Nearly 8,000 players have played in the NHL since its founding in 1917, making the 1,000-point club exclusive. McDavid would be the club’s 99th member, which would be ironic considering his numerous comparisons to Gretzky.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares, 1,109 on December 11, 2023. He became the last man to reach this milestone in his match.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for everyone, but it reflects really well on your teammates and your coaches,” Trottier said. “To be successful offensively, you have to be placed in the right places, you have to have players that complement you. The best players lift up everyone around them, but it’s so much easier when great players play with other great players.

McDavid was selected by Edmonton No. 1 overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. He was instrumental in turning the franchise around, going from the bottom of the standings to title contenders after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 10 consecutive seasons. The Oilers made it to Game 7 of last season’s Stanley Cup Final, losing to the Florida Panthers, and are still considered to be in the championship window.

“His consistency, his ability to continue to elevate his game is pretty amazing,” Crosby said. “You have to improve, the game is changing and I think teams are good at discovering and finding your strengths and he found ways to improve and get better.

“I think you look at how well the team played last year and the level they found, especially in the final (from 3-0 down) they stepped up their game again. “It’s a compliment to him and says a lot about how much he cares and works as an actor.”

According to Savard, 1,000 points is an unforgettable moment no matter when a player gets there. The same is likely to happen for McDavid, especially if he can get there in front of family and friends in his hometown of Toronto on Saturday.

“My 1,000th point was at home against St. Louis,” Savard said. “I remember I was behind the net and Al Secord was standing up there and I just kind of found him and he scored and I got the assist on the 1,000 goal. You don’t take that lightly, I don’t think any guy takes it lightly. It’s not easy to get 1,000 points. Longevity is a thing, too.” .”

The 1000-point club includes players from different eras. Gordie Howe was the original member to reach the milestone in his 938th game on November 27, 1960. Jean Beliveau was the second to get there on March 3, 1968, in his 911th match.

Esposito inherited the record for fastest player to reach the milestone on February 15, 1974, when he participated in his 745th game as a member of the Boston Bruins. Dionne (740) and Lafleur (720) surpassed that before Gretzky announced a number (424) that will likely never be reached.

“I don’t think you think about how quickly you’re going to get there,” Crosby said. “That’s a good number and something you talk about and join a certain company. “It’s just a product of working hard, playing with great players and also being part of good teams.”