Gretzky advises top prospects to 'embrace every moment'

Wayne Gretzky offered some sound advice to the top-ranked players of the 2020 draft class as they wait to begin their NHL careers.

Gretzky joined prospects Alexis Lafreniere, Quinton Byfield, Tim Stuetzle, Jamie Drysdale, and Jake Sanderson in a video call last week to talk about the upcoming draft, life as an NHL player, and hockey in general.

"My advice to you is embrace every moment of it," Gretzky said, per NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "It's the greatest game in the world. To play in the National Hockey League is a thrill, it's a pleasure, and it's an honor. And when you think you've worked hard, you work that much harder because there's nothing like being an NHL player.

"And if you get that early on in your mind how great the game is and everything that goes with it - the practices, the travel, the media - you'll embrace it that much quicker."

The draft, which was originally set to take place in Montreal on June 26 and 27, has been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league has reportedly been pondering the idea of holding it virtually in June.

"Everybody who loves the sport knows how great of a game it is," Gretzky added. "And I suspect all five of you are going to go on and have great careers and your families will be very proud, not only your mom and dad but your grandparents and youth coaches."

Lafreniere is No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's ranking of North American skaters, while Stuetzle is the top-ranked international skater. Byfield, Drysdale, and Sanderson are ranked Nos. 2-4, respectively, among North American skaters.