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Connor McDavid, who is expected to be drafted No. 1 by the Edmonton Oilers in June, already has a host of fans — including Wayne Gretzky.

In an interview with The Province, the NHL’s all-time leading scorer spoke very highly of McDavid.

“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. He can definitely change a franchise’s fortunes.”

The Great One also complimented the 18-year-old’s off-ice personality.

“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. I’ve talked to him, and I’m fascinated by his maturity, being under the microscope.”

Gretzky, who played nine seasons with the Oilers, even said he hoped McDavid’s future in Edmonton would be brighter than his own legacy. (McDavid notched 120 points in 47 games for the OHL’s Erie Otters this season.)

“I hope he brings Edmonton a Stanley Cup and he breaks my records … he’s got the talent and the makeup to do it. I hope he leaves a couple for me, though. I could use that.”

(Thanks to Sports Illustrated for bringing this to our attention.)