I'll say one thing about Toews/Marner - I'm not sure if the comparison would be similar to Kesler/Miller since Marner hasn't played center at the NHL level (from what I know?) while Toews, unlike Kesler, was pretty good at utilizing his wingers during his peak. Marner, unlike Miller, is also excellent defensively. Obviously, if Marner can't play Center, then Toews would get a huge nod since elite centres are typically worth far more than elite wingers.
Fair enough points with respect to Pettersson, but there are a few that see him as an "anti-hero" on here since the general consensus is that Benning wanted Glass, was overruled, to which Pettersson was then drafted and proved Benning wrong. I think the Kesler/Miller debate is an excellent one and I'm glad that you started this thread. I just think that the comparison should be a lot closer than the results would indicate. I'm guessing that you felt the same way? Otherwise why create such a thread when the result is so obvious?
For me, asking "who was better at his peak?" is almost inherently flawed because it's almost irrelevant (since both players, imo, are extremely close in overall value). If you want a versatile top line forward that can play all three positions, and is great on special teams, then Miller is your guy (assuming that your team already has an O'Reilly, Bergeron, Toews, Barkov, or Kopitar type guy). If you want that two-way shut down beast that is elite defensively and can still contribute major offence while also being terrific on special teams, then Kesler would be your guy (i.e. a team like the Avs, in this hypothetical, and with lots of cap space, trying to find a suitable replacement for Kadri).
I like this debate and think it's great in concept, but Kesler shouldn't be blowing out Miller to this degree imo. Yes, Miller leaves a lot to be desired defensively, but Kesler also left a lot to be desired in terms of utilizing his teammates.
