One can always debate about what is stronger, but I wouldn't say that the NHL as of 2003 was somehow particularly devoid of prime star power.
Not devoid but compared to now I'd say it was for sure.
No one as good as Gretz and Lemieux before them, and none were as good as Crosby or McDavid were to follow.
I loved this era, it's what I grew up watching. But I think it's fair to say Nate and Connor are better than anything 1998-2004 had to offer. They are both incredible.