Connor McDavid Named NHL Rookie of the Month

It took Edmonton Oilers’ rookie, Connor McDavid, two games before he registered his first NHL point, but after that he was off and flying.

McDavid was named the NHL Rookie of the Month for October. He had five goals, seven assists and 12 points in 12 games played. The five goals have McDavid tied for first in the NHL among rookies with Arizona’s Max Domi, Arizona’s Anthony Duclair, New York Rangers’ Oscar Lindberg and Vancouver’s Jared McCann. McDavid ranks first in points among this year’s rookie class. The seven assists are second among rookies behind only Chicago’s Artemi Panarin.

McDavid recorded his first NHL goal and points on October 13 against the Dallas Stars. His first multi-goal and point game was October 17 against the Calgary Flames. He had two goals, one assist and three points. McDavid scored his first game-winning goal in Edmonton on October 21 while playing the Detroit Red Wings. He also had a seven game point streak which stretched from October 17-October 29.

He can skate with the puck. He also has the ability to make big plays while in full flight. McDavid has good offensive awareness, and can either score goals or set up his teammates. He needs to continue to get stronger, but he is just 18-years-old.

The early season hasn’t been without some struggles for McDavid. It took him two games to get his first point of the season. It has been four games since he last scored a goal, which came against the Washington Capitals on October 23. He has also been kept off the score sheet in four games this season, and the Oilers have been outscored 14-7 in those games. In his three multi-point games this season, the Oilers have outscored opponents 13-12.

McDavid came into the league with a lot of hype and expectations put on him by the fans. He seems to be doing a good job of living up to that hype.