I'd take Martine first and Hedger 20th

Yeah, but if Datsyuk was younger....if all-new NHL overall draft was held to build all the teams from scratch I would take Stamkos now over Dats because he's younger
- Zezel

Sure.


But Pavel today is arguably the best hockey player.

It's amazing that Gretzky scored 200 points multiple times and Orr still has the +/- record. With Gretzky, it was a matter of trading chances and Gretzky just always being able to score one more. With Orr, he would score and you wouldn't. Period.
- Two_For_Truth

The idea that Gretzky wasn't exceptional defensively is a myth.

Who do you find more attractive, Jennifer Hedger, or Martine Gaillard?
- Zezel

Kate Bierness

datsyuk is 34, you would have Stamkos for wayyy longer.
- wingz4life

Datsyuk will play till hes 58

Sure.


But Pavel today is arguably the best hockey player.
- robin_steele264

Top 5 maybe. He's not the best.

Sure.


But Pavel today is arguably the best hockey player.
- robin_steele264

yeah right now I'd take Dats over Stamkos, like if there were rentals for a Cup run I would wants Dats on a team

i like ian white he plays the game hard and gives his all but, he just sucks
- wingz4life

Who is he playing with?

The idea that Gretzky wasn't exceptioanl defensively is a myth.
- Leeman4Gilmour

His only defensive acumen came from the fact that he had the puck and you didnt. Even Oilers fans will tell you that defence wasnt really a priority on those teams.

Who is he playing with?
- mykokes

hes not , hes a healthy scratch the past 2 games

I'd take Martine first and Hedger 20th
- Zezel

I'd take that brunette on the score with Cam over both... meeeeeeeOW

Edit: Jackie Redmond

With kids like Rattie, and a loaded top 6 forward group, and the success they had with Alex Steen, I certainly can see a Liles, kulemin for Jaden, Cole swap.
- mykokes

I could to except for the money Liles makes. That would be a lot of money for St. Louis and not much coming back

Top 5 maybe. He's not the best.
- Jeffmt

His peers think he's the best.

His only defensive acumen came from the fact that he had the puck and you didnt. Even Oilers fans will tell you that defence wasnt really a priority on those teams.
- sanfordnson

Isn't that a distinction without a difference?

And, like I said in anotehr thread, he still holds the record for most SH goals, so he obviously did something right in his own end.

yeah right now I'd take Dats over Stamkos, like if there were rentals for a Cup run I would wants Dats on a team
- Zezel

i always bring in the russian factor, how many russians have actually cared late into their careers?

i can remember some that have but many who havent

His only defensive acumen came from the fact that he had the puck and you didnt. Even Oilers fans will tell you that defence wasnt really a priority on those teams.
- sanfordnson

yeah, and when you get 200 points you basically do have the puck all the time, that's just about the best kind of defence, totally overwhelming offence...not many teams have pulled it off but they Gretzky Oilers sure did

Kate Bierness
- sanfordnson

i always bring in the russian factor, how many russians have actually cared late into their careers?

i can remember some that have but many who havent
- wingz4life

gtfo datsyuk cares man, he'll always care

- AdamFrench

i lol'd

I think a bridge deal is the better choice, if he does light it up and is a ppg player, I have no problems with the Leafs paying him for that. I like the approach that you pay a guy what he's worth rather than trying to get a "deal", especially for a team like the Leafs. It gives you way more flexibility going forward, and keeps the players motivated. Reserve the long term deals for 1-2 proven franchise players.
- 13sundin13

It's a gamble.

We can project with a degree of certainty that he will be full value.

If we wait, he'll cost more, and who knows what our situation will be by then

i lol'd
- Zezel

Did you also read this in a British accent? cause I did

i always bring in the russian factor, how many russians have actually cared late into their careers?

i can remember some that have but many who havent
- wingz4life

What does "care" mean? Do you mean Russians that play well in their old age?

yeah, and when you get 200 points you basically do have the puck all the time, that's just about the best kind of defence, totally overwhelming offence...not many teams have pulled it off but they Gretzky Oilers sure did
- Zezel

This.

I don't care how you play defense, whether it's having possession of the puck 98% of the time, or blocking shots and getting takeaways.

What does "care" mean? Do you mean Russians that play well in their old age?
- AdamFrench

russians that play for more then just money in their old age are few and far between

Isn't that a distinction without a difference?

And, like I said in anotehr thread, he still holds the record for most SH goals, so he obviously did something right in his own end.
- Leeman4Gilmour

He was just that much better than everyone else. Simple.