Connor McDavid's 200-Point Chase: Can The Edmonton Oilers Star Make NHL History?

A 200-point season once seemed to belong to another era of hockey, when Wayne Gretzky repeatedly reached a level no one has matched since. Connor McDavid has brought that distant benchmark back into the conversation. The Edmonton Oilers captain had 48 points, including 11 goals, through his first 19 games and was on pace for 212. That puts him near Gretzky's historic totals, but the season is still young. McDavid's start has been extraordinary; sustaining it through a full schedule is a different challenge for any player over 82 games.

Gretzky's Record Is Back in McDavid's Reach

Gretzky's single-season record remains 215 points, set in 1985-86. McDavid is the fourth player to reach 48 points before his 20th game, and his 19-game season-opening point streak is also the fourth of its kind. Three five-point performances and two four-point games have put him on pace for 163 assists, matching Gretzky's 1985-86 total.

New Jersey Devils forward Luke Evangelista believes McDavid has a genuine chance.

"It seems so unrealistic, that number 200, but you look at what he's done so far ... if there's anyone that's going to do it, it's him," Evangelista said. "He's putting up video game numbers right now. Like it's on 'easy mode.' I literally can't believe the start that he's had."

Rest and a New System Have Helped McDavid

McDavid has credited his teammates for his production.

"I'm playing with some special players. That helps. Getting some bounces, too," he said. "When the team is winning games, I've been the beneficiary of some great team play."

He has also spoken positively about Babcock's system, saying, "It's actually been really fun to just dive in and have to sink your teeth into a new system, a new way of playing."

Ekholm believes the additional recovery time after Edmonton's first-round playoff exit against Anaheim has helped.

"I'm 100% certain it's the rest. The fact that we got knocked out early in the playoffs, you get another two months to get the body rested up," Ekholm said.

Why Reaching 200 Remains a Difficult Task

ESPN research producer Vince Masi noted that McDavid's recent average of 75 games per season would put him at 189 points if he maintained his current pace. Rachel Doerrie of ESPN expects 170 points, explaining that teams will tighten defensively and McDavid may focus more on playoff preparation.

Jack Fraser of HockeyStats.com projects 160-170 points, pointing to Edmonton's unusually high shooting numbers. Mike Kelly of NHL Network is also doubtful.