Connor McDavid taken back when asked to compare Jack Hughes to Wayne Gretzky

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Liam McCormick
December 22, 2023 (11:51)

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When Connor McDavid was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers, the generational talent drew obvious comparisons to franchise legend Wayne Gretzky, and through the early stages of his career, McDavid has made those comparisons look closer than expected.

Still, across hockey it's ridiculous to compare just about anyone to Gretzky, because of how far ahead of the competition he was. That's why McDavid was clearly caught off guard when he was asked to compare Jack Hughes to Wayne Gretzky yesterday.

McDavid had a hilarious subtle reaction to the question, immediately furrowing his brow and biting his cheek as it was asked. Although it's a great stretch of a comparison, McDavid still have a respectful answer to Hughes, and spoke highly of him as a player. Still, he avoided any talk of comparing Jack Hughes to the talent level of Wayne Gretzky.

Obviously a really good young player. All those Hughes boys are Carries himself out there really well on the ice, skates well, wants the puck, making plays I mean that's all you can ask for.

In terms of production and the skill gap between his peers, Wayne Gretzky is miles better than Hughes will ever be. However in terms of their stylistic play on the ice and their physical frame, there are solid similarities between the two. Gretzky himself even said the same.