When Wayne Gretzky named Connor McDavid, 18, as “perfect guy” for the current era

Wayne Gretzky He praised Connor McDavid during an interview in February 2016, calling the “perfect type” for today's NHL. At that time, McDavid was only 18 years old and in his beginner's season.

Gretzky was asked which player McDavid had to compare him.

“It's hard to compare players,” Gretzky said through NHL.com. “I always say that boys make their own footprints on the ice, their own way. Connor, without a doubt, will make their own way. It's the perfect guy for this time.”

Gretzky also spoke of McDavid's qualities.

“The ice comes very well,” Gretzky said. “He has a nose to recover the pucks when he loses them. He has an explosive acceleration to reach another team that other guys do not have. And most importantly, you can say he likes to play and love to win.”

McDavid was the selection number 1 in 2015 and became the face of Edmonton Oilers, forming a strong collaboration with Leon Draisaitl. Together they have helped the team to become perennial playoff competitors.

However, McDavid had just joined the NHL and was a young player full of aspirations. Gretzky said he reminded him of the grains of the league as Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin.

“We don't get the players of this caliber to come so often,” Gretzky said. “Crosby came. Ovechkin came. You have boys like Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier and Connor is a bit in this kingdom of this conversation.”

Gretzky added that McDavid could happen as Lemieux and mark as Brett Hull. Gretzky also mentioned that he had the tools to achieve the 800 career goals.

“It's certainly the best young player in the game today, and I think the sky is the limit for him,” Gretzky said. “He will go on his way to the 800 goals brand. There is no question in my mind.”

McDavid is now 28 years old and has had two Cup Stanley Final appearances. Scored 100 points last season and 33 points in the playoffs. His best year was 2022-23, with 64 goals and 153 points.

McDavid has registered eight 100 points in his career. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in the NHL 2023-24 season, but continues to pursue his first Stanley Cup.

Wayne Gretzky praised Connor McDavid when he became Captain

Wayne Gretzky again talked about Connor McDavid in October 2016, after McDavid was appointed captain of Edmonton Oilers. He was only 19 years old at the time, and Gretzky compared him again to players like Mario Lemieux and Mark Messier.

“I don't think there is any questions that Connor is the best 19 -year -old hockey player I have ever seen and saw (Mark) Messier, I saw Lemieux, I saw Lafleur,” said Gretzky, through Sportsnet. “This child is special.”

Gretzky added that McDavid had everything he needed to be successful in the current NHL, joking that he could score 60 goals playing with McDavid. Gretzky also predicted that McDavid would win some championships with the oilers.