“It Seemed Like Yesterday”: The ‘LeBron James of Hockey’ Connor McDavid Had Wayne Gretzky Remind of His Playing Days in 2020

NHL athletes, Wayne Gretzky and Connor McDavid, who are legends of the game across generations shared a word or two during a GQ Sports interview in 2020. Displaying respect for each other and the game, The Great One and the Edmonton Oilers superstar were seen recollecting memories of their careers, regrets, and more.

As the Canadian stars talked about the sport and their home team, and their first meet, the candid chat led to the athletes revisiting an extremely fond memory of when they spoke for the first time. What was the conversation about? Let’s find out!

Wayne Gretzky congratulated 16-year-old Connor McDavid

When McDavid was 16 years old, he had already achieved many accolades. Gretzky was not foreign to the achievements of the promising young athlete. So, like any other well-wishers, Gretzky decided to make a call to McDavid in order to congratulate him. Meanwhile, McDavid was out with his friends when he first spoke to the veteran hockey player.

It turns out that the hockey legend felt quite nostalgic upon interacting with McDavid. During the chat, he told the younger star how his ability to make and break records always impressed him. However that day, he felt wistful, thinking about his own childhood. Speaking about the moment he called the young prodigy, Gretzky remembered his own childhood. He recalled, “I remember thinking, ‘Wow, it seemed like yesterday I was 16 playing junior hockey'”.

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On the other hand, McDavid was a nervous wreck when he saw the phone call. As the name flashed across the screen, the ‘LeBron James of Hockey’ refused to believe what his eyes saw. Out, partying with his friends, McDavid never thought that the legendary Wayne Gretzky would ever call him. He instructed his friends to turn the music down and took the first step towards building a lifelong friendship with a legend.

The two legends continued chatting about what the sport meant to them. Their conversations also included discussing some of their best moments during matches.

More instances where Gretzky supported McDavid

While the conversation between the GOATs was the start of appreciation for the current Oilers’ captain, it wouldn’t be the only instance. In early November this year, the former athlete mentioned how McDavid was the best player in hockey. He has a great deal of faith in the club given the bright future of the young star.

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Currently, Wayne Gretzky often appears as a hockey analyst while McDavid continues to play for the Edmonton Oilers. Although Gretzky was the vice chairman of his home team, he stepped down in 2021. It will now be interesting to see if McDavid continues to carry Gretzky’s legacy.