Ranking the NHL's #1 Draft Picks from 2005-2020

Okay, I think I am ready to wade into list videos at this point in the summer.
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[@d.c.courtney4953]

With careers where they're at now I still have Kane at 3. That's nothing against Matthews and McKinnon, he's just already accomplished way more and is still going strong.

[@___97]

Agreed Kane at 3 for now but in 5-10 years Matthews will pass him for sure

[@CanadianLoveKnot]

As a Leaf fan I agree. You have to look at playoffs performances and rank Kane at 3 as well.

[@d.c.courtney4953]

@@CanadianLoveKnot yup. I fully anticipate seeing Matthews pass him on this list and as the best American player ever, and I'm sure he will in time, he just hasn't played long enough yet. Hopefully you guys can get over the hump this year, Toronto is too talented to not win a cup with this squad. Tampa and Colorado finally got there, I'd like to see Matthews get one next.

[@Spilia4]

Carried to 3 cups and hes better lmao ok

[@Dorian803]

By that logic he should be above McDavid, who hasn't won yet. This isn't a list of who has won most, it's about who is the best player

[@gutchmang2430]

Man, having Matthews in front of Kane & Mack is a head scratcher

[@dvon1097]

Hell even having them in front of Stammer is kinda crazy

[@andrewptob]

Matthew should be 6th without a doubt.

[@jonah.donohue]

Mack no, Kane yes

[@jonah.donohue]

​@@dvon1097Lmao no it's not

[@deltagolavista1]

A cool twist to this type of list would be to rate just the defensemen that were taken first overall since 1970. These types of lists always favour forwards, but just looking at the 13 Defenseman taken first would be an interesting discussion.

[@bdonaghu]

Crazy that there has only been 13 defensemen taken #1 overall, and two of them have been taken by Buffalo in the last 4 years.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Especially stay-at-home defencemen. Always forgotten but always needed.

[@daftelf]

There are a couple dmen picked #2 who turned out more valuable than the overall pick too.

[@MiroHeinonen]

@@bdonaghu The whole list: Barry Gibbs, Rick Pagnutti (he had no games played in the NHL), Denis Potvin, Greg Joly, Rick Green, Rob Ramage, Gord Kluzak, Wendel Clark, Roman Hamrlík, Ed Jovanovski, Bryan Berard, Chris Phillips, Erik Johnson, Aaron Ekblad, Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power.

[@lequinow]

Could also keep the 2005-2020 time frame, but rank the defensemen picked the earliest in each draft.

[@Vertius_x]

Kane has to be #3. Multiple cups and individual awards. Over PPG in over 1100 regular season games. Almost PPG in over 130 Playoff games. He just put up 92 points in 78 games at 32/33. Dude has just been a consistent monster his whole career.

[@raymondrahim9591]

That’s valid since thg said at the beginning that the list is going to favour for the older more experienced players

[@nova7747]

@Eddy Edwards you wouldn't know what it takes to win multiple Cups.

[@paytonmacdonald1409]

@@nova7747 None of us do. What's your point?

[@Kmartsmart]

I agree he should be 3

[@sagedemko8696]

Scored a Stanley cup winning overtime goal too boot guys a legend

[@vincentfloritto473]

And to think that we missed out on a completely healthy Sidney Crosby and he’s still #1

[@Salmaan99]

Crosby was very much on pace for 3 straight ~130 point seasons from 2010-2013 and they were cut short due to injury and lockout. And all that was in a much lower scoring era than now. We were robbed from seeing a prime Crosby absolutely torch the league. Crosby had 6 100 point seasons and he probably should've had like 10.

[@Katie-hb8iq]

It's hard to say because he has so many more years advantage on the other players - we know exactly what his full career looks like. If a player like McDavid or Matthews eventually win more Harts, Ted Lindsays, Art Rosses, Rockets, and eventually win multiple Stanley Cups, etc. it will become very blurry as to who is actually better. In both McDavid and Matthews case, they've had multiple shortened seasons to contend with, which is not great for players who still haven't been in the league that long. Matthews is on a scoring pace right now to be the 3rd highest goals per game player, and with his numbers going up each season, it's not difficult to imagine he might challenge Lemieux or Bossy but he's probably going to remain the 3rd highest goal scorer barring major injuries - that's basically the floor.

