{"id":133886,"date":"2022-12-06T16:15:32","date_gmt":"2022-12-06T21:15:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=133886"},"modified":"2022-12-06T16:15:32","modified_gmt":"2022-12-06T21:15:32","slug":"nhl-best-players-behind-mcdavid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/12\/06\/nhl-best-players-behind-mcdavid\/","title":{"rendered":"The Second-Best Players in Canada Behind Connor McDavid"},"content":{"rendered":"

While most hockey fans would recognize Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid<\/a> as the best player on the planet, there is solid competition for the title of second-best. But instead of looking at the entire league, let\u2019s focus on the leading candidates from Canadian teams before you weigh in with your comments. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Best NHL Players in Canada Behind McDavid<\/h2>\n

Leon Draisaitl<\/a> \u2013 Edmonton Oilers\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

McDavid\u2019s teammate, Leon Draisaitl, has been riding shotgun for a few seasons now<\/a><\/span>. However, in 49 games without McDavid over his career, the big German has registered 49 points<\/a>, proving he can produce on his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

This season, he is once again second behind McDavid in goals, assists and points on the Oilers, and then there\u2019s everyone else. And some would say that Draisaitl makes McDavid a better player, a lofty compliment for anyone\u2019s resume.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He\u2019s the second-best player on his team but is he second-best in the Great White North? <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mitch Marner<\/a> \u2013 Toronto Maple Leafs\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

While reigning Hart and Art Ross<\/a> Trophy winner Auston Matthews<\/a> gets most of the attention in the most rabid hockey market in the league, Mitch Marner has been leading the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When Marner played with John Tavares<\/a> a few seasons back, the former Islanders captain set a career-high in goals. When he played with Matthews last season, he set a franchise record with 60 goals. Coincidence? I don\u2019t think so.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the weekend, Marner set a new franchise record with a 19-game point streak<\/a>, surpassing Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler<\/a> and Ed Olczyk<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n