The Oilers and Leafs are two of the most historic franchises in hockey history, but both haven't won a Cup in a very long time (EDM 1990, TOR 1967).
This season, though, both franchises took big steps towards winning a Cup as the Leafs made the playoffs for the second time since the 2003-04 season and the Oilers played postseason hockey for the first time in over a decade.
Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews, the last two first overall picks, are a huge reason why the Oilers and Leafs were both able to make the playoffs.
While McDavid led the league in points, Matthews made a ton of history over the course of his 40-goal, 69-point season.
Yet, as incredible as the two are offensively, Wayne Gretzky has been even more impressed with their defensive play.
That's incredibly high praise from the Great One. Oftentimes, rookies and young players struggle in their own end of the ice, but McDavid and Matthews aren't like most young players.
Both are working to become complete players, and to think they will get even better over the years should scare the rest of the NHL.
It should also make EA Sports consider them for the covers of NHL games for years to come.
(H/T: Michael Traikos)
