The Edmonton Oilers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period on Sunday, courtesy of an Evander Kane goal, assisted by none other than Connor McDavid. It was a milestone assist for McDavid, who recorded his career-high 117th point of the season after setting up his teammate for the score. The 24-year-old tallied his 74th assist of the season on Sunday, putting him one shy from tying his career-best assist mark, too.
Kane with 21 goals in 40 games while McDavid sets a new career high in points with 117 & the #Oilers take an early lead!#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/ItSZhHPKd4
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 24, 2022
McDavid's former career-high in points was 116, which he recorded back in the 2018-19 season. That year, McDavid scored 41 goals and provided 75 assists, finishing third in Hart Trophy voting. He's already surpassed his best-ever goal-scoring record this season, having tucked away 43 goals this season.
With 117 points on the year, McDavid leads all NHL players. Florida Panthers star Jonathan Huberdeau is second in the league with 114 points (30 goals, 84 assists), Johnny Gaudreau's 111 points (39 goals, 72 assists) rank third, and McDavid's Oilers' teammate, Leon Draisaitl, ranks fourth with 107 points (54 goals, 53 assists).
While McDavid currently paces the NHL in points, he is far from a lock to win the Hart Trophy this season. The argument for McDavid can absolutely be made, but players like Gaudreau, Huberdeau, Auston Matthews are all well within contention, and even Draisaitl, Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin, and Panthers defenseman Roman Josi deserve a shout as possible candidates.
McDavid has led the NHL in points in three of the past five seasons and could make it a fourth if he ends on a strong note this year. His 117 points are the most in a single season since Nikita Kucherov recorded 128 in 2018-19.
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