For many years, Sidney Crosby was widely considered the best player in hockey, but the Pittsburgh Penguins veteran admits the torch has been passed and says Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid now deserves the distinction.

"I think McDavid has set himself apart just based on the awards and the accolades he's gotten and the consistency he's had," Crosby told NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger on Wednesday. "I think it's fair to say it's an easy pick just because of that."

Crosby added that several other young players aren't too far behind, including Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche sniper Nathan MacKinnon.

"There are so many different guys," Crosby said. "Matthews has emerged this (season) and it really looks like he's taken even another step. I think there's a lot of guys in the conversation. But it's hard to argue (McDavid). He's been really consistent. He's won scoring titles, MVPs. So yeah, that's an easy one to pick."

McDavid won the Hart Trophy in 2016-17, and secured both the Art Ross Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award in each of the last two seasons.

Crosby's resume includes three Stanley Cup championship rings, and he's a two-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner, a two-time Hart Trophy recipient, a two-time Art Ross Trophy winner, a two-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy recipient, and a three-time winner of the Ted Lindsay Award.

"(My motivation) is always to be my best," Crosby said. "That's allowed me to be in the conversation of the guys who are considered to be the best. I think that's the way I've always looked at it. I've always wanted to get the best out of myself. Wherever that puts me, that's where it's put me."

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