"Connor was Connor before I came around," said Gretzky. "He's a great player and he'll be a superstar in this game. He does everything positive and in a good way. I'm not going to interfere. They've got a really good general manager in Peter Chiarelli. They've got a really good coaching staff. But if Connor asks me a question when I'm around or asks me something I could give advice on, absolutely (I will help)."
When Gretzky himself was a young, budding star in the League he leaned on established veterans and superstars for knowledge, much like how McDavid could use Gretzky or others if he chooses.
"When I was sitting around Gordie Howe when I was 19, 20, 21, I couldn't ask him enough questions," said Gretzky. "Gordie Howe used to tell me, 'I learn something new about the game every day.' So you could never learn enough about the game on the ice and off the ice from guys who have been through it. But by no means would I ever interfere with Connor or the players or the team."
Gretzky says when the two do talk it's just about the game itself.