[@aussiecanuck3628]

Was going to like this comment but it has 87 likes

[@countrystud1986]

@@Salmaan99 Poor comment. Place Crosby in the Dead Puck era of 1997 to 2004, and you'd be saying COMPLETELY different things. The leauge scoring REALLY opened up in 2005-2006. It's not like he started his career in trap systems and no goal scoring. You can't just go 'yeah but this, yeah but that'. He's in the right spot, and also, he's not the only great player to miss a lot of time.

[@RRaquello]

​@@countrystud1986 Well, scoring opened up a little, but not really that much. During Crosby's career, we saw a player leading the league in scoring with 87 points. It's picked up a lot in the last couple of years, much more than it did early in Crosby's career.

[@kieranperreaultdit-morin9262]

I love that comparison to Yzerman for Crosby, I believe that was his favourite player growing up too

[@theodorebelmont7922]

I'd put Sid over Yzerman just because he's been the face of the league and been the undisputed best player in the league for most of his career. Stevie was always behind Wayne n Mario and even Messier in his own era.

[@jeffjagoda1614]

Would be cool to do a list of top draft steals

[@F615yo]

amazing idea! Biggest STEAL of the draft. Expectations versus result Do it Shannon :)

[@matthewcarpenter4909]

Jaccob Slavin and Aho must be on that list

[@chipzay]

Jake Guentzel

[@genericstain]

Brayden Point going in the third round…

[@philtorrez4198]

Ondrej Palat

[@GvirusUser]

The one thing I wish we could've seen was a Stanley Cup matchup with Chicago and Pittsburgh in their primes. Kane/Toews vs Crosby/Malkin would've been fantastic. Just goes to show how quickly things can turn around for franchises who draft correctly

[@theodorebelmont7922]

Absolutely

[@dylanroot6401]

I just can't put Matthew's at 3rd. I think 6th is more fitting given the lack of playoff success compared to the three guys directly below him. I know hockey isn't a one man sport but Toronto has been a consistently under performing team all around and Matthew's has yet to step up big in the playoffs like some of those other guys have. Will he eclipse the three below him? Probably, I wouldn't bet against him having an overall stellar career but right now he's just not there

[@justingray3101]

He was great this year in the playoffs against Tampa, just couldn’t get it done unfortunately

[@politicalbandwagon4989]

@@justingray3101 Yeah but in 5 straight game 7’s he doesn’t have a single goal. You need to step up during those moments. I barely noticed he was even playing during game 7.

[@moseslee87]

agreed - id give him 3rd in a few years if he follows his current trajectory

[@krazyshady902]

Awww muffin. This is about the player not the team. Go cry elsewhere

[@ajbolt7]

@@krazyshady902 but Stamkos’s role on the Lightning was a factor listed by Shannon?

[@johky]

Top 20 all time #1 picks would be a great video! Would love to see it!

[@oilersridersbluejays]

And the weird thing is that Gretzky would not appear on that list.

[@thpisland2423]

#1 Is Mario easily

[@robertchflynn]

@@thpisland2423 Lemieux on his own mega generational superstar tier, then Ovechkin, Crosby, Lafleur and McDavid on the next superstar tier...

[@daftelf]

@@thpisland2423 did Mario's not even number one on his own.... .... Ahhh.. almost got you there didn't I.

[@RRaquello]

@@robertchflynn You forget Denis Potvin. I'd have him ahead of everyone but Mario, and the includes McDavid. Crosby would be an argument. Mario first, Potvin second, Crosby third, but I could also go with Mario first, Crosby second, Potvin third.

[@johnelsliger6796]

Kane has to be # three (3) and Stamkos at four (4) just on merit of Stanley cups and points , Great video ... Go back 10 more years ... interesting ..

[@stanleyfranks9891]

indeed!!! #CupsMatter

[@ryaneldred55]

Putting Matthews and MacKinnon up above either of Kane or Stamkos is just showing too much recency bias. Especially Kane, no Idea how he doesn't have him locked at 3.

