Who is better, Connor McDavid or Sidney Crosby?

Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby are widely regarded as two of the best players of this generation to compete in the NHL. The two elite athletes are among the very few in the league to be discussed whenever the question of great players is raised.

Sidney Crosby, often known as "The Next One," was the first overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby has remained with the team ever since.

Connor McDavid plays center for the Edmonton Oilers. He was the Oilers' first-round selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. McDavid, like Crosby, has only played for one team in his NHL career.

Both players play ice hockey in their own distinct styles. Furthermore, both players have multiple accomplishments to be considered two of the NHL's elite players. However, in recent years, fans of both players have begun a discussion about who is the better of the two.

As such, this article will look into the stats and accolades of the two players to determine who is the best of the two based on the results.

Who is the best between Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid?

Stats

Sidney Crosby has played 1,158 games in the NHL since his debut in 2005, amassing 1,470 points on 541 goals and 929 assists. During the playoffs, the Penguins captain has appeared in 180 games and has 201 points (71 goals and 130 assists)

Connor McDavid, on the other hand, has played 538 games in his career and has 790 points with 280 goals and 510 assists. During the playoffs, the Oilers' star forward has participated in 37 games and has 55 points (21 goals and 34 assists).

Accolades

Sidney Crosby has won the Art Ross Trophy (2), Hart Memorial Trophy (2), Ted Lindsay Award (3), Mark Messier Leadership Award (2), Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (2), Conn Smythe Trophy (2), Stanley Cup (3), and is a nine-time All-Star Game participant in his 18-year NHL career.

In contrast, Connor McDavid has appeared in six All-Star Games during his eight seasons in the NHL. He has won the Art Ross Trophy four times, the Hart Memorial Trophy twice, and the Ted Lindsay Award three times.

The list of Sidney Crosby's accomplishments is longer than McDavid's, and it doesn't just include those from the NHL. Sidney Crosby has also won two Winter Olympic gold medals.

In terms of numbers, Sidney Crosby is in a league of his own. Compared to the Penguins' captain, McDavid has played in 620 fewer games and is yet to lift the Stanley Cup.

Connor McDavid is only 26 years old and is also nine years younger than Crosby. He still has a lot of time in his career and it will be intriguing to see how the Oilers' power forward numbers look after nine years.