Comparisons between great players are common in sports. Fans and analysts often compare athletes from different eras. And when faced with a similar query involving NHL legends, Connor McDavid shared his thoughts.

Comparisons emerged pitting McDavid against Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky. Before last year's Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, the Edmonton Oilers center addressed the discourse.

"I see, obviously, the parallels that everyone wants to write about," McDavid said during media day. "At the end of the day, this is a different story. Different teams, different group. Just excited to have another kick at the can here. That's all."

The analysts noticed similarities between McDavid’s path and the careers of Gretzky and Crosby. Both legends lost their first Stanley Cup Final but returned the next year to face the same opponent and win their first championship.

Gretzky and the Oilers lost to the Islanders in 1983 before beating them in 1984. Meanwhile, Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins succumbed to the Detroit Red Wings in 2008 before clinching the title in the rematch in 2009.

McDavid made it clear that he was not focused on his legacy, player comparisons, or making history. His main goal was to beat the Panthers and win the Stanley Cup.

"They have our complete focus," he said. "All our energy is going into beating the Florida Panthers. There should be nothing else on anyone's mind."

However, the story turned out to be different for McDavid and his men. In a repeat of the 2024 Stanley Cup final, the Oilers suffered another series defeat against the Panthers.

Unlike the seven-game thriller in 2024, the Panthers snatched the win in six last year. The Oilers suffered a 5-1 rout in Game 6, as the title slipped away.

Connor McDavid's Legacy Was Already Growing Before the Final Rematch

Despite losing the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, McDavid has built an amazing NHL career. He has recorded 1,220 points, including 409 goals and 811 assists, in 794 regular-season games so far. He was also outstanding in the playoffs, scoring 156 points and 45 goals in 102 games.

During the 2024 playoffs, McDavid added to his legacy by winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. He earned the award after recording 42 points and a playoff-record 34 assists, even though Edmonton lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final.

McDavid has also won six Art Ross Trophies as the league’s top scorer and three Hart Memorial Trophies as NHL MVP.

In the end, the comparisons to Gretzky and Crosby did not lead to the story that many expected. However, McDavid’s comments indicate that he wanted to focus on his team instead of replicating hockey legends.

What are your thoughts on McDavid’s statement? Comment your opinion below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul