Wayne Gretzky Names Best Player in NHL Without Hesitation

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Jun 6, 2025 - 01:30
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Wayne Gretzky Names Best Player in NHL Without Hesitation originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Sports fans around the world were locked in on Wednesday night as Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final unfolded in dramatic fashion between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers.

In a rematch of last year’s championship series—won by the Panthers—the Oilers found themselves trailing 3–1 midway through the second period. But Edmonton responded with a resilient comeback, tying the game at 3–3 and forcing overtime.

With under a minute to go in the extra frame and the Oilers on a power play, Connor McDavid delivered in superstar fashion. From beside the net, he fired a pinpoint assist to Leon Draisaitl, who buried the game-winner to lift Edmonton to a 4–3 victory and a 1–0 series lead.

Following the dramatic finish, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky appeared on the "Pat McAfee Show" Thursday and wasted no time naming McDavid the best player in the NHL—without hesitation—emphasizing that the Oilers captain is laser-focused on one thing: winning a championship.

"There’s no question he’s the best player in hockey," Gretzky said. "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. That’s what he cares about the most right now. He’s just been great for our game; he’s been great for the city of Edmonton."

Gretzky’s connection to Edmonton runs deep. He spent nine seasons with the Oilers, helping lead the franchise to four Stanley Cup titles and cementing his legacy as one of, if not the greatest players in NHL history. 

Though he played for other teams during his storied career, his heart has always remained close to Edmonton—and to Connor McDavid, who is widely regarded as the league's next “Great One.” 

Wayne Gretzky speaks ahead of the NBA Finals.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Now, McDavid is just three wins away from capturing his first Stanley Cup and bringing the franchise its first championship since the 1989 season.

McDavid finished Game 1 with two assists and will likely look to assert himself even earlier in Game 2, which is set for Friday night. The Panthers will be eager to avoid falling into an 0–2 hole before heading to Florida for a two-game set.  

Related: Wayne Gretzky Didn’t Hesitate to Name the Greatest NHL Player of All Time

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.

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