McDavid's Torrid Start Puts 200-Point Mark in Reach

Connor McDavid has 26 points in his first nine games, putting him on a 242-point pace for the 2026-27 season. The Oilers captain is trying to become the second NHL player to reach 200 points in a season, joining Wayne Gretzky. Edmonton has also started strongly, leading the league in winning percentage.
Connor McDavid has opened 2026-27 with 26 points across nine games, a rate that projects to 242 over an 84-game schedule. Edmonton sits atop the NHL in winning percentage at .833 before facing Carolina, the reigning Stanley Cup champion, on Oct. 22. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard also rank among the league’s top scorers.
Only Wayne Gretzky has reached 200 points in a season. Mario Lemieux came closest with 199 in 76 games during 1988-90. McDavid’s offseason rest, after several deep playoff runs and international tournaments, may help him sustain his form.
McDavid’s pursuit could draw casual viewers to hockey and boost attention around Oilers games, especially if the 200-point milestone remains plausible. Fans, teammates, and league partners may benefit from added excitement and media coverage, while opposing teams could face greater scrutiny. If the pace fades, the storyline may still keep conversations about scoring records alive, but its broader cultural reach likely depends on sustained drama and playoff implications.