i don't think there's a cut off for being elite or not. if there were 3 players in the league that were on crosby's level, and then 7 on malkin's level, and the cut off is top 5, then 4 of those malkin level players wouldn't be considered elite even if they are at the same skill level.

a player is either elite, or he isn't. it doesn't depend on if they're a top 5 player, although all top 5 players are elite players.

i would consider kane and toews elite. i would consider hank elite. i would consider nash elite. i would consider getzlaf and perry elite. i would consider datsyuk and zetterberg elite. i considered gaborik elite last season. i would consider weber, suter, chara, keith, pietrangelo, doughty elite.
- RAGSareDANGERus

The Real Question is "is Eli Manning elite".

Elite is a stupid word anyway. Some players are really good at what they do. When you add them to a team of other players who are good at what they do and can play as a team, you win. Gretzky and Mess were great hockey players, you think they get that far without Fuhr, Richter, Graves etc. The only "team" sport where elite means anything in, is Basketball, and that's a stupid sport anyway.

Malkin certainly, and Crosby probably, are not better all around players than Datsyuk. There's a reason he's up for the Selke every year.

Sid and Geno are more dynamic offensively, but not more all around.
- canadianpenfan

Well, I'll ask you this: If you were starting a team today and could pick anyone in the NHL to be on your club, who would you take and why? I say Crosby (even though I don't like him and worry about the concussions) because IMO he is the best player in the game. Consequently, I have to believe he is a better all-around player.

I see what you are saying; that he is not the defensive player Datsyuk is but to me if he is the best player overall then he has to be a better all-around player.

If someone actually said that I missed it and I am glad I did. I have no idea what adjective to use to describe Datsyuk then.
- gkmkiller

It was Glen Healy who said "Pavel Datsyuk may not be naturally gifted, but he works hard." Chesnokov is still shaking his head (figuratively on Twitter and probably literally) days later. This reinforces the widely held view that Glen Healy should be ignored at all times.

In a related note, if you have access to an iPhone or iPad, ask Siri, "Where was the magic man born." A thing of beauty.

Datsyuk is a wonderful example of exceptional natural gifts combined with the will and work ethic to make the very most of them. There will never be enough Datsyuks in the world.

Well, I'll ask you this: If you were starting a team today and could pick anyone in the NHL to be on your club, who would you take and why? I say Crosby (even though I don't like him and worry about the concussions) because IMO he is the best player in the game. Consequently, I have to believe he is a better all-around player.

I see what you are saying; that he is not the defensive player Datsyuk is but to me if he is the best player overall then he has to be a better all-around player.
- gkmkiller

I may surprise with mine, but I honestly think he's best player in the leauge, or most valuable...it's John Tavares.

He has every nook and cranny you want in a superstar:

Skill
Youth
Leadership(on and off the ice)
Work ethic
Will/desire
Durability

The guy is the goods and gonna be our nemesis for a long time

I may surprise with mine, but I honestly think he's best player in the leauge, or most valuable...it's John Tavares.

He has every nook and cranny you want in a superstar:

Skill
Youth
Leadership(on and off the ice)
Work ethic
Will/desire
Durability

The guy is the goods and gonna be our nemesis for a long time




- jambodelta99

i'd still pick toews over tavares. toews has all the things you listed above except he's been a winner at every level he's ever played in. we're talking gold in the world u-17s, gold at world juniors, gold at world championships, olympic gold, stanley cup, and conn smythe. not to mention he's a captain. i mean yea he plays with a talented team but this guy is a HELLUVA hockey player.

I may surprise with mine, but I honestly think he's best player in the leauge, or most valuable...it's John Tavares.

He has every nook and cranny you want in a superstar:

Skill
Youth
Leadership(on and off the ice)
Work ethic
Will/desire
Durability

The guy is the goods and gonna be our nemesis for a long time




- jambodelta99

Hes a beast and is gonna kill the rangers for years to come

i want the rangers to sign ryder.

Well, I'll ask you this: If you were starting a team today and could pick anyone in the NHL to be on your club, who would you take and why? I say Crosby (even though I don't like him and worry about the concussions) because IMO he is the best player in the game. Consequently, I have to believe he is a better all-around player.

I see what you are saying; that he is not the defensive player Datsyuk is but to me if he is the best player overall then he has to be a better all-around player.
- gkmkiller

If I was starting a team I take Crosby without a doubt.

Really it's all semantics, my only point is when it comes to 2 way play I think Datsyuk is the best in the business. But if forced to choose I take the boatload more points and decent defense (if healthy) over the guy who is good offensively and great defensively.

If I was starting a team I take Crosby without a doubt.

Really it's all semantics, my only point is when it comes to 2 way play I think Datsyuk is the best in the business. But if forced to choose I take the boatload more points and decent defense (if healthy) over the guy who is good offensively and great defensively.
- canadianpenfan

i take crosby 1st overall. i take lundqvist if he was a little younger if i have the 2nd overall pick instead.

Go Sens Go!!!!!!!!

I hate Pierre Mcguire but I loved that he called out the PP as having " no Structure " Blaming it right on the coaching staff. The "no structure" thing seems to have flowed over into the 5 x 5 play as well. Boys have to show some fight tomorrow try to get on the right track.

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