Quote:
Originally Posted by albertGQ
If Gretzky's career ended after his 10th season, there would be no debate. Gretzky would own the best player of all time discussions. Mario and Bobby supporters would be fewer IMO
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Despite battling Hodgkin's during his prime and needing others to tie his skates for him because of his back Lemieux would have more points than Gretzky, heck Jagr would have just past him. And if Gretzky was forced to retire because of an ailment that he first received playing in the WHA his point totals probably take a hit.
The Oilers would still win the Cup, and now it isn't proven he's capable of leading a team there like he did with the Kings. Conversely the argument that "even Gretzky couldn't win the Cup outside of Edmonton" probably doesn't exist.
It would be pretty hard to argue against a guy who made it to the finals 5 times and won it 4 times in his short career while putitng up the highest PPG ever. However, a lot of Gretzky's mystique comes from his absolute absurd point total and the celebrity status he received playing in LA. Retiring with the third highest point total and dropping down to 8th now would have to hurt him especially in future debates and all the American fans he had made are no longer there. I think him retiring after 10 years would hurt him quite a bit actually.
Would probably help Messier a lot though. Now he has the most points and 6 Cups (2 Gretzkyless).
Edit: I suppose maybe you're counting his first season with the Kings while I'm not, wouldn't really change my feelings much though.
