Quote:
Originally Posted by fotze
Kinda reminded me of that player whose last name starts with G that I cannot say because that would be stupid.
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What is wrong with making the comparison? You're not saying he's going to score at the same levels that other guy did, all you're saying is there are some similarities in their games. I've yet to see a player that passes as well, through as many people, as Gretzky, but this Guadreau kid is damn close. He makes passes work that just should never get through. He's special. I've not seen a player, that should be so easy to hit, but never get, like Gretzky was, but this Gaudreau kid is every bit as good in that manner. One area I think Gaudreau is actually better than Gretzky is skating. Gaudreau is faster and stronger on his skates than Gretzky was.
Now, saying all of that, does that make Gaudreau as good as Gretzky or likely to have the same success? No. Gretzky was a player who came along at a time when the overall talent level of the game was no where near what it is today. Half of that Oilers lineup wouldn't make today's NHL and Gretzky's scoring totals would not be near as gaudy. He would still be a dominant player in today's game, but not to the same extent he was back in the day. Gaudreau faces a much greater challenge and even with all of his gifts he is coming into a game that is much different. The game is faster. Players are bigger. Goaltenders take up half the net with their bulky equipment and are much better than those of years gone by. Gaudreau is no Gretzky, but there are some similarities in their abilities. Gaudreau will not score anywhere near the level Gretzky did, but no one ever will again. The game has evolved and it will never go back to the way it was when Gretzky was playing against guys that would struggle to make a ECHL squad now.