Wayne Gretzky believes Connor McDavid is ready for jump from junior to NHL

Wayne Gretzky thinks Connor McDavid is ready for the big time.

McDavid, who is expected to crack the Edmonton Oilers roster out of training camp, is just 18 years old, but "The Great One" believes that if anyone is ready to make a jump straight from junior to the NHL, it's the first overall pick from June's draft.

"Going right from junior to the NHL? That's a big step for Connor," Gretzky told Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal. "But he's the one guy who can handle it. He'll be fine. With his speed and his shot and his creativity and his hockey knowledge, that's as good as anybody."

Gretzky sees similar traits between himself and McDavid, and understands exactly what the youngster is going through.

"I remember them comparing me to Guy Lafleur and Mike Bossy, then there was another kid who came along named Mario (Lemieux). Then it was (Sidney) Crosby," Gretzky remembered. "Before you blink, they're comparing some new 18-year-old to you. It goes by so fast."

Although Gretzky was of a different era, he does think McDavid has the potential to surprise the NHL in his first year, creating his own magical rookie season.

"What's going to surprise NHL people about Connor is he has an extra gear," Gretzky said. "When you think you've got him, he'll pull away. That's his strength.

"I don't know what to expect quite honestly. The best players in the game only managed 87 points to win the scoring title last year because the game is so defensive right now.

"Is Connor going to win the scoring title? That's probably asking too much, but he's got the ability to compete."

McDavid scored 120 points in 47 regular season games for the Erie Otters last season, as well as another 49 postseason points in 20 games.