Flames' Sutter: McDavid is 'head and shoulders' the NHL's best player

Few pleasantries are exchanged in the Battle of Alberta, but Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter won't deny Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid his well-earned status as the world's top talent.

"Bottom line, he's head and shoulders the best player in the league," Sutter said Sunday, according to NHL.com's Tracey Myers. "I don't think there's one player who stops Connor McDavid. He's a tough guy to stop. You just try to slow him down within the rules, limit his chances."

McDavid, 24, is on pace to collect his third career Art Ross Trophy over just six seasons. He leads all players in points (52) and assists (35) while sitting second in goals (17) through 30 games.

The franchise pivot has enjoyed matching up against the Flames throughout his career. McDavid has tallied a career-best 20 goals against Calgary along with 32 points, including 10 in four outings this season.

However, Sutter says McDavid is impactful regardless of the opponent, and it takes a team effort to limit him.

"I don't think he's singled out the Calgary Flames as his main target," Sutter said. "I've watched him lots, I live 80 miles from Edmonton, so I've watched Edmonton as much as Calgary and Vancouver.

"Obviously, they have a great power play and he pretty much dominates that part of the game, too. It's on everybody to slow Connor McDavid down."

McDavid has amassed a remarkable 179 goals and 521 points over 381 games since the Oilers selected him first overall in 2015.

The Oilers and Flames begin a two-game set in Calgary on Monday.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.