Orr: McDavid could eventually pass Howe, become greatest player ever

Legendary defenseman Bobby Orr believes Connor McDavid could become the greatest player to ever lace up skates.

Orr doesn't think the Edmonton Oilers captain is there yet, and he gives the greatest-ever title to Gordie Howe. But No. 4 said McDavid is on track to challenge the best of the best.

"But we've had Mario (Lemieux), Wayne (Gretzky), Sid (Crosby), and there's a guy out in Edmonton now," Orr told WEEI's Dale & Keefe. "Before this is all over, however the players are rated, they might be dropping down one by the time Connor McDavid finishes. He's going to be up there."

Howe is certainly a valid choice. The Detroit Red Wings icon recorded the most games played in NHL history, and he retired in 1980 as the league's all-time goals (801) and points leader (1,850). "Mr. Hockey" also won four Stanley Cups, six scoring titles, and was a 21-time All-Star, all while being named MVP six times.

McDavid, who's only 23 years old, has lived up to his generational-talent status and then some through his first five NHL seasons. His 1.34 points per game ranks fifth all time among players who have logged 300-plus games played, and he's already claimed one MVP, two scoring titles, and two Ted Lindsay awards, and earned three all-star nominations.

Orr himself can make a case for being considered the greatest of all time, too. Despite only playing 657 contests across 12 seasons due to injuries, Orr finished with 915 points, two Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe trophies, and three MVPs, and he won the Norris Trophy an astonishing eight consecutive times.

Orr and McDavid maintain a long-standing relationship, as Jeff Jackson - a member of the Orr Hockey Group - represents the latter.