The Edmonton Oilers may be struggling, but Connor McDavid – recently back from a collarbone injury – is being lauded for his performance on the ice.
The 19-year-old centre was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for February.
McDavid led all rookies with 12 assists and 17 points in 14 games, edging out Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, Chicago Blackhawks left wing Artemi Panarin and Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Joonas Korpisalo.
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McDavid was the first overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft and became just the third rookie in Oilers history to record a five-point game. He accomplished that feat on Feb. 11, shortly after returning from an injury that kept him out of 37 games with the Oilers.
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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also recorded a five-point game as a rookie.
McDavid – who hails from Richmond, Ont. – has an average of 1.07 points per game this season.
He also won Rookie of the Month honours in October.
Online sports commentary commonly refers to McDavid as “McJesus” as a sort of saviour-type figure for the team.