NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Florida Panthers at Edmonton Oilers - Source: Imagn — NHL analyst Steve Warne declared Connor McDavid as the greatest over Wayne Gretzky (image credit: IMAGN)

TSN host ditches NHL Legend Wayne Gretzky to crown Connor McDavid as 'greatest of all time'

Modified Jun 07, 2025 17:51 GMT

TSN host and NHL analyst Steve Warne declared Connor McDavid as the greatest hockey player of all time over Wayne Gretzky. His X post came after McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers lost Game 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals on Friday.

“I'm old enough to have watched Gretzky's entire career. McDavid is the greatest of all time,” Warne tweeted.

Expand Tweet

A fans reacted and expressed disagreement on Warne's tweet.

“Just look at their season-by-season stats. McDavid isn't even putting up half the points Gretzky did. 87 goals in a season for Gretzky? McDavid had 26 this year. LOL,” a fan said.

Despite the backlash, Warne stood by his take.

“It's fun that people take time out of their day to angrily lecture me on the accomplishments of the player I worshipped growing up,” Warne wrote.

Expand Tweet

Gretzky is widely regarded as the greatest player in NHL history, holding the most points (2,857), goals (894), and assists (1,963). He won four Stanley Cups and nine Hart Trophies as league MVP. His 15 seasons with over 100 points remain unmatched.

McDavid, drafted in 2015, is seen as the top player of his generation. He hit 1,000 points in just 659 games — the fourth-fastest ever. McDavid has won five Art Ross trophies, three Hart trophies and four Ted Lindsay Awards. In 2024, he broke Gretzky’s record for most assists in a single postseason (34) and totaled 42 points in 25 playoff games. However, he hasn’t won a Stanley Cup yet.

McDavid also earned the Conn Smythe Trophy last season, despite the Oilers losing to the Panthers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.

McDavid’s career is still unfolding, and while his speed and skill are unmatched in today’s NHL, Gretzky’s record-filled legacy continues to set the standard. The debate between eras continue, with strong arguments from both sides.

Connor McDavid's performance in Game 2 loss

Connor McDavid had three assists in the Edmonton Oilers' 5-4 double-overtime loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 2 on Friday. He helped set up goals by Evan Bouchard, Leon Draisaitl and Corey Perry. McDavid has a seven-game point streak and 31 points in the playoffs.

Draisaitl praised McDavid's setup on his power-play goal.

"There's one player in the world that can make that (play)," Draisatl said after the game, via NHL.com.

McDavid has six goals and 25 assists in 18 games. He also recorded 70 shots, 22 hits, 17 blocks and a plus-10 rating. It was his fifth straight multi-point game. Despite the loss, McDavid has stayed consistent and productive on the ice.

About the author

Ankit is an NHL journalist at Sportskeeda with over 3 years of experience in the writing industry. He has expertise in sports, product, and travel content writing. His interest in ice hockey was piqued after watching Sidney Crosby play and he has been passionately following the game since then. Ankit admires Crosby’s personality and hockey IQ, and when he crossed the 1,500 points tally, Ankit was among the biggest fans to celebrate the occasion.

An Edmonton Oilers fan because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, Ankit also admires the Pittsburgh Penguins due to Crosby and the Colorado Avalanche for Nathan MacKinnon. He is also a fan of Wayne Gretzky and Bobby Orr.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Language, Ankit believes his education has helped him develop a knack for presenting information in a precise and compelling manner. He only sources information from credible avenues and trusted people from his network for his articles.

When he is not watching or writing about the NHL, Ankit loves listening to music and reading books.

Know More

Wayne Gretzky’s wife Janet responds to critics questioning his loyalty to Canada, Bobby Orr's support following 4 Nations drama