Rocket Richard and Howe would be generational. The league had never seen anything like Richard before. He became the league’s all time points and goals leader. And then Howe did the same. Generational for sure.
Harvey also qualifies. Best defenseman in the league for a good decade. Revolutionized the position. Same with Bobby Orr.
Bobby Hull might qualify. He’s a top ten player. Guy Lafleur was borderline. Six straight 50/100 season had never been done.
Hasek I think is probably the greatest goalie ever and only got started around age 28.
I think the following players qualify: Richard, Howe, Harvey, Orr, Gretzky, Lemieux, Hasek, Ovechkin, Crosby, McDavid.
Borderline; Hull (would probably be universally considered generational if he didn’t jump to the WHA.) Lafleur, Bossy, Jagr, Lidstrom. There’s a special argument I’d make for Steve Yzerman as well - but I’ll make that in another post. He largely isn’t considered generational but there’s a case to be made that he should be.
Goalies are really tough to say. Ken Dryden has maybe the best resume of any player ever but he gets flack for being part of a superb team while his earlier accomplishments don’t garner enough credit. I would say Plante but every older i ever talked with said Terry Sawchuk. The numbers for goalies are so fight it’s tough to say. Personally, I think Patrick Roy is overrated but he’s considered by many to be the best ever.
