Gretzky pulling for McDavid: 'He's as good as I've seen in the last 30 years'

Connor McDavid has the Great One in his corner.

Pegged as a generational talent, McDavid will become a member of the Edmonton Oilers if he is selected first overall at the entry draft in June. Oilers legend Wayne Gretzky - the NHL's all-time leading scorer - sees greatness in McDavid, much in the same way "Mr. Hockey" Gordie Howe recognized Gretzky's talent.

"He's as good as I've seen in the last 30 years, the best player to come into the league in the last 30 years, the best to come along since (Mario) Lemieux and (Sidney) Crosby," Gretzky told Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. "He can definitely change a franchise's fortunes."

Gretzky sees Edmonton as a perfect fit for McDavid. He recalls how welcoming Oilers fans were to him and believes they will be patient with McDavid and give him room to grow.

Along with his on-ice talent, McDavid has also impressed Gretzky with his maturity.

"What I notice about Connor is he does the right things and he says the right things; he's very mature for an 18-year-old who's rated No. 1," said Gretzky. "I've talked to him, and I'm fascinated by his maturity, being under the microscope."

The Oilers are nine seasons removed from their last playoff berth and three first-overall selections in the last five drafts have yet to turn their fortunes around. McDavid can't be the solution to every problem with Edmonton's roster (the franchise still has a big question mark in the crease), but his presence should imbue Oilers faithful with something they haven't felt in a while: hope.

"I hope he brings Edmonton a Stanley Cup and he breaks my records," said Gretzky. "He's got the talent and the makeup to do it. I hope he leaves a couple for me, though. I could use that."