Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
What’s a better universal measuring stick for elite than the HHOF? Of course Nieuwendyk was elite when he played here and not just because he won 3 cups in his career. Named to two Olympic teams is a big deal.
This discussion started with a ridiculous assertion Flames have never had an elite C, went to a needless Kevin Lowe reference and here we are.
If we are debating whether a former player is elite then yeah, whether they are in the HHOF is hugely relevant. Might there be an exception? Of course. Not in this case.
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I guess it depends on what your definition of elite would encompass. Would only a select few players be considered elite, since 1980 — Gretzky, Messier, Lemieux, Yzerman, Lidstrom, Bourque, Hasek, Roy, Brodeur, Crosby, Ovechkin, McDavid. Those players who would fit into a best in their position of all time discussion. I don't think that anyone would lump Nieuwendyk into that group. Not a slight against him but just an honest statement about his entire career (and not just his production as a rookie).