Connor McDavid's offensive trends are making the record books.
With his first of three points in Wednesday's game, Connor McDavid picked his 80th apple this season to help fellow Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl score Edmonton's opening goal on Wednesday against the Washington Capitals.
That makes his second season in a row with 80 or more assists, striking an NHL career-high 89 last season. He has already hit his second-most (81) just this year.
With two NHL seasons with 80 or more assists, McDavid is only the second active player to notch multiple seasons with that many.
The first was the Tampa Bay Lightning's star right-winger Nikita Kucherov, who notched 87 in the 2018-19 season and 83 last year (2022-23).
It is also possible that McDavid will beat his career-high assist record from last year.
Since the Oilers have now played 64 games this season, and have 18 regular-season games to go, McDavid would only need to pick nine more apples in that time to beat his number last season. That would be one assist every two games.
Considering McDavid has averaged over one assist per game this year, it is quite possible he will reach a new career-high so long as he stays healthy and plays every game.
McDavid has played in 62 of the Oilers' 64 games this season, so that trend will hopefully continue.
Also, the Oilers' top goal-scorer and star left-winger Zach Hyman is now tied for the second-most goals in the NHL this season (46) alongside Florida Panthers forward Sam Reinhart.
So, that, plus Leon Draisaitl's 33 goals this season, should promise McDavid ample chances to pick more apples and beat his record.
Connor McDavidSubscribe to Inside the Locker Room for exclusive interviews, as well as sights and sounds from Oilers practices.
Bookmark The Hockey News Edmonton Oilers team site to never miss news, interviews or any other updates on the Oilers.