Connor McDavid passes Wayne Gretzky to become Edmonton Oilers' record holder for most 50-assist seasons in franchise history

Connor McDavid made franchise history Monday night, recording his 10th career 50-assist season to pass Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri for the most in Edmonton Oilers history. The milestone came in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center, giving the Oilers captain yet another line in the team's record books.

McDavid tallied two assists in the victory to reach 50 helpers on the season, extending his career-best point streak to 19 games in the process. The achievement came on the eve of his 29th birthday, as McDavid was born on January 13, 1997.

Connor McDavid is about to celebrate his 29th birthday in style with this recent milestone

Surpassing the Great One remains a big deal in the NHL. But McDavid did it effortlessly as he went past Gretzky’s 38-year-old record. Both he and longtime teammate Kurri held the record with nine 50-assist seasons during their run with the Oilers.

And till McDavid came kicking in, it looked nearly unbeatable. But “McJesus” once again proved why he is called by that nickname. In just 11 seasons with the Oilers, the Edmonton captain managed to record 50 or more assists in 10 of those seasons.

The only time he missed the mark was in the 2020-21 season, which ended up being shortened due to the pandemic. But even then, he managed to get 72 points across 56 games.

McDavid's two assists extended his point streak to 19 games, tying him with Gretzky for the seventh-longest streak in franchise history. During the run, McDavid has accumulated 19 goals and 25 assists for 44 points, putting him in elite company alongside the greatest players in Oilers history.

Evan Bouchard provided the offensive firepower with two goals and an assist, while Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl also scored for Edmonton. Connor Ingram made 29 saves between the pipes, helping the Oilers improve to 23-16-7 on the season.

The victory kept the Oilers perfect when wearing their alternate jerseys this season, continuing a surprising trend that has become a good luck charm for the club. Edmonton remains undefeated in the special uniforms as they continue pushing for playoff position in the Pacific Division.

McDavid currently leads the NHL with 80 points through 46 games, just one point behind Nathan MacKinnon for the league lead. His 50 assists rank first among all players, cementing his status as the game's premier playmaker while he chases his sixth Art Ross Trophy.

The Oilers continue their road trip Tuesday night in Nashville as McDavid celebrates his birthday and attempts to extend his point streak to 20 games, which would mark the longest run by an Edmonton player since 1985-86.

Also Read: “I’m not shocked”: Evan Bouchard on Connor McDavid’s 19-game point streak in Oilers’ win over Blackhawks