[@aeroluckyagent3833]

@@ryaneldred55 idk how he doesn't get #1 let alone #2. I can understand crosby #1 and Kaner #2 but there is some bias.

[@willyb9572]

So then it would just be a list on team success with these players?? its a PLAYER rank

[@johnelsliger6796]

@@ryaneldred55 Kane has to be THREE (3) - agree Well said !

[@sunileddu5847]

I'd take Kane at 3, Stamkos at 4, and then Matthews at 5.

[@csanadhorvath]

yep

[@deltagolavista1]

Agree. Recently bias probably has Matthews higher than he should. I’d even go so far as to drop him below Stammer who has 2 Stanley Cups and two Rockets (one a 60 goal season). But not my list 😜

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@deltagolavista1 how about the fact that Stamkos *NEVER* won a Hart, Lindsay nor back-2-back richards, also Stamkos hit 60 goals in 82 games, Matthews did it in 9 less games

[@BezJones]

Kane at 3, Stamkos at 4, MacKinnon at 5 for me

[@SpaceForce635]

I would have switched Kane and MacKinnon.

[@SneakyBanks]

agreed that's where I disagree aswell

[@TheBoyer19]

It's recency bias, I think everyone struggles with that

[@marcussilva4011]

Depends on how you judge it mack is obviously the better player but what a pick kane was for the hawks

[@SpaceForce635]

@@marcussilva4011 Better player right now, sure. Kane in his prime compared to MacKinnon I pick Kane.

[@humptydumpy8029]

Kane was a better player than Makinnon

[@scottlarsh3119]

I wish Crosby had stayed healthy. His numbers would be amazing

[@oilersridersbluejays]

They still are, and he still has a few seasons left in him I think. Helluva career either way.

[@chickenfkeryay]

I dont care about his numbers as much as his trophies. 2 more art ross and at least 1 more hart. Its possible ovechkin still wins his 1 hart even with a healthy crosby.

[@robertyoung692]

@@chickenfkeryay Dont think so Ovechkin had 50 first place votes to Crosby's 46 that year. If Crosby plays those 12 games he would've won it

[@chickenfkeryay]

@@robertyoung692 Interesting to hear that. I need to go look at the voting again.

[@RRaquello]

@@robertyoung692 Any time Ovechkin won a Hart Trophy over a healthy Sidney Crosby, it was proof tht most of the writers voting on that trophy don't know shit about hockey.

[@pavelbure7217]

No way Mackinnon is ahead of Kane.

[@darcyhebert2181]

Loved this list, keep this kind of content up, really like this for you

[@MaverickWall238]

Rankings videos in the summer hit different. Keep it up Shannon

[@oilersridersbluejays]

It just makes me wish the regular season was starting tomorrow lol.

[@jordangraff2254]

As an Oiler fan, I know this list is both gonna hurt my feelings and make me feel damned good....

[@evan2561]

that but like RNH shulda been higher then dhalin and he is a top 6 fwd not a 3rd liner like he said LMAO

[@Greenfrom3]

@@evan2561 5 on 5 he kinda is more of a 3rd line player production wise. He is great on the special teams. But I don't have a problem with his placement. He doesn't feel like a #1 overall pick at all when I watch him

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Well I never cared for Yakupov and I was quite angry that they didn’t draft Morgan Reilly or Ryan Murray that year. As for RNH, I think he could have fairly been placed a little higher. Sure, he doesn’t have the point/game stats that most of the other players have, but he is one of the best two-way defensive centres in the NHL. Hall is/was so up and down and the unconfirmed rumours of his being a locker room cancer (not surprised if he was or wasn’t), I still think we didn’t get enough return for him in that trade. But, that was some dark times and they seem far behind (finally). McDavid? I would have placed him 2nd behind Crosby as well. When or if the Oilers win a cup or two, then I would put McDavid ahead of Crosby and even then, I think I would almost still want to put Crosby ahead. Really, having McDavid and Draisaitl (although not a 1st overall) as well as an underrated defensive forward in RNH on the same team makes me feel very fortunate and optimistic that the future looks bright. I know there are a lot of Oilers haters out there because of the high draft picks and I could care less. Chances are, they were Oilers haters before anyway. And cheering for a team that was at or near the basement for a decade was an extremely dark and frustrating time for such a large and loyal fan base. Perhaps we will get rewarded with a Stanley Cup or two or three, perhaps we won’t. But, we are truly blessed either way and I’m enjoying the ride, however how long or how far it goes.

