Connor McDavid and Wayne Gretzky are two of the greatest hockey players in NHL history. Both have left their marks on the game in different ways, but the comparisons between the two are inevitable.
Gretzky played in the NHL from 1979 to 1999, and during that time, he scored 894 goals and 1,963 assists for a total of 2,857 points. He won four Stanley Cups, nine Hart Trophies, and ten Art Ross Trophies.
McDavid, on the other hand, has played in the NHL since 2015 and has already established himself as one of the most dominant players in the league. He has won four Art Ross Trophies and two Hart Trophies, and has amassed 826 points in just 555 games.
This year he has a total of 129 points in 68 games, he’s on pace for one of the greatest individual seasons in NHL history. After only 68 games, Connor surpassed Nikita Kucherov for the highest single-season point total for the entire 21st century. Kucherov had 128 points in the 2018-19 season.
While the two players’ stats are impressive, it’s important to note that they played in different eras. Gretzky played during a time when the NHL was a much more physical league, and he faced more physical punishment than McDavid does today.
Despite the differences in eras, the two players share some similarities in their styles of play. Both are known for their exceptional vision and passing ability, and both have a rare combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ.
A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.
Wayne Gretzky
McDavid’s speed is perhaps the most notable difference between the two players. He is one of the fastest skaters in NHL history and is able to make the game look easy with his ability to weave through defenders effortlessly.
Gretzky, on the other hand, was known for his anticipation and his ability to find open space on the ice. He was a master of the game’s nuances and was able to exploit his opponents’ weaknesses to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.
Finally, who’s better?
Comparing McDavid to Gretzky is difficult because they played in different eras and faced different challenges. However, both players are legends in their own right and have left a lasting impact on the NHL. While Gretzky’s records may never be broken, McDavid is well on his way to cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats. If you are a hockey fan, make sure you don’t miss a single McDavid shift, because he will certainly continue to dominate the NHL for years to come, but don’t ever put Gretzky greatness in doubt!
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