who is the best hockey player ever, using an unusual performance yardstick?

Question

I believe it was Bill James and his Baseball abstract that postulated an interesting way to determine a players ability.
So in hockey, consider a player that you might think is the best ever, and then imagine a team full of that one player in his prime. For example imagine a team of 20 Gretzkys.
How would this team fare against another team made up of another great player? Lets assume that any team considered here would have average quality NHL goaltending, so we eliminate that factor.
Keep in mind that this player has to play forward and defense.
My view is that a team of Bobby Orrs would probably beat a team of any other player. Orr won the scoring title twice, something never done by any other defenceman. And he played excellent defence. He had the highest plus minus stats in history. And he could play a physical game too. A Gretzky team for example would lose to Orr because he could not play defense very well. If it is not Orr then it would have to be another D I would think.

Answer 1

I don't see how you can argue with #4, Bobby Orr. The most complete two way player ever to play.
The only possible reason I could consider not taking him would be because of the those knees. Even as tough as Orr was, half of your roster would be on IR if you had to play a season with that team!

Messier definitely. Honorable mention to Gordie, Bobby Clarke, Cam Neely. All hard nose guys who would beat you into the ground and score.

Answer 2

If there were a team of Gretzkys, there's no way in hell they would stand up against a team of Gary Robertses. He is an absolute workhorse who plays physical, rough, and hits everyone he sees.

Just imagine a whole team of Roberts. Hell, I'd be afraid to even look at him passing by!

Answer 3

in that sense - Sean Avery. Each Avery on the team will get under the skin of a different player on the opposing team. The guy can skate, score, pass, fight, hit, defend, forecheck, backcheck, anything. Not to mention all the penalties he draws. The team would be on the PP the entire game.

Answer 4

orr is the obvious answer (and you already gave it so i won't jump on that and offer some alternative views. what about cam neely (healthy) as a forward? mario at his greatest was probably a more complete player than 99 as well. (i'm talking about absolute peak, not a career). gilbert perrault (sp) at his peak was spoken of as a complete player and probably the most fluid skater ever. he was tough too, only had to fight once (golden glove boxer). it's a good question and i'll star this. i look forward to answers other than crosby pen fans

Answer 5

good question. Im not sure who it is yet but I would say someone either canadian or american. Although I love watching the europeans, a team full of Ovechkins or Kovalchuks or Datsuyks would not accomplish much. I think If you look in history I would go with Guy Lafluer, but currently I would either go with Mike Madano ( mabey Mike in 2001, he's getting a little slower) or Mabey even Marian Hossa ( which completly contradicts what I said about europeans with him being slovokian). Although as much as I hate to say it Crosby might also be a good candidate.

Answer 6

Give me a full team of Mark Messiers any day of the week. Speed, talent, power and the type of meanness that would scare anyone. He can score goals play defensive hockey, put you through the boards and carry his own team on his back.

Answer 7

Mario. the man had it all. The team of him would pound Wayne into little pieces, and outscore Orr.

Answer 8

dont forget sergei federov, the only reason he didnt win more scoring titles is because scotty bowman made him a defensive player, and he still scorred 20 pluss goals a season, plus he in his prine could out skate any player on the ice

Answer 9

Hockey players use hockey sticks -- yardsticks are too short. Sidney Crosby as declared by Gretzky.

Answer 10

Rocket Richard.