[@chickenfkeryay]

@@oilersridersbluejays Oilers will be fine with a good goalie. Personally i think cambell is a HUGE upgrade

[@jordangraff2254]

@@chickenfkeryay our goaltending got younger by literally 10 years at starter and backup.... I'm not complaining at all.... I think Campbell's numbers will improve in Edmonton as well, I feel the defense is better... Not by much, but better... And he has a very very good young backup who's already proven himself capable of playing quite well at the NHL level.... Do I think there's still gonna be some 5-4 and 6-5 games? Yep.... But there's gonna be more 3-1 games with Campbell and Skinner.... And a full year with Woodcroft behind the bench should be exciting.... Not to mention Bouchard, McLeod, Broberg and Holloway coming through and establishing themselves (Bouchard already proving he's very very good)

[@not2tees]

I am a hockey fan light, so I enjoyed the fun of the list. Thanks for your in fact sporting attitude, Shannon.

[@thenhl1015]

What I love about these lists and videos is how much things change in a year. Some guys have moved up this list in just a year. A testament to how good those players' development has gone.

[@tdfmtig]

Idk Mackinnon hasn’t accomplished as much as Patrick Kane or Steven stamkos and it’s not even close.

[@bobjones3069]

He has done more at 26 then either of those to had at that age. They are 32 an 33 respectively. McKinnon will surpass them by 30

[@tdfmtig]

@@bobjones3069 Possible still waiting on him to get 100 points though even Kaprizov can do that

[@levidecroce6036]

@@tdfmtig He’s been on a 100 point pace over 82 games in like all of the last 5 seasons. He’s also gotten 99, 97, and 93 points if I’m remembering right.

[@wrocha514]

@@bobjones3069 bad take he's got one ring at 26 and Kane had 3 by 27

[@bobjones3069]

@@wrocha514 I didn't mention anything about team. I'm not sure why you are bringing up team accomplishments. What does that have to do with anything?

[@TheAugust41]

Hey THG, You should rank your favorites videos to do (list, reviews, line up analysis, NOTD, 32 teams subject, etc)!

[@jsullivan5823]

Thanks for the fun list! Thanks again man!

[@Feitan_val]

Honestly can’t figure out how people complain about these lists, it’s just for fun. Love the videos Shannon, I’ll keep watching if you keep making them!

[@mickeros8630]

It is fun to argue ;) I would say this list is a bit weird, because Shannon argues against his own logic. Is the list based on the best career so far, the best player right now, the best career + potential or just Shannons favorite players? Either way it is weird to say that newer players have a disadvantage and then put Hischier and Hughes before Hall with a Hart trophy and Matthews before Kane. And then have Lafreniere below Erik Johnsson. Lists are fun but are better with consistency :)

[@csanadhorvath]

He says he is basing it off of career up to this point, and then puts Dahlin above Nugent-Hopkins. How can you NOT argue? He contradicts himself ffs 😂

[@Feitan_val]

You guys are completely overthinking it. It simply is for fun.

[@csanadhorvath]

@@Feitan_val still, putting a guy that has never won a first round playoff series, over guys that won 2 and 3 championships is crazy. Maybe in 3 year? Lets revisit this then, sure. 1. Crosby 2. Kane 3. Stamkos 4. McDavid 5. Matthews 6. MacKinnon 7. Tavares 8. Ekblad

[@LurchyScott]

@@csanadhorvath I'd probably switch Stamkos and McDavid. Yes Stamkos has two cup rings but Connor McDavid is.....well it's Connor McDavid lol. He might not have the 2 cup rings but his individual hardware after what? 6 or 7 seasons is crazy.

[@fabiansusa7295]

Awesome video. You should do 2nd overall picks or best goalies from each year.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I like both ideas. I think the goaltender one would be really interesting as they aren’t often drafted in the 1st round and even much more rarely drafted 1st overall.

