Connor McDavid will go down as the 2nd best player of all-time

[authentic]

It's a guarantee because nobody before or since gretzky has ever come close to him. That's a fact. It's not a "what if" based on a hundred different objective arguments. What we know is that Gretzky is undeniably the most dominant hockey player of all time and nobody has ever came close to his heights regardless of fancy dekes or speed.

It is quite literally not. It's a hypothetical scenario which is completely impossible for one thing, and there are numerous factors to consider outside of Gretzky's own talent level which would determine how dominant he would be today. By and large it makes the most sense to assume he would not be quite as dominant in a deeper and more skilled league with better defensive structure and goaltending, a league which more resembles the NHL that we wasn't a dominant goal scorer in any longer.

It's also very possible that even if he did manage to increase his skill over every one else with how hockey has advanced to the same degree he had in the 80s that he still wouldn't put up the same type of dominance in a league with more parity. He would also play less time on ice. The fact of the matter is players have surpassed him in skill level and there's no guarantee he would be Gretzky as we know it in todays NHL.

I don't think your opinion is wrong that he would dominate just as much today, I think it's wrong to believe it is a fact that he would.

 

[WarriorofTime]

50 goals. GOAT

 

[CokenoPepsi]

He might end up 1st if he passes/gets close to Gretzky in Rosses/Harts/Lindsay

But the best and greatest player to play the sport of hockey is Mario Lemieux

The 2001 season is for me his most amazing. 76 pts in 43 games in the dead puck era coming off three years of being retired. He was better than 2023 Mcdavid by a significant margin

Mcdavid would be Draisaitl to Lemieux

Gretzky> Lemieux

 

[the valiant effort]

What a ride.

 

[markymarc1215]

Ovechkin wasn't on Crosby's level, and isn't a generational player

Scoring 45+ goals for 12 seasons (likely 13 this year), 200 plus hits a year, Stanley Cup Champion, 2nd all time goal scorer. That doesn't qualify as generational talent? I'd be curious what constitutes as a generational talent in your opinion.

 

[AuraSphere]

He's already the GOAT - so jealous of Edmonton fans for being able to have someone like him on their team.

I still have nightmares from draft lottery day and how close the Leafs were in winning the sweepstake

 

[Jumptheshark]

Nope.

Maybe top 4

 

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Nope.

Maybe top 4

Must be nice for whomever is in your top 3 to know they will never be unseeded by anyone, ever. because if McDavid doesn't do it, likely no one ever will. He's the best player I have ever seen.

 

[Jumptheshark]

Must be nice for whomever is in your top 3 to know they will never be unseeded by anyone, ever. because if McDavid doesn't do it, likely no one ever will. He's the best player I have ever seen.

I am a bit older.

Gretz, Mario and mess are my top 3

 

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

I am a bit older.

Gretz, Mario and mess are my top 3

McDavid has already passed Messier. I'm 52.

 

[hamzarocks]

I am a bit older.

Gretz, Mario and mess are my top 3

Messie isn't even a top 3 oiler all time

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Ah the young kids are posting again I see. Second best of all time? Lmao.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

I am a bit older.

Gretz, Mario and mess are my top 3

I can see the first two, but Messier?

 

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

Ah the young kids are posting again I see. Second best of all time? Lmao.

I am old enough to remember Bobby Orr playing and I say it is possible. He is already the most skilled player to ever play. Now he just needs to add the hardware to transcend eras to be one of the "best".

 

[Jumptheshark]

I can see the first two, but Messier?

He was sundance to Gretz butch cassidy. He was a monster in the playoffs and there is a reason he has two more cup rings than Gretz

 

[Zeeker]

Ah the young kids are posting again I see. Second best of all time? Lmao.

From the way you post I would’ve bet my life savings you were a young kid, is that not true???

 

[authentic]

Ah the young kids are posting again I see. Second best of all time? Lmao.

I don't know that doesn't really seem so funny anymore if you've been watching him lately.

 

[Bleedred]

He may go down as the best, but he probably won’t break Gretzky’s scoring records due to it being a lower scoring era. Those days of that high scoring aren’t coming back.

And I’d bet a lot of money he wins a cup or two at least and a Conn Smythe when does.

 

[Roksta]

McDavid has already passed Messier. I'm 52.

There's probably almost 15 players ahead of Messier already

 

[Aaaaaaaaaaaaa]

There's probably almost 15 players ahead of Messier already

8-10 for sure.

 

[Ducks in a row]

So many peoples top 4 players of all time

Wayne Gretzky
10 Art Ross Trophies, 9 Hart Trophies, 5 Pearson Trophies, 2 Conn Smythe Trophies.
He wasn't the biggest or the strongest or the fastest player but he was simply the best because of his vision, passing ability and hockey IQ and dominated like no one thought possible winning Art Ross Trophies by insane margins. 2 out of his last 3 seasons still lead the NHL in assists while in his later half of 30's year old.

Mario Lemieux
Big and highly skilled player who has 6 Art Ross Trophies, 4 Pearson Trophies, 3 Hart Trophies and 2 Conn Smythe Trophies. Came back from serious health issues to still be a dominate offensive force.

Bobby Orr
Only defeseneman to win a Art Ross Trophy and he did it 2 times as well winning 8 Norris Trophies to go along with 3 Hart Trophies, 2 Conn Smythe Trophies and a Pearson Trophy. Career shortened by knee issues

Gordie Howe
6 Time Hart and Art Ross Trophy winner to go with 21 times either being a 1st or 2nd NHL All-Star Team. Played hockey into his 50 and in his final season had 41 points in 80 NHL games. Shots Right (sometimes left). Also played in the WHA winning a Gary L. Davidson Award Trophy and 2 time 1st WHA All-Star Team.

All these players have won multiple Championships.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Conner McDavid is a great young player but finishing at top 2 best ever is something that is hard to believe will happen.

 

[Mobiandi]

Not when Cale Makar exists

 

[centipede2233]

I think mcdavid needs to win 2 of a Stanley cup/Olympic gold to break into the top 4.

Mcdavid has been given the shaft cause of nhl being omitted from olympics up until now. But them the brakes

 

[Fledgemyhedge]

Crosby had a higher PPG than Benn that season.

Very impressive. You arguing that helps prove my
point. There would never be a Mcdavid Vs Benn equivalent argument

 

[NickyFotiu]

He is amazing but he isn't passing the top 3. Top 4 for sure and that's pretty darn good.

I am a bit older.

Gretz, Mario and mess are my top 3

Mess isn't top 5 but agree with your first 2.