Connor McDavid has given Edmonton Oilers head coach Mike Babcock a spectacular start, and the NHL's Hart Trophy race is already shifting in his direction.
The Oilers captain has exploded out of the gate, turning an incredible offensive stretch into a commanding lead in the league's scoring race.
McDavid has collected 26 points through nine games, including six goals and 20 assists. Nobody else in the NHL has matched that production.
His dominance has also changed the betting picture. McDavid now leads the Hart Trophy odds at +190, putting considerable distance between himself and the chasing pack.
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Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini and Kirill Kaprizov remain among the challengers, but McDavid has already established a significant advantage.
Edmonton's impressive 7-1-1 record only strengthens his case. The Oilers aren't simply benefiting from individual brilliance. Their captain is driving results.
McDavid makes history to start the NHL season
McDavid's 20 assists represent the fastest start to that milestone in NHL history, another remarkable achievement for a player already loaded with individual honors.
His latest statement came Tuesday against the Minnesota Wild, when he recorded three assists in Edmonton's 4-3 overtime victory.
That included setting up Evan Bouchard's winning goal, another reminder that McDavid's impact extends well beyond individual scoring numbers.
MacKinnon remains a serious threat, while Celebrini's emergence gives the race another intriguing storyline. But neither can afford to let McDavid extend his advantage much further.
What makes this start especially impressive is the consistency. McDavid has recorded at least a point in every game, giving opposing teams almost no room for error.
The Hart Trophy isn't awarded in October, and maintaining this pace across an entire season presents a different challenge.
Still, the message is unmistakable. McDavid has forced the rest of the NHL's biggest stars into an early chase, and Edmonton's captain has no intention of slowing down.
Will Connor McDavid win the Hart Trophy this season?
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