Tkachuk lauds McDavid as NHL's next best, 'if he's not already'

Matthew Tkachuk has an eye for talent; he chose to play out his draft season with the London Knights, after all.

So when the top prospect for the upcoming NHL draft - who shared a line with the most dominant offensive force in Major Junior last season and has been rocketing up draft boards himself - offers an evaluation on a particular player, well, it carries some weight.

But his evaluation of Connor McDavid will have fans dreaming up scenarios, too.

"McDavid is going to be the best player in the NHL, if he's not already," Tkachuk said at the NHL Draft Combine in Buffalo on Friday.

Unlike with his decision to sign with London, Tkachuk won't have the luxury of picking his spot when he enters the pro ranks. But with the Edmonton Oilers currently holding the No. 4 selection, the club's expected to have the opportunity to pluck Tkachuk off the board.

With that, the Oilers could one day skate Tkachuk on a line with the player they hope he pegged accurately.