TORONTO -- For Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray, it was impossible to watch Connor McDavid perform in the IIHF World Junior Championship and not allow the imagination drift off to how a player like that would change the Sabres' fortunes. Murray admitted as much, but said he’s far from the only guilty one.

“Sure. This is what we do. Every scout in here, including Anaheim scouts who I believe are in first place, say, ‘Imagine having this guy,’” Murray said. “We talk about players. That’s what you do. That’s fantasy hockey. You’re having a beer and it’s, 'Imagine having this guy, that guy.' We all do it. There are 30 teams here watching. ... Why not just enjoy it a little bit?”

It’s hard not to, especially with the way McDavid played. The reviews of his performance were unanimously positive, further making a case for him as the best prospect since Sidney Crosby.

Here are 10 factors that support the case:

1. McDavid has an extra gear few in the game have

Watching McDavid is fascinating, because there are times it doesn’t look like he’s skating all that fast and then he displays a burst that creates separation.