Connor McDavid could someday pass Sidney Crosby as the best player in the world, though it hasn’t happened yet according to The Great One.
Wayne Gretzky told ESPN.com on Thursday that he believes Crosby hasn’t been knocked off his perch just yet.
“Sid is still the best player in hockey. That’s a mantle you earn over time,” said Gretzky. “It’s one of those things where you have to earn that title.”
Crosby has been scoring at a prolific rate this season. The 29-year-old has yet to go more than one game in a row without a point this season since missing Pittsburgh’s first six games with a concussion.
His 1.35 points per game leads all NHLers and is slightly higher than his career average of 1.33.
McDavid, having played in eight more games than Crosby, leads the league in points with 36 and is second in points per game at 1.29.
Both players are captains of division-leading teams, and each player drives play at an exceptional rate. In Gretzky’s opinion, Crosby’s extensive trophy case gives him an edge, for now.
“Is Connor a great player? Absolutely. Does Connor have an opportunity to be the next Crosby? Absolutely,” said Gretzky, a partner and vice chairman of the Oilers. “Right now, Sidney deserves to be known as the best player in the game. He’s been the best player consistently in his career.
“He’s won Stanley Cups and he’s won gold medals. Until somebody takes that mantle away from him, he’s still going to hold the crown.”