Sidney Crosby picks Oilers’ Connor McDavid as NHL’s best player

Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid (97) and Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby (87) battle for a loose puck in the first period of an NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

Sidney Crosby says Connor McDavid is the best player in the world.

Crosby spoke to NHL.com on Wednesday and was asked who he’d pick as the top player in the league.

“I think McDavid has set himself apart just based on the awards and the accolades he’s gotten and the consistency he’s had,” said Crosby. “I think it’s fair to say it’s an easy pick just because of that.”

McDavid has come out firing this NHL season, setting a record for having scored or assisted on each of the Oilers’ first nine goals this year.

The two-time defending Art Ross Trophy winner has been at least somewhat challenged by the scorching start Toronto’s Auston Matthews has gotten off to.

Matthews currently leads the league with 10 goals and 16 points in seven games.

“Matthews has emerged this year and it really looks like he’s taken even another step. I think there’s a lot of guys in the conversation,” said Crosby, who predictably never mentioned himself as a candidate. “But it’s hard to argue (McDavid). He’s been really consistent. He’s won scoring titles, MVPs.

“So yeah, that’s an easy one to pick.”

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