This Week in the NHL: Another ‘He did WHAT?’ milestone for Connor McDavid

Credit: Jan 13, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) looks for a loose puck against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

With 32 teams and seemingly infinite storylines, it’s hard to keep track of all the weekly goings on during the NHL season. That’s why I’m here to help. Every Monday from October to April, I’ll preview the key events, games, narratives and milestones in play for the week.

So what’s on tap for Feb. 3-9?

Feb. 9: Final day of NHL games before the 4 Nations Face-Off break

Think of Sunday as Getaway Day. Both games are early matinees. The Washington Capitals host Utah Hockey Club at 12:30 ET, the Tampa Bay Lightning visit the Montreal Canadiens at 1:00 p.m. ET, and the NHL closes up shop after that. The 4 Nations Face-Off break begins Feb. 10. The tournament commences Feb. 12 and wraps up Feb. 20, with NHL games resuming Feb. 22. Ninety-two players will head to Montreal and Boston to represent Canada, Finland, Sweden and the USA, while the rest will heal their injuries and soak up some sunny vacation rays with their families during their 13-day break.

Another eye-popping milestone for Connor McDavid?

The Edmonton Oilers superstar sits at 693 career assists heading into Monday’s action. One he hits 700, he’ll become easily the third-fastest ever to reach the milestone. He’s at 691 games, and the third-fastest is Paul Coffey at 768. With three games this week, McDavid, superhuman as he is, could conceivably reach 700. He’ll slot in behind Wayne Gretzky (478 games, LOL, our GOAT) and Mario Lemieux (579).