Gretzky's stats are just so over-the-top dominating that they negate any sort of debate about comparing eras or teammates or anything. To me the only discussion is whether or not he's the most dominant figure in ANY sport, discussing him with Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth, that kind of thing. His numbers are crazy, they don't even make any sense.

Maybe if Crosby or someone had started putting up 160 point seasons one after the other we could start to say, in this more defensive era this can be compared to Gretzky, but no one has done that. Other than Mario, no one else has even come close to being on another level like that.
- Zezel

Also didn't play in a watered down league. Missier Gretzky Kurri. When pre tell are we ever going to see Hall of Fame lines again?...

All stars or Pro stars and ya I forgot about the cereal
- Bigzby

Oh poop.....Pro Stars!!! That's right!

Gretz was the best forward all time at reading the play. He would go to an area that seemed out of the play and the puck would always end put there. That and he had a great shot, underrated actually....

Guys today are encouraged not to be creative and see the game differently. They teach systems to little kids now. Just not the same...
- aminnes

I have that image of Wayne busting down the left side and blasting a slap shot over Vernon's glove, top shelf burned into my brain.

Also didn't play in a watered down league. Missier Gretzky Kurri. When pre tell are we ever going to see Hall of Fame lines again?...
- aminnes

never
parity sucks

I'm gonna laugh when Eichel turns out being a better player than McDavid.
- ThePresident

How old are you?

Also didn't play in a watered down league. Missier Gretzky Kurri. When pre tell are we ever going to see Hall of Fame lines again?...
- aminnes

Kessel Bozak JvR

Will all be in their college hall of fames

Which begs the question, how impressive are Gretzky's stats, actually? He played against goaltenders and other players with the skill set of a beer league....I'd love to see how "great" Gretzky would actually be in todays game.
- ThePresident

He has more ASSISTS than the 2nd place player has POINTS!!!!


You are such a hater, and i tihnk you do it on purpose.

You're not UG kid, stop trying to emulate him.

Verbal cake fart.
- Bigzby

I totally forgot about that video


" you know what I love the most?"

I totally forgot about that video


" you know what I love the most?"

- Lee Denault

It's an absolute classic

Bo knows

edler/lack/higgins/the 2nd we get for bieksa for 2nd-4th overall. which ever we can get
- Retinalz

from the canucks thread

from the canucks thread
- Lee Denault

They had a better chance at getting Kadri, Gardiner and a 1st for Luongo

Thank you, I can't quite understand the "he's better because he's Canadian" attitude....its pretty pathetic in this day and age.
- ThePresident

no it isn't!

have you not be listening to what Cherry has been saying all these years!


seriously, it is NOT the passport - its where they have played (meaning which league) and with productivity/stats and for how long.

an American or Swedish or Czech kid who has played 2 years in the OHL/WHL/Q should be viewed comparatively the same way as a kid Canadian.

you CANNOT however equate one year of US College hockey with the OHL/WHL/Q - they simply have not been through the same physical demands, they play far far fewer games and the difference between the best and worst teams in US college is a far greater. When you look at status from US college hockey you really have to look closely IF a player has scored all his points playing Butthole college and comparatively few against the top teams.

It will happen, within the next 20 years. Watch.
- ThePresident

the greatest likelihood of this happen will be if a Canadian great has children while playing in the US.

here's a question to ponder....

the really great American players ... where have most of them developed?

and before you blurt out Shattucks-StMary's in the great state of Minnesota.... who was coaching them at that time.

the pussification of hockey has allowed the america player a leg up... but allowing them to develop more players (note I did not say more great players) in their prep school system, and their college system. But the large question remains, how many of them really go on to be great players with longevity in the NHL?

why do these players typically not last as long... because they haven't been physically tested as early on.

simply put the players (regardless of nationality) who play major junior in Canada excel because they are tested MUCH MUCH MUCH more than in the US based development leagues. the introduction of no checking in the US youth leagues will prevent those same kids from developing the skills needed at an early age...

unless of course Bettman successfully removes hitting from the NHL game (which he can't because you can't sell the non physical product to the same red-neck US markets that he needs to keep his TV deal).

I kinda felt in necessary to leave the 70's out of it.
- Jeropotato

agreed.

its actually kind of humerous that the 70s teams, even after the late 60 and early 70s expansion still had so few non-Canadian players of any note.

4 - Marner
11 - Werenski (from Kessel trade)
24 - Harkins
64 - Vladar (Goalie)

I'd be a happy camper.

4 - Marner
11 - Werenski (from Kessel trade)
24 - Harkins
64 - Vladar (Goalie)

I'd be a happy camper.
- dwoo33

Marner or strome
Merkley
Konecny

4 - Marner
11 - Werenski (from Kessel trade)
24 - Harkins
64 - Vladar (Goalie)

I'd be a happy camper.
- dwoo33

Hanifin
Barzal (From Kessel trade)
DeBrusk
No Effing Clue

So spots for kessel to land ?

I would think NYI is the top of the list

Jays

Marner
Hanifin(Kessel)
Barzal(JVR)
Kylington24th

Hanifin
Barzal (From Kessel trade)
DeBrusk
No Effing Clue
- lumlums

Crouse might be a good puck up there.

Edit: if Carolina passes on him.

Crouse might be a good puck up there.

Edit: if Carolina passes on him.
- Schenn-Sational!

Marner or strome
Merkley
Konecny
- The_Vark

Konecny I could see being a fit. He's good with the media and could handle the market.

Jays
- senstroll

Most exciting finish I've seen in a long long time.