Connor McDavid joins Mario Lemieux with early-season production

Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Oilers' Connor McDavid joins Mario Lemieux with early-season production

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Oct 18, 2026 9:24 AM ET

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Some may say he's on a mission. Others could argue he's just the best in the world.

Either way, Connor McDavid's red hot start to the season became historic on Saturday night.

Connor McDavid recoded his second five-point game on Saturday night

In delivering a convincing 6-2 win for the Edmonton Oilers over the Utah Mammoth, McDavid recorded five points (two goals, three assists). It was his second five-point game of the season and his third with four or more.

Now with 23 points in eight games, McDavid became the fastest to 20 points in three decades. McDavid's production places him alongside Pittsburgh Penguins icon Mario Lemieux, who reached 20 points in just seven games during the 1995-96 season.

Connor McDavid off to historic start

McDavid, who has registered 18 shots on goal, has six goals and 17 assists with a +19 rating. But most importantly, McDavid's strong play has led the Oilers to a 6-1-1 record.

Connor McDavid is simply unreal

: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/qAjIlD26Mn pic.twitter.com/cprGsWgMmp
— NHL (@NHL) October 18, 2026

And even though he's on track to run away with his seventh Art Ross Trophy for leading the NHL in points and to contend for his fourth Hart Trophy as league MVP, McDavid torrid pace is all about putting him in position to capture the one trophy that's alluded him - the Stanley Cup.

Connor McDavid still pursuing the only trophy that's alluded him

McDavid, 29, has already reached legendary status as his name keeps being placed next to hockey's all-time greats. Having surpassed his 800th career game earlier this season, McDavid owns 415 goals and 828 assists for 1,243 career points.

A seven-time All-Star, McDavid has also won the Ted Lindsay Award as hockey's most outstanding player five times and was named the Conn Smythe winner as playoff MVP despite Edmonton falling in seven games in the first of back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses to the Florida Panthers.

How long will McDavid stay this hot? Will he surpass his career season-high of 153 points? Perhaps more importantly, will his performance help the Oilers lift the Stanley Cup?

Time will tell.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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