Influence is hard to define, but one knows it when one feels it—and it goes beyond just winning games.
The sports world is shaped by all sorts of power players: dealmakers, cultural icons, leadership figures, and of course, top performers. Some are athletes pushing boundaries, redefining success, and making a huge impact both on and off the field. Others are dominant coaches or Hall of Famers building their legacies.
Then there are the influencers—social media stars, style icons, tastemakers, and opinion leaders—along with business giants who treat the negotiating table like it’s a competitive sport.
Power shifts over time, but as of 2024, Sports Illustrated has named its 50 most influential people and forces in sports with one hockey player making his appearance.
Even though his Edmonton Oilers watched the Florida Panthers hoist the Stanley Cup in June, Edmonton’s Connor McDavid was still the standout of this year’s Finals.
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Arguably the best player in the National Hockey League, McDavid racked up four points in both Games 4 and 5, dragging his team back from a 3–0 deficit. He also became just the sixth player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy despite being on the losing side.
McDavid’s 42 points in the postseason were the fourth-highest ever, only behind Wayne Gretzky (in 1985 and 1988) and Mario Lemieux (1991).
At 27, he just finished his seventh 100-point regular season, keeping his career stats in line with those legends. Now, McDavid’s chasing the one thing that will truly cement his place among them—a Stanley Cup.
The main goal is clear: an NHL championship. After stacking up individual awards—like three league MVPs and five scoring titles—the only thing McDavid has his eyes on now is lifting the Stanley Cup. He has come so close and saw it slip away in front of his eyes.
Since McDavid entered the league, no one has scored more points during the regular season than his 982. Teammate Leon Draisaitl is second with 841.
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Draisaitl could play a huge role in McDavid’s staying in Edmonton long term.
“Everything’s a factor,” the 27-year-old replied at the NHL North American Player Media Tour on Tuesday. “Obviously, my loyalty to Edmonton, the fans, the organization, the loyalty to the players, all while understanding my will to win, my desire to win. All while balancing my family, my need to see them and spend time with them, and make sure the people I care about are good.
“I think there are so many factors that go into a decision like that.”
McDavid has two seasons left on his eight-year, $100 million contract ($12.5 million AAV) he signed on July 5, 2017.