[@Gh0w]

This would be great

[@swedreamhack5308]

Love these types of lists, I would want to see a ranking of the 1st round D-men and goaltenders from the same time span. Tough to rank Matthews, I'll be the one that would have the guys at 4-5 ahead of Matthews as it is right now. I honestly would have Kane ahead of MacKinnon too, but that can change in a year or two.

[@pineapple97]

Really fun list! I always enjoy the THG list videos. It doesn't matter if I agree with him or not.

[@bdonaghu]

Dahlin really came into his own this past season. Excited to see how he follows it up playing with Power (not necessarily on the same pairing) for a full season.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I really like his game. Excellent player. I think the future is getting brighter in Buffalo and deservedly so.

[@oceanshrugs9235]

Two #1 pick D-men as a pairing would be fun though lol

[@bdonaghu]

@@oceanshrugs9235 Both Dahlin and Power are left sided D, but Dahlin did spend a lot of the season on the right side last season, so it is possible we will see a Dahlin-Power pairing.

[@mrstuartpmurray]

@@bdonaghu He said he prefers being on the right, certainly attacking anyway

[@SverigeiSverige]

@@danevertt3210 Orr

[@brianp7273]

A little bit of recency bias for MacKinnon in my opinion, but Kane and Stamkos should be ahead of him. MacKinnon doesn’t have a MVP, 100 point season, Richard, Conn Smythe, or multiple cups. Stamkos and Kane each have at least 3 of those. In fact, I don’t know where you put MacKinnon over those guys on any career stat. Perhaps this is a projection of where Mac is going??

[@flarrfan]

He's certainly good enough to be ranked there after a few more seasons like the last few we've seen, but not yet.

[@co_snowy]

career stat is one thing, if you have any decent pair of eyes you know why Mackinnon is above those guys, he's better in all areas of the game right now, got snubbed on a couple awards too but you wont mention that haha or this year took time off he normally wouldn't so he's be healthy for the playoffs, 88 in 65 games isn't light he would have easily hit 100 haha

[@JSauer21]

Idk I would put him between the two personally; Kane, MacKinnon, then Stamkos. He also does a lot of things Stamkos and Kane can't, but it's all subjective between the 3

[@andrewburney8075]

Awards don't mean everything, Mack's a monster and completely takes over games. Has been dominant for 5 seasons now so it's not like it's recency bias

[@iCipher]

@@co_snowy except he seems never to be healthy for a full season at least the last few i remember

[@azaz911c]

Crosby definitely deserves no. 1. McDavid is the most spectacular player on the list, but Crosby is the best overall and most accomplished player. In a few years, McDavid may be no. 1.

[@EnderSword]

He kind of tipped of his final conclusion at the start of the video talking about full career etc... but yeah if you did it 10 years from now, we'll see. I do think part of it too is the 'Crosby makes everyone better' effect, and McDavid isn't quite that guy, so want to see years from now if he's the franchise guy Crosby is.

[@silntstl]

@@EnderSword in ten yrs Crosby will long since be retired. Of course McDavid will be rated #1.

[@jasperwoodard8134]

It's really useful for making these videos that you're left-handed

[@danemcallister5699]

Great video Shannon!

[@killshot7584]

Love The Videos!

[@charlesvandyke4112]

Sorry Hockey Guy… I just cannot put McKinnon or matthews above patty kane just based off longevity and cups alone.

[@bradleynugent4991]

im an avs fan and i would put crosby 1, kane 2, stamkos 3 and MacKinnon 4, McDavid and Matthews can stay 5 and 6 until they win something besides an individual award

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@bradleynugent4991 the funny thing is we are not ranking these players based off of how well their teams did, we are ranking based off of how talented and good they have been in the NHL, therefore MacKinnon should never be ranked above McDavid and Matthews

[@bradleynugent4991]

@@LETZGONHLdraft the funny thing is that’s my opinion and you don’t get a say in my opinion and until they win a cup they are bums in my book

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@bradleynugent4991 so would you call Jarome Iginla a bum just because he didnt win a cup?

