If you were the GM.....Crosby, Ovechkin, Or McDavid?

[paracord]

Interesting question. I think all of these guys have far exceeded even their lofty expectations, and are widely regarded as the top 3 players of the current era. (no knock on Malkin or Draisaitl, they are just overshadowed by their teammates).

We've got some time now on all 3 in terms of overall career. I know McDavid has a lot more to go, but it's conceivable that he's either in his prime or just coming out of it. The other two are pretty fully baked in terms of who they are.

So knowing what we know now, who are you taking to build your franchise around as an 18 year old?

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[SillyRabbit]

Is Crosby still going to be injured during his peak?

 

[Nogatco Rd]

Cros or Ovi, better for team morale

 

[paracord]

Is Crosby still going to be injured during his peak?

i would say to judge them based on the entirety of their career up to this point. Durability is one factor, for sure.

 

[pi314]

1a. Crosby
1b. McDavid

3. Ovechkin

 

[koyvoo]

If all of them have the same teammates, the same coach/GM, the same situation all around, it’s McDavid. He’s the best player since Mario Lemieux.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If all of them have the same teammates, the same coach/GM, the same situation all around, it’s McDavid. He’s the best player since Mario Lemieux.

I agree with your theory on paper. Problem is, I already know with those players and Crosby i'm winning multiple cups. Probably should, isn't the same as guaranteed. Maybe Mcdavid goes down as the better player in history, i'll take the proven cup winner at this point.

 

[Caps8112]

If all of them have the same teammates, the same coach/GM, the same situation all around, it’s McDavid. He’s the best player since Mario Lemieux.

are they all on the coyotes? or the late 90s wings? funny part is if its the terrible team, none of them win cups but likely still win lots of individual awards. If its the 90s wings they are all going to win cups anyway. so the question is always flawed. only real difference is if you want the center versus the wing which has nothing to do with Ovis abilities.

 

[pi314]

are they all on the coyotes? or the late 90s wings? funny part is if its the terrible team, none of them win cups but likely still win lots of individual awards. If its the 90s wings they are all going to win cups anyway. so the question is always flawed. only real difference is if you want the center versus the wing which has nothing to do with Ovis abilities.

I love when people try to down play winning.

 

[Grifter3511]

I love when people try to down play winning.

I love when people attribute winning to a single player in a game where 19 people all contribute to the team.

That said, I voted Crosby. He's the most talented grinder the league has ever seen and I guess I'm valuing that grinding work ethic rubbing off on the rest of the team more than McDavid's incredible skill or Ovechkin's power forward abilities and penchant for finding the net.

 

[heretik27]

Most talented player is probably McDavid, but if I'm building a franchise my cornerstone has to be Crosby.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Most talented player is probably McDavid, but if I'm building a franchise my cornerstone has to be Crosby.

...yup...McJesus might be the most talented to ever play, but Sid's up there with Mario, Gretz, Howe as the best leaders in the history of the game...

 

[stevo61]

McDavid has more pure skill but give me Crosby all day every day. His all around play and leadership qualities are too much to pass up

 

[centipede2233]

This is Crosby. He’s better looking, more marketable, better personality. Does more charity work.

 

[Three On Zero]

1. Crosby
2A. McDavid
2B. Ovechkin

 

[wetcoast]

1a. Crosby
1b. McDavid

3. Ovechkin

Something like this for me as well.

 

[BelovedIsles]

Crosby for me. He can beat you in so many ways. Down low, along the boards, around the net, or make a gorgeous rush dancing through an entire team. He combines super elite skill, grit, and the intangibles. I recall him owning full shifts, completely controlling play. I hope we see a player like him again (in my lifetime, that is).

 

[PatriceBergeronFan]

McDavid, of course.

 

[daver]

If all of them have the same teammates, the same coach/GM, the same situation all around, it’s McDavid. He’s the best player since Mario Lemieux.

It's debatable that McDavid is the better offensive player when you dig down into the numbers. Crosby missed time at his peak but was as dominant vs. his peers as McDavid thru 10 seasons. More fortunate with injuries =/= better player. More aesthetically pleasing =/= better player.

The 2009 Pens had a worse roster outside of Malkin/Crosby than any of the Oilers rosters outside of McDavid/Draisaitl in the past three years. The 2017 Pens won without Letang playing a single game.

Crosby has notably produced as well as McDavid, and won, with any quality of linemate. He is better at bringing up the offensive game of his linemates which was key in creating team depth. He also is the better 2-way player.

Crosby just wins, and has does so at every level he played.

 

[daver]

If your team strategy is to play run and gun hockey, take McDavid; if you want other options, take Crosby.

 

[Caps8112]

I love when people try to down play winning.

wasnt down playing winning. Was actually going to reply to the post way above about crosbys injuries saying they arent relevant if you want his 3 cups. But outside of individual awards, where you get drafted and who is designed your team is so much more important then skill level when your talking about players in the group these 3 are in.