Ex-Oilers teammate Evander Kane makes strong Connor McDavid statement

Former Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane did not hesitate when asked who the best player in the NHL is right now.

Appearing on streamer N3on’s livestream on May 14, Kane gave a direct answer when the conversation shifted toward the NHL’s elite players. The veteran winger, now with the Vancouver Canucks after being traded by Edmonton before the 2025-26 season, made it clear he still views Connor McDavid as the standard across the league.

“I think Connor’s just on a different level than everybody else,” Kane said.

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When N3on pointed out that “everyone says that,” Kane doubled down.

“Yeah. He, I mean, it’s tough to deny,” Kane said. “I mean, it’s, ’cause he does everything. Like, you could have a – There’s other guys in the league that are kinda right there. Yeah. But, they’re missing that 10%, and Connor has that 10%.”

Kane also highlighted the rare combination of speed and skill that separates McDavid from every other star player.

“Yeah. I mean, he just does everything at such a high [level]… like, his hands and his feet move at such a speed and such a pace, simultaneously,” Kane added.

Connor McDavid continues to separate himself from the NHL field

Kane’s comments carry weight because he spent parts of four seasons alongside McDavid in Edmonton and saw firsthand how consistently the Oilers captain controls games.

Even during Edmonton’s disastrous 2025-26 season, McDavid remained dominant. He captured his sixth Art Ross Trophy after posting 138 points in 82 games while leading the NHL in both points and assists. Internationally, he added another achievement to his resume by earning MVP honors at the 2026 Winter Olympics after carrying Team Canada to a silver medal.