When Alex Ovechkin broke the NHL goals record, it stirred up memories of when he and Sidney Crosby were rising stars, dominating headlines alongside then-Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf. Back in the 2006-07 season, The Hockey News even ran a cover asking fans to choose between the three. Fast forward to today, and that question has taken on a modern twist: If you had to pick between Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, or Cale Makar — who would it be?
McDavid, MacKinnon, or Makar: The Updated Debate
Michael Traikos of The Hockey News recently posed this question again, swapping out Ovechkin, Crosby, and Phaneuf for a new trio of NHL elites: Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Cale Makar. It’s a tough call, but if we’re talking about overall impact, pure dominance, and jaw-dropping talent, Connor McDavid stands out.
Why Connor McDavid Tops the List
McDavid is arguably the most electrifying player in hockey today. His speed, skill, and control with the puck are unmatched. Simply put, no one plays the game at the pace McDavid does, and no one affects every single shift like he can.
Let’s look at the numbers. McDavid has three Hart Trophies (league MVP), five Art Ross Trophies (top scorer), a Rocket Richard Trophy (most goals in a season), and a Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP), which he won even though the Oilers didn’t win the Stanley Cup. That alone speaks volumes about how valuable he is.
In just 774 career games, McDavid has 1,072 points — that’s more than Nathan MacKinnon, who has 1,014 points in 935 games. McDavid averages 1.51 points per game, the best since the year 2000 and even higher than Crosby’s 1.25.
MacKinnon and Makar: Strong Contenders with Championship Pedigree
This isn’t to say MacKinnon and Makar are far behind. MacKinnon has a Hart Trophy, a Calder Trophy as top rookie, and a Stanley Cup. He’s known for his speed and strength, and he’s one of the most consistent forwards in the league.
Makar, meanwhile, has quickly become one of the greatest offensive defensemen in the NHL. He’s already won a Calder, a Norris Trophy (top defenseman), a Conn Smythe, and lifted the Stanley Cup — all by the age of 25. His point-per-game average is the best among defensemen since 2000.
The Stats Don’t Lie: McDavid Is Still the Most Dominant
Despite the success of MacKinnon and Makar with the Avalanche, McDavid’s personal performance has been on another level. His lack of a Stanley Cup isn’t because of his game — it’s more a reflection of the Oilers’ struggles to build a strong team around him. In a better-structured team like Colorado, McDavid may already have a Cup (or two).
What Separates McDavid from the Rest
All three players are headed for the Hockey Hall of Fame. But what puts McDavid on top is his ability to create something out of nothing. He turns average shifts into highlight reels and carries his team on his back more than any other player in the league.
At just 28 years old, McDavid is still in his prime and is more determined than ever to win a Stanley Cup. And when he finally does, it will only confirm what many already believe — that Connor McDavid is the best player of his generation.
Choosing between McDavid, MacKinnon, and Makar is no easy task. Each has their own strengths and has already achieved so much in their careers. But when you break it all down — talent, stats, impact, and consistency — Connor McDavid shines just a little brighter. While MacKinnon and Makar have the Cup wins, McDavid remains the NHL’s most unstoppable force, and that makes him the top pick for anyone building a team from scratch.
