After breaking his clavicle in his rookie season, Connor Mcdavid was unable to have the season that many had hoped for. He missed a total of 39 games and missed out on Rookie of the Year honors at the end of the season. Many had him pegged as the top rookie coming into the 2015-16 season, but the honor went to Chicago Blackhawks forward Artemi Panarin. However, this season the Canadian center is having a breakout year, and the franchise player everyone was hoping for has arrived.

The beginning

McDavid was a coveted prospect in his junior hockey days, recording 120 points in his final season with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League.

The Canadian is the most decorated player in the history of the OHL. General managers and players alike saw the talent and skill in the young player, he was already being called a future franchise player that would have a long and successful career in the National Hockey League.

In 2015, he was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers and signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the club. He started quite well with the Oilers, recording 12 points in his first 13 appearances, however, he would pick up an injury in early November that took him out of the game for almost three months.

Despite the injury, the young star came back to record 36 points in his last 32 appearances. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting and was an NHL First Team All-Rookie selection.

Additionally, McDavid was already producing highlight reel plays and using his speed to devastate defenses.

Sophomore success

This season has been nothing short of phenomenal for McDavid, the 20-year-old made headlines early on by becoming the youngest NHL team captain in history. In November, he recorded his first career hat-trick against the Dallas Stars.

His play earned him a spot in the NHL All-Star Game in January, which should be the first of many all-star selections in his career.

Just before the all-star break, McDavid became the fourth-fastest active player to reach 100 points, recording an assist against the Florida Panthers in the 92nd game of his career. The assist was a fitting way to record his 100th point, as providing assists has been a strong point in the young center's game this season.

He currently leads the NHL in assists with 52.

A look at the current NHL leaders in points will reveal names such as Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Patrick Kane, but McDavid sits above all three with 74 points. The consistent production has allowed him to lead the league in points and everyone is getting to see the player he really is. McDavid is quickly becoming a generational player and is set to leave his mark on the league. As the season progresses, new challenges may emerge such as tighter coverage from teams as every attempt will be made to throw him off his game. Regardless, this season has proven that McDaivd is the real deal and is one to watch for years to come.