Connor McDavid is no stranger to breaking records, and he is on the verge of joining an exclusive club. The Edmonton Oilers captain has 698 assists in 697 career games, just two shy of 700. If he reaches the mark in his next two games, he will become only the third player in NHL history—after Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux—to record 700 assists in fewer than 700 games.
McDavid isn’t just keeping up with history—he’s rewriting it, proving that speed and precision can carve out a legacy even in Gretzky’s long shadow.
In today’s NHL, where defense and goaltending are more advanced than ever, Connor McDavid continues to defy expectations. The league has evolved significantly since Gretzky and Lemieux dominated, but at just 28 years old, McDavid remains unmatched in playmaking creativity. The hockey world eagerly awaits how quickly he will add yet another milestone to an already historic career.
Similarly, Alex Ovechkin is closing in on Gretzky’s all-time goal record. As of February 27, 2025, Ovechkin has netted 883 career goals, just 11 shy of Gretzky’s 894. Both players are pushing the limits of what’s possible in the modern game, proving that generational talents can still redefine records once thought untouchable.
When discussing the greatest playmakers in NHL history, the conversation begins with Gretzky and Lemieux. Gretzky set the gold standard, reaching 700 assists in just 527 games—a threshold unlikely to be surpassed. Lemieux, despite battling injuries, achieved it in 616 games. Connor McDavid is now poised to be the third-fastest to reach that mark, cementing his place in hockey lore.
Connor McDavid is two assists away from 700 career helpers.
Currently at 697 games played, if McDavid registers two assists in the next two games, he’ll become just the third player ever to reach 700 assists before 700 games (Gretzky & Lemieux). #Oilers pic.twitter.com/qu5Uvu1SyT
— Tony Brar (@TonyBrarOTV) February 27, 2025
Compared to the high-scoring 1980s and early 1990s, today’s NHL is far more disciplined, with tighter defensive strategies and goaltenders who are taller, quicker, and more technically refined. Yet McDavid still finds ways to generate offense, averaging over an assist per game for multiple seasons.
In 2024-25, he has 51 assists in 52 games, proving that even as the game evolves, his dominance remains.
With 73 points this season, McDavid is on pace for a fifth consecutive 100-point campaign. His vision, speed, and passing ability keep him at the top of NHL scoring leaderboards year after year.
Connor McDavid’s impact on the Oilers’ playoff push
Beyond individual milestones, McDavid is focused on leading the Oilers to playoff success. While the team has struggled with defensive consistency, his offensive production keeps them in contention. Upcoming matchups against the Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes will be crucial in shaping their postseason chances.
Connor McDavid’s ability to elevate his teammates makes him even more valuable. Zach Hyman, Evan Bouchard, and Leon Draisaitl thrive alongside him, with McDavid consistently putting them in prime scoring positions. His chemistry with Draisaitl, in particular, makes them one of the deadliest duos in the league. As McDavid nears 700 assists, it’s likely Draisaitl will be on the receiving end of a historic pass.
With 26 regular-season games remaining, McDavid also has an outside chance at another Art Ross Trophy. Nathan MacKinnon currently leads the league with 90 points, but McDavid is more than capable of closing that gap in the second half of the season.
Connor McDavid’s greatness cannot be overstated. Few players in hockey history have combined speed, vision, and passing at such an elite level. Reaching 700 assists in fewer than 700 games isn’t just another milestone—it’s proof that McDavid is on a trajectory that places him among the sport’s all-time greats.
If he reaches the mark against the Panthers or Hurricanes, it will be another defining moment in his growing legacy. Gretzky and Lemieux set the bar, but McDavid is proving that even in a new era, the record books can still be rewritten. The Oilers’ captain isn’t just chasing history—he’s making it every time he steps on the ice.
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