Former Edmonton Oilers forward Evander Kane didn't mince words when asked to name the NHL's best player right now. Appearing on streamer N3on's livestream on May 14, Kane delivered a direct and emphatic answer that will resonate with hockey fans everywhere.

"I think Connor's just on a different level than everybody else," Kane said without hesitation.

When N3on pushed back, noting that "everyone says that," Kane only doubled down on his conviction.

"Yeah. It's tough to deny," Kane explained. "He does everything. There are other guys in the league that are kinda right there. But they're missing that 10%, and Connor has that 10%."

Kane, now with the Vancouver Canucks after being traded by Edmonton before the 2025-26 season, knows McDavid's game better than most. Spending parts of four seasons alongside the Oilers captain gave him a front-row seat to the kind of nightly dominance that has redefined what's possible in hockey.

"He just does everything at such a high level," Kane continued. "His hands and his feet move at such a speed and such a pace, simultaneously."

Those words carry extra weight considering McDavid's 2025-26 season. Despite Edmonton's disastrous campaign marked by poor defending, weak goaltending, injuries, and questionable roster construction, McDavid still captured his sixth Art Ross Trophy with 138 points in 82 games while leading the NHL in both points and assists. He added Olympic MVP honors to his resume at the 2026 Winter Games, carrying Team Canada to a silver medal.

What makes Kane's assessment so compelling is the context: McDavid produced at an elite level even when everything around him was falling apart. That's the kind of consistency and excellence that separates generational talents from the rest of the pack.

For fans looking to channel that same championship mindset, whether you're lacing up for a weekend game or just hitting the gym, remember that greatness comes from doing the little things right—every single shift.