Though Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is humble about his ability and has even said that he is not the best player in the world, EA Sports seems to disagree.
The 20-year-old, who also serves as the cover athlete for the game, holds a 93 overall ranking in NHL 18. He is the game’s highest-ranked player, tied with Pittsburgh Penguins’ centre Sidney Crosby.
EA Sports broke down the Oilers’ captain’s ranking, showing how all of his skills and abilities combined to bring him to the 93 overall rating.
Edmonton Oilers
"In his first full season, Connor McDavid tore the league apart with his world-class speed (96), Puck Control (96), Deking (96) and Offensive Awareness (97)… McDavid is a game breaker that you’ll want to have on your team.” – EA Sports"
When it comes to the weaker parts of his game, EA Sports gave his physical play four out of five stars, noting that his strength and fighting ability, as well as his aggressiveness, are on the weaker side. Still, he is the best-ranked player in the game, and his offensive ability is so strong that his lack of physicality is by no means an issue.
McDavid’s Footprint on the League
Considering the Ontario native’s acumen, as well as his elite ability and maturity well beyond his years, it is obvious why he holds the game’s highest ranking.
McDavid led the NHL with 70 assists and 100 points last season. He also took home the Art Ross Trophy, the Ted Lindsay Award and the Hart Memorial Trophy. Also, he donned the “C” and became the youngest captain in NHL history to kick off 2016-17. Not only that, but McDavid was also key in leading the Oilers to their first playoff appearance in over a decade.
Looking at McDavid’s impact in just his second year in the league, it’s easy to see why he already ranks among the NHL’s elite. He has great skating ability and is one of the fastest players in the league, and sees the game in a way that no one else can. In addition, he is nearly unstoppable and completely dominant and collected with the puck, and revolutionizes the game of hockey.
Next: Edmonton Oilers Prospect Profiles: Dmitri Samorukov
NHL 18 will be available for purchase all over the world on Sept. 15. McDavid is the first Oiler to be featured on an EA Sports NHL cover since Wayne Gretzky graced the front of NHL Slapshot back in 2010.