Who was a better player: Vincent Damphousse or Eric Staal?

[dalewood12]

Curious to read your thoughts.

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[DitchMarner]

I think Staal was considered a bit more of a true star. If we're comparing them to active players, he would be equivalent to someone like Hughes (although I think Hughes is better) whereas Damphousse would be more like a Larkin, I guess.

I think statistically Staal wins, but I wasn't a big fan of his. He seemed to mail it in quite often after a strong four or five year run after the Lockout.

When you factor in compete, intangibles, clutch factor, all-around play etc, I might be inclined to take Damphousse. But when he was on, Staal was better.

 

[Shroud of Orrin]

Vinny all day long.

Name me another player to lead his team in scoring three consecutive years on three different teams. His IQ and class made Stall look like a sod farmer….

 

[Albatros]

Vinny all day long.

Name me another player to lead his team in scoring three consecutive years on three different teams. His IQ and class made Stall look like a sod farmer….

While true, his best placement in league scoring even those three years was 18th. Staal was anyhow 6th and 7th.

 

[ijuka]

Vinny all day long.

Name me another player to lead his team in scoring three consecutive years on three different teams. His IQ and class made Stall look like a sod farmer….

When you need to use such obscure arguments, the point you're making is likely not very strong.

For this comparison, Eric Staal likely suffers simply because he played during a lower-scoring era.

 

[tarheelhockey]

lead his team in scoring three consecutive years on three different teams.

Bit of a backhanded compliment to be that guy.

 

[Hennessy]

No knock on Damphousse, who gets overlooked a lot, imo, but Staal takes this.

 

[BraveCanadian]

Staal but I think it’s close.

Damphousse was a very good player and I really liked him as a young guy on the Leafs.. but he didn’t top out as high as Staal offensively and, personally, I find his later career defensive reputation a bit made up. It is just the usual wily vet narrative.