Connor McDavid has pretty much cemented himself as the single greatest hockey player in the world. There's no denying it at this stage.
In the most talented era ever, the Edmonton Oilers' captain is head and shoulders above everyone else. McDavid failed to score 100 points just twice in his first 7 seasons; first in an injury-shortened rookie season and then in the COVID-shortened '19-20 season where he scored 97 in 64. He has 92 in 50 so far this season.
Connor McDavid is a singular type of player and is - once again - a shoe-in for the Hart Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player.
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Wayne Gretzky has sung McDavid's praises over and over again since the phenom's ascension in 2015. And when The Great One sings, all of us mortals are compelled to listen.
Well, Wayne-O is back in the saddle again.
During the NHL's All-Star media tour, Gretzky equated one NHL player to
Connor McDavid, and the answer may surprise you.
New Jersey Devils forward
Jack Hughes.
Per Julia Stewart-Binks, Wayne Gretzky said of Hughes: "I think he's the only one who can catch 97 [
Connor McDavid]."
Hughes, 21, didn't acclimate to the NHL as seamlessly as
Connor McDavid, but he is absolutely
cooking for the Devils this season.
In 49 games so far, Hughes has 64 points (33g-31a). Aside from McDavid, he sits atop the list of Hart candidates for the 2022-23 season.
Jack Hughes NHL ranks this season (via NST):- 5v5 goals: 1st
- 5v5 points: 3rd
- 5v5 shots: 3rd
- Total points: 9th
- Total goals: 6th
- Total TOI (forwards only): 14th
Here's some of his best work this season, courtesy of
Dimitri Filipovic:
Jack Hughes still has a long way to go in order to reach
Connor McDavid's level. Nobody is saying the two are equal.
Gretzky has the right idea though. If anyone is going to be able to catch up/keep up with
Connor McDavid, it's
Jack Hughes. The speed at which these two play the game is insane, and they both make the right play every single time.
Hughes is still 2-3 years away from his prime, and he's on pace to clear 100 points this season. Wayne Gretzky clearly sees something in the young superstar...
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