DownGoesMcDavid
Registered User
- Apr 17, 2017
- 5,281
- 4,064
In a recent interview. Gretzky once again compares Elias Pettersson to himself.
Before you lose your marbles, he is only comparing playing style, and IQ. Performance and stats will obviously not come close
Gretzky also compares Elias to Michael Jordan as in they werent 1st overall picks but the player can change the whole fortune of a franchise.
Here is the link..its in Sweedish. If anyone can translate further that would be great.
”Får gå rätt långt tillbaka för att se något liknande”
Gretzky quotes
"Yes, the young man in Vancouver has really impressed me. We always compare athletes with each other and if anyone reminds of myself in my eyes, it is Elias Pettersson. For several reasons. Firstly, he may not be the best skater or has the hardest shot, he is not the physically biggest player on the track, but he sees the ice as well. And he has a great understanding of the game, but the most important thing is his work ethic. If you look at him and he loses the puck, he stays and immediately makes an attempt to win it back. Many young players make an extra turn and take some time to do so, but not Elias. He's right there and is fighting his puck again"
"When it comes to his shot, it's harder than people think. I've seen him score this season, where I tell myself, "Wow, that was a really hard shot."
Gretzky is asked..is Elias Pettersson a franchise changing player ?
"Oh, absolutely. I compared him a little with Michael Jordan when he came to the Chicago Bulls. Jordan went third in the NBA rally and Elias was not the number one when he was drafted. Such a thing happens and sometimes it happens for some reason we can't foresee, but this guy is a franchise player. I love to see how he gives everything in all situations. He is a racing man out in his fingertips. He works hard and he is so selfless. It's fun to see him play. I sit there in front of the TV and hope he will score that fourth, fifth or sixth point in the game. It's good for hockey, that's how I see it."
Before you lose your marbles, he is only comparing playing style, and IQ. Performance and stats will obviously not come close
Gretzky also compares Elias to Michael Jordan as in they werent 1st overall picks but the player can change the whole fortune of a franchise.
Here is the link..its in Sweedish. If anyone can translate further that would be great.
”Får gå rätt långt tillbaka för att se något liknande”
Gretzky quotes
"Yes, the young man in Vancouver has really impressed me. We always compare athletes with each other and if anyone reminds of myself in my eyes, it is Elias Pettersson. For several reasons. Firstly, he may not be the best skater or has the hardest shot, he is not the physically biggest player on the track, but he sees the ice as well. And he has a great understanding of the game, but the most important thing is his work ethic. If you look at him and he loses the puck, he stays and immediately makes an attempt to win it back. Many young players make an extra turn and take some time to do so, but not Elias. He's right there and is fighting his puck again"
"When it comes to his shot, it's harder than people think. I've seen him score this season, where I tell myself, "Wow, that was a really hard shot."
Gretzky is asked..is Elias Pettersson a franchise changing player ?
"Oh, absolutely. I compared him a little with Michael Jordan when he came to the Chicago Bulls. Jordan went third in the NBA rally and Elias was not the number one when he was drafted. Such a thing happens and sometimes it happens for some reason we can't foresee, but this guy is a franchise player. I love to see how he gives everything in all situations. He is a racing man out in his fingertips. He works hard and he is so selfless. It's fun to see him play. I sit there in front of the TV and hope he will score that fourth, fifth or sixth point in the game. It's good for hockey, that's how I see it."
