Hyman Comments on McDavid’s ‘Video Game Numbers Right Now’

---

Connor McDavid is on pace to shatter Wayne Gretzky’s all-time single-season points-scoring record. His start to the season has stunned fans, and his teammates say they’re just as amazed. Both Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl commented on McDavid’s 31 points in 10 games, an almost unbelievable feat if it weren’t being done by anyone but McDavid.

NHL analyst Jeff Marek remarked, “The way that he’s playing to start this season, this is sending a message to the rest of the NHL… everybody in Denver, everybody in Tampa, everybody in San Jose… let’s just end all these conversations about who the best player in the NHL is…”

Edmonton Oilers forward Hyman called McDavid’s numbers “video game” territory in an appearance on TSN OverDrive with Aaron Korolnek, Jeff O’Neill and Jamie McLennan.

McDavid has 8 goals and 23 assists for 31 points through 10 games, putting him on pace for roughly 260 points. He also became the second player in NHL history with three five-point games in his first 10 of a season, joining Mario Lemieux, who did it in 1988-89 and 1992-93.

Hyman admitted that pace probably won’t hold, but he won’t put a ceiling on his captain. “He’s doing things that nobody thought anyone could do,” Hyman said. He then noted that McDavid is the best player in the world, by a long shot. In fact, even his own teammate, Leon Draisaitl isn’t close this season and he’s second in league scoring. Draisaitl is also on pace for 176 points, which would still leave him 84 behind McDavid.

Even Toronto Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna talked about McDavid’s production. He said ahead of the Oilers vs. Maple Leafs game on Saturday night, “Now having a taste of what the NHL is like, it makes it that much crazier. Every night you are expecting him to put up five points. I don’t know how he’s doing it, but I got to skate with him this summer … He’s out of this world.”

McDavid Remains Humble Despite His Incredible Start

Most interesting might be that Hyman said McDavid remains humble and cares most about the team’s 8-1-1 record. McDavid, for his part, credited his teammates, an improving power play and a few lucky bounces.

McDavid is doing all of this under new head coach Mike Babcock. Babcock is just happy the Oilers are winning and McDavid playing 200-foot hockey and setting the best example of the rest of the roster, even if the rest of the roster can’t do what he does. “He’s [Babcock] been great,” Hyman said. “It’s been everything we expected and hoped for.”

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Canadiens, Devils, Jets, Oilers & Huge Trade