Making Connor McDavid's case for the most dominant athlete in modern day sports

Connor McDavid has a legitimate case to be named the most dominant athelte in North American sports
Connor McDavid has a legitimate case to be named the most dominant athelte in North American sports

Connor McDavid continues to defy what many believed was possible on the ice. The Edmonton Oilers captain has simply been undeniable this postseason, racking up points and putting his team on his back as they attempt to overcome a 3-0 deficit to the Florida Panthers.

Last night, Connor McDavid helped lead the Edmonton Oilers to their second consecutive victory, cutting the Stanley Cup Finals to 3-2. Now, with the series returning to Edmonton for Game 6, the momentum is clearly in the Oilers' favor. Even on the brink of elimination, McDavid and company have not backed down gaining respect not only from NHL fans but sports fans across the globe.

"Win or lose, give Connor McDavid the Conn Smythe. Unreal" - @CRoumeliotis

McDavid has not only surpassed Wayne Gretzky for the all-time playoff assists record but has the Edmonton Oilers believing that they can defy the odds and win the Stanley Cup. This has left some questioning whether or not McDavid is the most dominant athlete in modern sports.

The case for Connor McDavid being the most dominant player in modern sports

It must be mentioned that comparing players from the four major North American sports is nearly impossible given the differences between the sports and the effect that one individual player can have on the outcome. That being said, there is no player more threatening on every shift in the NHL than McDavid.

This past season, McDavid finished third in the league in total points, however, he played at least five fewer games than the players above him. Even though he missed six games this season, he finished tied for the league lead in assists with 100.

"Connor McDavid is simply on another level. #LetsGoOilers" - @NHLNetwork

What makes him truly special is the presence that follows him every time he steps onto the ice. His speed with the puck is far superior to everyone in the NHL, which makes him an immediate threat. Couple that with his playmaking ability and Connor McDavid is the most dangerous player in the NHL.

He is wide-regarded as the league's best player. A six-time All-Star and three-time MVP, McDavid has the individual awards to back up the claim that he is the best in the NHL.

What separates Connor McDavid from the other top stars in the other major American sports?

When looking at the top players in the NBA, NFL, and MLB, several names come to mind. In the NFL, there is a legitimate case to be made that Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, Jalen Hurts, Nick Bosa, or Lamar Jackson could be named as the league's most talented player.

In the MLB, it is difficult to determine which player is the best in the league because of how baseball is played. Is the best or most important player a dominant pitcher or hitter? Players such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Gerrit Cole all have a case as the top stars in the MLB.

The NBA is the same as the other leagues. Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, or even LeBron James could push for the league's top spot.

The fact that all of the leagues mentioned above have multiple players who could push for the title of the best player helps make the case for Connor McDavid to be named as the most dominant. The only real argument against McDavid's bid for the crown is his lack of championships, however, that could change if he can will the Edmonton Oilers to the Stanley Cup.

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Edited by Lyndon Suvanto
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