NHL analyst lauds Connor McDavid for Crosby-esque qualities in identifying the best player

By Abhilasha Aditi

Modified Jun 06, 2025 05:42 GMT

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NHL analyst Liam McHugh praised Connor McDavid’s evolving all-around game during an appearance on Sportsnet 590 The FAN. Speaking with Matt Marchese and Michael DiStefano, McHugh highlighted McDavid’s growth into a complete player, noting his impact now goes far beyond the flashy offense.

McHugh said McDavid's excellence is immediately visible, even to casual fans.

"Bring a sports fan who's never watched hockey, sit him down in front of the television, and within 30 seconds, they know McDavid is the best player on the ice," McHugh said. "Athletically, it's totally different—his stride, his skating ability, his puck handling, and his vision. It's instantly recognizable."

What stood out in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final wasn’t just Connor McDavid’s two assists or his playmaking; it was the smaller, detail-oriented plays that drew comparisons to Sidney Crosby.

"I think we're now at the point - and the cool thing about this with McDavid - is we are appreciating his game for Crosby reasons. We appreciated that last night." McHugh said. "...the backcheck in the first period against Sam Bennett, the play on the penalty kill."

Wayne Gretzky also noted Connor McDavid’s increased penalty kill role before the game. McDavid responded with a smart, physical performance that included four shots, three hits, and two blocked shots in over 26 minutes of ice time.

"(Gretzky) thought this was a huge move—to give him more penalty kill minutes—and it's changed the dynamic of this team. He was phenomenal on the penalty kill. And smart." McHugh said.

McDavid's efforts helped Edmonton rally from a 3-1 deficit. He assisted on Mattias Ekholm’s game-tying goal and set up Leon Draisaitl’s overtime winner. McDavid now has six goals and 22 assists through 17 playoff games.

McDavid’s drive to improve, shaped by last year’s heartbreaking Game 7 loss to Florida, is fueling his all-around game.

"There were those little Crosby plays...," McHugh said. "I think when you have a maniacal drive like McDavid, you carve out that game... that can make him effective and make him arguably the best player on the ice in all situations."

Wayne Gretzky calls Connor McDavid the best player in hockey

Connor McDavid is the captain of the Edmonton Oilers and has won the Art Ross Trophy five times and is a four-time NHL All-Star.

McDavid and Gretzky are the only unanimous NHL MVP winners. Gretzky praised McDavid’s leadership and desire to win the Stanley Cup. He spoke about McDavid during an interview on ESPN’s The Pat McAfee Show.

“No question, he’s the best player in hockey,” Gretzky said. “Unselfish young man. He loves playing in Edmonton, loves being the captain of the Oilers. Desperately wants a Stanley Cup, that’s what he wants, cares about the most. Great for our game, great for the city of Edmonton. What a year. Scored the winning goal in the Four Nations Cup in overtime.”

Wayne Gretzky had predicted McDavid’s setup for the tying goal earlier. He called the prediction lucky but praised McDavid again.