'Never been a player like him': Oilers' McDavid hits 1,000 points in spectacular fashion

In his first year as the Edmonton Oilers' head coach, Todd McLellan’s career seemed destined for success. The Oilers had just won the draft lottery, and McLellan’s task was to guide Connor McDavid into the NHL.

The journey began with the summer development camp, which was moved to Rexall Place due to the influx of fans eager to see the young star. It was here that McLellan had his first glimpse of McDavid’s extraordinary talent.

“He was like he was from another planet,” McLellan recalls. “There were a lot of really good players there, but nobody who could come close to what he was doing that day. At that moment, it was like, ‘Holy, this guy's for real.’”

McDavid proved just how real he was on Thursday in Edmonton when he scored his 1,000th NHL point. He netted a one-timer, assisted by Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse, marking the milestone in typical McDavid fashion: with precision and skill. It was goal No. 341 and point No. 1,000 for the star player.

“It was nice to score a one-timer. I don’t get many of those,” McDavid said with a chuckle, becoming the 99th player in NHL history to hit 1,000 points.

As McDavid approaches his 10th season in the NHL, he reflects on his remarkable career. “Some of these things have kind of hit me a little more emotionally than I would have thought,” he shared after the game. “You spend your whole life playing hockey, loving the game, and just wanting to make the NHL. A thousand points later, after 10 years, it’s pretty special.”

With his father, Brian, in attendance, McDavid also assisted on the overtime winner by Nurse, delivering a no-look, spin-around backhand pass that helped secure a 3-2 victory. The three of them — McDavid, Nurse, and Draisaitl — were key players in both the 1,000th point and the game-winning goal.

“It’s nice to share that moment with your teammates,” McDavid said. “The guys you go to battle with — through the good times and the bad. You build a brotherhood, and we certainly have that.”

McDavid’s achievement places him in impressive company, joining Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Mike Bossy as the fastest players to reach 1,000 points. At just 27 years old, McDavid is the fourth youngest to reach the milestone, behind only Gretzky, Lemieux, and Steve Yzerman.

“We are not talking greatness. We are talking legendary,” Draisaitl said, reflecting on his teammate’s impact.

Draisaitl, who has often been asked to describe McDavid’s greatness, expressed admiration for his teammate’s consistency: “In my eyes, there’s never been a player like him. No one has created chances at the speed and consistency that he does for over 10 years.”

Draisaitl also compared McDavid’s dominance to that of other NHL stars, noting, “Everybody knows it’s coming and you still can’t stop it.”

McDavid, who initially arrived as an offensive dynamo, has evolved into a complete player with a strong commitment to defense. Nurse praised McDavid’s all-around game, highlighting his dedication to improving his defensive skills: “He’s the first person asking questions and wants to perfect that side of the game first.”

In addition to his offensive accolades, McDavid has won five Art Ross Trophies, three Hart Trophies, and a Conn Smythe Trophy. He has also earned respect as a captain, drawing veteran players eager to win alongside him.

“I haven’t won yet, and that’s what you’re striving for,” said Mattias Ekholm, emphasizing McDavid’s focus on team success.

As the fans filed out after the game, Draisaitl was asked about McDavid’s future. When asked if McDavid could reach 2,000 points, he responded confidently, “If not him, who else? I never bet against Connor McDavid — I have learned that over the last 10 years. It wouldn’t surprise me.”

With McDavid’s career continuing to defy expectations, it’s clear that no surprises are left when it comes to his incredible achievements.