch.
Beyond the points title, the broader discussion now centers on where McDavid stands historically compared to Gretzky. Despite matching elite company in several categories, he remains far behind Gretzky’s record.
Gretzky’s career totals still sit far ahead, including 2,857 points, 1,963 assists, 894 goals, and 15 seasons with 100 or more points. McDavid, by comparison, has reached around 1,216 points, over 800 assists, and 409 goals, while completing nine seasons above the 100-point mark.
Even with that gap, McDavid’s pace continues to stand out in the modern era. He recently became one of the fastest players ever to reach 1,200 career points and now holds the Oilers’ franchise record with 10 seasons of at least 50 assists. His playoff impact has also rewritten history, highlighted by a 34-assist postseason that surpassed Gretzky’s previous record of 31.
At 29, McDavid is bang in his prime, and his trajectory suggests more milestones are within reach if his production holds. However, closing the gap on Gretzky’s all-time numbers will require sustained excellence well into the twilight of his career.
For now, the focus remains on the present, where his performance continues to shape both Edmonton’s playoff outlook and the league’s record books.
As the Oilers prepare for their final regular-season game, McDavid’s individual run carries added significance. Each game now serves a dual purpose, pushing the team forward while quietly building a case against history that few have ever challenged.
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