Wayne Gretzky is all praise for Connor McDavid, calling him the NHL’s best player

Connor McDavid’s Game 1 heroics in the Stanley Cup Final didn’t just electrify fans, it drew powerful praise from hockey royalty. Wayne Gretzky, the ultimate NHL icon, publicly applauded McDavid’s performance and leadership, sparking renewed debate over whether the Oilers captain is already carving out a legacy fit to follow the “Great One” himself.

Gretzky’s praise sparks a hockey conversation bigger than Game 1

In the aftermath of Edmonton’s dramatic 4-3 overtime win against the Florida Panthers in Game 1, the NHL world wasn’t just buzzing about the scoreline. It was Wayne Gretzky’s glowing comments on The Pat McAfee Show that truly lit up the conversation. The four-time Stanley Cup winner didn’t hesitate to crown Connor McDavid as the best player in hockey today—a title that carries immense weight coming from the greatest to ever lace up skates.“There’s no question he’s the best player in hockey,” Gretzky said with conviction. “He’s an unselfish young man. He loves playing in Edmonton, he loves being the captain of the Oilers. He wants desperately to win a Stanley Cup—that’s all he wants.”

This wasn’t just casual admiration. It was a ringing endorsement from a man whose own career helped define an era of dominance in Edmonton. Gretzky’s praise felt personal—an acknowledgment of both McDavid’s skill and his character.

And with McDavid delivering two crucial assists in Game 1, including the setup for Leon Draisaitl’s game-winning goal, the statement felt timely.But the conversation goes deeper than one night. McDavid has often been described as a generational talent, and his numbers back it up. Still, championships have eluded him until now, perhaps. With Edmonton chasing its first Cup since 1990, the pressure is intense, and Gretzky’s words could either empower or overwhelm.The comparison is inevitable. Gretzky led the Oilers dynasty of the 1980s. McDavid is now tasked with reviving that legacy in a vastly different, faster, more competitive NHL. Is this the torch being officially passed or is it still too early to declare McDavid as heir to Gretzky’s throne?Also Read: Marco Sturm officially named as Boston Bruins’ 30th head coachNow, all eyes turn to Game 2. Because for McDavid, greatness isn’t just about praise, it’s about lifting that Cup.