Connor McDavid is considered the fastest player in the NHL, and has reached speeds of over 40 kilometers an hour (over 25 miles an hour) during a game. His speed helps him a ton on the ice, and is one of the reasons he is the best player in the NHL today.
Watching Connor McDavid on the ice is truly a treat. He will go down as one of the best players in history, and some of the things he does on the ice simply cannot be replicated by anyone else.
One of the main things that sets McDavid apart from many other players in the NHL is his absolutely blistering speed when moving around the ice. But just how fast can Connor McDavid skate? Keep reading to find out.
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Key Takeaways
- McDavid’s top speed has been measured at over 40 kilometers per hour during a game, which is the highest ever by a hockey player.
- Being able to skate fast is a very important skill in the NHL and other high-level hockey leagues. It helps you beat defenders, be the first to a loose puck, and ensure you are always in the right spot for a certain play.
- Some of the other fastest players in NHL history alongside Connor McDavid include Peter Bondra, Pavel Bure, Paul Coffey, and Mike Gartner.
How Fast Can Connor McDavid Skate?
During a game, Connor McDavid has absolutely insane speed that is largely unmatched by anyone else in the sport. He has been recorded going over 40 kilometers per hour (or over 25 miles an hour) on the ice.
While he likely won’t reach these types of speeds very consistently in a game, it is impressive nonetheless. Especially when you take into account many players will only skate somewhere between 20 and 30 kilometers per hour.
His speed has helped him win multiple Fastest Skater competitions, and is one of the reasons he is so incredible as a player. However, in addition to his straight-line speed, his agility and ability to stop and turn on a dime help take his game to the next level, too.
Why is Skating Fast Important?
While McDavid has a lot going for him and is the best NHL player for plenty of reasons, one of the biggest is certainly his speed. Being able to skate fast is a skill not many players possess, and can set one player apart from another.
It lets you blow by opposing defenseman to score goals uncontested, or lets you catch up with opponents who may have gotten the jump on you. Also, being a fast player helps you reach loose pucks and chase down errant passes better than almost anyone else.
Hockey is a very fast-paced game, and being able to skate faster than your opponents will provide significant advantages during a game.
Related: How Fast Do Hockey Players Skate?
Other Fast Skaters in NHL History
While McDavid is likely the fastest player in the NHL, there have been several other speedy players throughout the history of the league. This includes players like Peter Bondra, Pavel Bure, Paul Coffey, and Mike Gartner.
Bondra is a two-time winner of the Fastest Skater competition, and was also a multiple-time 50-goal scorer in the NHL. Bure had a short career, but was one of the most exciting and explosive players and led the league in goals on three separate occasions.
Despite being a defenseman, Coffey was a smooth and powerful skater, who was one of the fastest of the 1980s. During his career, Gartner was seen as the fastest player in the league, and his time in the Fastest Skater competition was a record that stood for nearly 20 years.
In addition to these legends of the sport, there are many current NHL players that are giving McDavid a run for his money when it comes to speed, including Dylan Larkin, Nathan Mackinnon, Cale Makar, and Jordan Kyrou.
FAQs
Here are a few frequently asked about skating speed in hockey, along with their answers.
Who has won the most “Fastest Skater” competitions?
The player who has won the Fastest Skater competition more than anyone else is Connor McDavid. He is the only player to win three of these events, and managed to win them all consecutively, in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
How can players get faster on the ice?
If players want to become faster skaters, one of the best things they can do is build up lower body strength. The stronger and more explosive your legs are, the quicker you will be able to move on the ice. Practicing your technique and working on your stride is also crucial.
Final Thoughts
Connor McDavid has certainly proved himself as the fastest player in the NHL, and one of the fastest of all time. His speed is what helps him beat opponents to the puck, get past defenders, and always be at the right place at the right time.
Who do you think will eventually dethrone Connor McDavid as the most consistently quick player in the NHL? Let me know in a comment below.
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