I find this topic quite amusing, as half the debate is for Crosby being the "Gretzky" of this generation based on points, and the other half is arguing he is the "Gretzky" of this generation based on his name/marketing.
Here's my 2 cents, on both topics:
1. When it comes to points, since Crosby has joined the league in 2005, he has been outscored 745-682 by Alex Ovechkin, hell, even Joe Thornton has outscored him with 708 points. Of course Crosby has suffered injuries, but when talking strictly points, he's not at the top of the ladder.
2. when it comes to his name, it is owned by CCM/Reebok for marketing, he is by far the most marketed player in North America, but do you know who else CCM/Reebok owns marketing rights to? Alex Ovechkin, and I'd have to assume, they've done their homework, and know their markets, and would probably think Ovechkin is the most well known name in Europe. So the "Gretzky" of this generation should actually be CCM/Reebok when it comes to marketing the NHL.
Crosby is an undeniable talent, but so are other players, like Ovechkin, Thornton, Toews, Stamkos, and many others. To say Crosby is the "Gretzky" of this generation is some what unfounded, and quite biased.
That's my thoughts anyways.
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