Don Cherry makes shocking declaration about a Canadian rookie

Saturday night on Hockey Night in Canada, famous (or perhaps infamous) Don Cherry made a pretty interesting statement on Montreal Canadiens' rookie Victor Mete.

The controversial broadcaster stated that Mete was the best skater he'd ever seen in midget junior hockey, next to Connor McDavid. That's some high praise, but considering the source, we take it with a small grain of salt. Don't get us wrong - Mete has proven to be an elite skater at the junior level and has kept pace at the NHL level.

The 4th round pick from the 2016 NHL entry draft has taken the Canadian city by storm - cementing a spot on the top line next to all-star defenseman Shea Weber. No one predicted this going into September, following the loss of long-time Hab Andrei Markov. The Habs sorely needed a mobile defenseman who could demonstrate poise with the puck to play alongside Weber - and no one thought we had one.

In comes Mete. The silky skater hasn't missed a beat since September, easily looking like the second best defenseman on the team next to 'Man Mountain'. He likely won't be at the top of the Calder trophy conversation, but he could get a few votes depending on how the season goes.

How often does a 19-year-old defenseman jump straight from junior to the NHL, and slot in the top pair next to one of the league's best defenders?

That being said, do you think Cherry is off his rocker?