[CliffFletcher]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

I've never argued that this comparison is a blowout, but the numbers argue that Iginla is the better offensive player.

I agree.

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Also, we well know how Iginla turned Craig Conroy from a checking-line centre into a 70 point player. IMO, he was also the one driving the bus on Cammalleri's 50-goal season. Did Nieuwendyk make anyone better like that? (this, btw, is not a flippant question. But I can't think of anyone offhand.)

With Niewendyk centering him, Hakan Loob had a 50 goal season. His previous high was 37.

Gary Roberts blossomed as an goal-scorer (which he wasn't projected to be when he was drafted as a grinder) playing on the wing with Niewendyk, scoring his career high of 53 goals.

I'd hardly call the Dallas Stars teams he played on 'stacked'. And he was the 2nd best player on those teams, after Modano.

Here are the top 5 scorers on the Stars the season after Niewendyk joined them:

Modano 83
Verbeek 53
Niewendyk 51
Sydor 48
Hogue 43

And the season they won the Cup:

Modano 81
Hull 58
Niewendyk 55
Lehtinen 52
Zubov 51

Niewendyk's linemates that season were Langenbrunner (45 pts) and Dave Reid (17 pts)

Niewendyk helped those teams by playing big minutes against top opponents, and limiting their effectiveness. For the younger chaps here, think of him as a bigger, 30 goal-scoring Yelle. Having Niewendyk as a 1A or 2 centered enabled his teams to get great matchups for the other top guy (whether that was Gilmour, Modano, or Gomez).

It's also worth remembering there was a semi-public players revolt on the Stars after they traded Niewendyk. How often do you see that?

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

There is also the trophy case.

Nieuwendyk won the Calder. Iginla finished second in his rookie year. Both made their respective All-Rookie Teams. Both have won the Clancy. As mentioned, Nieuwendyk has a Conn Smythe, while Iginla fell one un-reviewed goal short.

I don't know why people are assuming Iginla was a shoe-in for the Conn Smythe. I don't think anyone in the league believed the Flames would have made the Finals without Kipprusoff standing on his head. I've always assumed Kipper would have won the Conn Smyth.

Again, the difference to me is the two-way play and effectiveness post-peak. For the last six or seven seasons of his career, Niewendyk was a 3/5 offense and and 4/5 defense. Unless Iginla completely transforms his game, the last six to seven years of his career will be 4/5 offense and 2/5 defense.