The Milestone: A 1,000‑Point Club That Only the Best Enter
As of November 12, 2024, Connor McDavid sat at 995 career NHL points (comprising 339 goals and 656 assists in just 657 games) heading into a game against the New York Islanders . With that, he was closing in on becoming the fourth-fastest player in NHL history to reach 1,000 points—following only Wayne Gretzky (424 games), Mario Lemieux (513), and Mike Bossy (656)
To put that in perspective:
-
McDavid would surpass legends like Peter Stastny (682 games), Jari Kurri (716), Guy Lafleur (720), Sidney Crosby (757), and Jaromir Jagr (763), among others—all Hall of Famer
-
He would join an exclusive club of just 98 players who have ever reached 1,000 NHL points—a club made even more exclusive by the fact that around 8,000 players have played in the NHL since 1917
This isn’t just about points—it’s a testament to elite longevity and unrelenting performance.
At What Pace? It’s Been Astonishing
-
McDavid’s 13 points in the first 12 games of the 2024–25 season might have seemed relatively modest for him, but it quickly warmed up with a three-point night against Vancouver
-
He’s posted 100+ points in seven of his NHL seasons, including a stunning 153-point season in 2022–23 (64 goals, 89 assists in 82 games)—his highest total since Mario Lemieux’s 161 in 1995–96
What the Greats Say: Comparisons to Gretzky? No Surprise
Past legends aren’t shy about the comparisons:
-
Mike Bossy reportedly called McDavid the fastest hockey player he’s ever seen
-
Rod Brind’Amour, with 1,184 points himself, noted that “to do it as early as he’s done is impressive,” adding, “when it’s all said and done, is he going to be the best player ever?”
-
Sidney Crosby praised McDavid’s ability to evolve and dominate, recognizing how the league adjusts to him and he responds .
Kris Knoblauch, his coach, realized the special aura of the moment: “I’d be very happy if he got that (point) that night … we are cheering for him”
Why 1,000 Points Matters
-
Eliteness and endurance: Longevity matters. Only players not just talented, but consistently elite over a long time, reach 1,000 points.
-
Team dynamics: As Bryan Trottier put it, “You have to have players that complement you… the greatest players lift everyone around them”
-
Milestone memory: Denis Savard recalled his own 1,000th assist fondly and said, “You don’t take it for granted… longevity is something as well
It’s not just personal—it’s shared, celebrated team success.
Context: NHL’s Pace, Rule Changes & Modern Era
While scoring trends have ebbed and flowed over decades, McDavid’s pace in today’s defense-tight, goalie-dominant era still stands out:
-
He operated in a generation with fewer goals per game than the 1980s or early 1990s, making his achievements more impressive
-
The current NHL boasts no “easy competition”—every team is well-scouted, every defense system advanced.
McDavid thrives despite all the evolved scrutiny.
McDavid vs. Oiler Legacy: Numbers That Stack Up
Within Edmonton’s storied history:
-
Wayne Gretzky still holds records with 1,773 points, but McDavid is second with 1,082 by the end of 2024–25
-
He also has 721 assists, trailing only Gretzky, and continues to pace the franchise all-time .
So he isn’t just chasing history—he’s rewriting it.
What’s Left on the Journey?
McDavid’s trophy case is already overflowing:
-
Art Ross Trophy: 5× (2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023)
-
Ted Lindsay Award: 4× (2017, 2018, 2021, 2023)
-
Hart Trophy (MVP): 3× (2017, 2021, 2023)
-
Rocket Richard Trophy (top goal scorer): 2023
-
Conn Smythe (Playoff MVP): 2024
Next achievements?
-
1,000 assists could come into play—he hit 700 assists by March 1, 2025 .
-
Stanley Cup glory remains that “ultimate goal” he keeps foregrounding .
The Numbers at a Glance
| Milestone | Date / Season | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 995 points in 657 games | Nov 12, 2024 | |
| 1,000 points | Nov 14, 2024 at Rogers Place (confirmed milestone via Oilers’ season page) | 1,000 |
| 1,082 career points | by end of 2024–25 | |
| 721 career assists | by end of 2024–25 |
Thus, McDavid dropped point #1,000 on November 14, 2024—just two days after tallies placed him at 995 .
Reflection & Legacy
-
He’s now among the fastest ever to 1,000 points, cementing a legacy alongside legends.
-
His speed and vision are frequently likened to Gretzky and Lemieux—and today the praise still pours in.
-
Despite league evolution—giant goalies, tight systems, top-tier analytics—he remains a force.
-
Beyond points, his trophy haul and leadership position Edmonton as perennial Cup threats.
-
And at just 27, the sky is far from the limit.
Final Thoughts
Connor McDavid’s journey to 1,000 NHL points is monumental not just in numbers, but in what it says about excellence, adaptation, and sustained greatness. He’s not merely stacking stats; he’s defining a generation. Reaching 1,000 in just 659 games isn’t just fast—it’s historically blazing. And even with so many milestones already—even more in sight—McDavid’s gaze remains fixed on team success. He’s chasing championships with the same relentless energy that drove him to rewriting NHL records.
For Edmonton, hockey fans, and even casual observers, this is a story about more than star power—it’s about legacy. And for McDavid, every assist, every goal, every point in that 1,000 is proof he’s creating something truly lasting.