Connor McDavid and Quinn Hughes’ impact and leadership (Image Source: Imagn)

Stan Fischler’s list of top NHL captains features Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers and Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks. Both players have made a big impact on their teams.

McDavid is known as one of the best players in hockey, and he had strong stats in the 2023-24 season. He scored 32 goals, tied for 34th, and made 100 assists, tied for first. His 132 points ranked third overall. His plus-minus rating was plus-35, tying for sixth.

His speed and skill are impressive, but his leadership is equally notable. McDavid helped the Oilers come close to winning the Stanley Cup. His bond with his teammates and his drive to win are evidence of his strong captaincy.

“I’ve been a lot of years with these guys, and we’ve grown up together,” McDavid said (via NHL.com). “To see it all the way through to winning the Cup would have been really special.”

Hughes, the youngest NHL captain at 24, has shown strong leadership. In the 2023-24 season, he led defensemen with 92 points. Hughes won the Norris Trophy and helped the Canucks win 50 games. His calm nature and ability to inspire have made Vancouver a strong contender.

Oilers’ Connor McDavid praised offseason moves after cup loss

On July 16, McDavid and Zach Hyman praised the Oilers’ offseason moves. After losing the 2024 Stanley Cup Final to the Panthers, the Oilers are focused on next season. McDavid applauded the team’s management for their roster improvements.

“I thought the whole management staff has done a great job,” McDavid said (via NHL.com). “They’ve had a great offseason so far.”

They signed forwards Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson to address their playoff loss. Skinner, bought out by the Sabres, joined on a one-year, $3 million deal. Arvidsson signed for two years at $4 million per year.

The Oilers also re-signed several players and strengthened their defense. They acquired forward Matthew Savoie in a trade. Hyman noted that the Oilers are now an attractive team, with players accepting discounts to join or stay.

“Kenny did a great job during the year and then, obviously with Kenny leaving, [Jeff] kind of took over the mantle and has done a great job bringing in new guys to make the team better, and bringing guys back too,” Hyman said.

“I think it’s also a testament to the team that guys are willing to come back on team-friendly deals and take discounts to try to win. I think they see how special it is to play in Edmonton,” he added.

McDavid and Hyman are already training for the new season.