Well, I have to disagree. I can’t imagine any conversation about the best player ever that doesn’t include Bobby Orr. I can imagine that Mario and Gordie become after thoughts, but to ignore Orr? I can’t see it happening.
You give me 5 Bobby Orr’s and a goalie and I will beat 5 of anybody else and a goalie.
The discussion starts and ends with Modano, and it’s not close.
I voted for LaFontaine who I think was the best American Player if you compare them all at their peaks. However, who was the best over their entire careers? I probably have to go with Chelios or Modano.
I was going to suggest that Jimmy Carson shold also be on the list, but then I rechecked his career stats. His first 3 seasons were outstanding, but after that he started missing large chunks of seasons and never was the same again. Still, 561 points is nothing to sneeze at…
I went with Modano, but then I never particularly liked Hull, Chelios, Leetch, Lafontaine, or Roenick, who I would say are the other players worthy of discussion.