Quote:
Originally Posted by 1qqaaz
And McDavid is playing against a much more diluted talent pool. When Gretzky played, there was half as many teams in the league.
Even strength performance is another big factor to consider.
I don't think McDavid should be anywhere near the Mount Rushmore of hockey. Guys like Orr, Lemieux and Howe are also way ahead.
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Not sure I buy the argument that McDavid is playing against a much more diluted talent pool.
How many people do you think were playing hockey in the 1970’s to the 90’s? I’d bet there are substantially more now. Factor in the growth the sport has seen south of the border, ironically due to Gretzky’s influence, and I’d bet it’s not close. Then add on everything contemporary science has taught us about performance (nutrition, sleep, training, longevity, equipment). Gretzky himself has been saying for quite a while today’s player is better than it was when he played.
In Gretzky’s heyday, there were probably 2-3 guys in the league who could shoot it 100mph. There might be 2-3 guys on every team in the league now that can do that.