I say Gretz was the best of all time and nobody will even come close to getting similar numbers to him overall.
#99 is retired league wide, the Hockey Hall of Fame waived the mandatory 3 year waiting period for him and indicated they will never do so again for any player. In terms of production the guy was out of this world.
In the recent Heritage Classic game in Winnipeg, his filthy passing skills and hockey sense where 100% evident to be as he was playing far and above his other counterparts in the game. This also includes some of the best players the game has ever seen such as Jari Kurri etc
Bobby Orr was special but I never got to see him play since I am too young. His career was simply amazing but he wasn't able to live up to his full potential given the injuries.
Both Bobby Orr and Gretz have said simply put that Gordie Howe is the best ever. He had all the skills in terms of scoring, toughness, ruggedness, fighting and insane longevity.
Everybody has their own opinions but one way of looking at the numbers in favor of Gretzky was this.
He is the #1 goal scorer in NHL history and #1 in points. If you subtract every single goal he ever scored in the NHL he is still the leader in points based on assists. Ponder that for a minute and try to apply that to any other logic such as a business. The level of performance separation is incredible.
All of the players mentioned though are absolute quality players
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