[@JSauer21]

Thanks for blessing us by turning MacKinnon's career all by yourself Shannon, from all Avs fans

[@p-aranger9174]

The top 20 #1 draft picks of all time is a worthwhile video that would fit nicely into early September!

[@doaftheloaf]

i'd have auston at 5, until he has any playoff success. on talent he's at 3. but on talent, 97's ahead of 87, yet sid's won 3 cups and connor hasn't won a third round game. i'm pretty much agreed on the rest of the list.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

It really depends. I think it was all ranked quite fairly. If the Oilers win one cup, I would still want to put Crosby ahead of McDavid. If the Oilers win two (or more) cups then I would put McDavid ahead of Crosby I think not just winning a cup but winning multiple cups is the only way anyone could beat or meet Crosby on any such list. Point totals definitely help though. It’s subjective so no sense in anyone getting offended really despite team allegiances.

[@doaftheloaf]

@@oilersridersbluejays as a habs fan, I have no one on the list. we’ll see what slafkovsky can do.

[@chickenfkeryay]

@@doaftheloaf I think he's going to be really good. I dont care if he plays 20 games and is a scratch the rest of the season.

[@doaftheloaf]

@@chickenfkeryay I do. that would ruin his development. if he’s not playing here, send him to the AHL. but unless he’s really struggling, I think he’s up all year. where in the lineup he plays is anyone’s guess, but MSL will give him chances to succeed, like with caufield last year.

[@EnderSword]

I agree with this, I almost forgot about him and was confused when a Toronto logo went up. When he put Stamkos in 6th I was like, yeah I mean there's so many good players that's fair....wait, Matthews, No, for sure for sure below Stamkos.

[@zacharywoodward5167]

What’s the criteria for this list? No way Stamkos is lower than 4th. 1. Crosby 2. McDavid 3. Kane 4. Stamkos 5. Matthews 6. MacKinnon Matthews and MacKinnon are interchangeable. Still liked the vid tho.

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

MacKinnon is a billion times better defensively than McDavid, so MacKinnon > McDavid.

[@jkliao6486]

There isn't a criterion, it's what Shannon feels like. It's all subjective and there is no right and wrong.

[@Peacy27]

Shannon, those list video are absolutely amazing! My only concern, I'd switch Mackinnon and Stramkos.

[@kohlgilbert]

A fun list to think about yourself. I would probably take Nugent-Hopkins at 10 and maybe Lafreniere a couple of spots higher at 13 or so. Great video!

[@zackstevenson266]

I am a Devils fan, but should Jack and Nico be ahead of RNH and Hall at this moment?

[@InsignificantNick]

No

[@nicolasgendreau9277]

i'd put hall over hischier, but not over Hughes, and RNH below those players (Habs fan btw, so no bias haha)

[@rileypontillo8610]

Perhaps, the upside for the two young guns in the next three years is significantly higher than for the older fellas?

[@doaftheloaf]

@@nicolasgendreau9277 hughes is just hitting his stride now. i expect multiple 100 point seasons before he's done, if he can stay healthy enough. hischier seems more like he'll be a 2 way 70 point type. hall has been a very frustrating player.

[@kyledouglas1394]

I would slide Hall above them but I do think that both should be higher than RNH

[@abovewater6918]

I'm sure the comments section for this will be super friendly, everyone will get along, and no one will get mad at Shannon

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I’m not mad at all personally. I half expected Crosby to be ahead of McDavid and I think that is the fair and accurate rating, at least until the Oilers win a cup, if they win a cup.

[@abovewater6918]

@@oilersridersbluejays Nah I didn't specifically mean the Crosby/Mcdavid thing. It was more just a light-hearted comment cause whenever Shannon makes lists, there's usually a couple people who lose their shit haha

[@johnwhite8535]

I think a list of the top third round draft picks could be interesting. Some years a third round pick will become a star where in other years nobody picked in the third round will turn out to be remarkable.

[@andrewjmschroeder]

Love these kinds of videos and comparing to my lists! Very close to my list actually: 16. Yakupov 15. Lafreniere 14. Johnson 13. Dahlin 12. Hischier 11. Nugent-Hopkins 10. Hughes 9. Hall 8. Ekblad 7. Tavares 6. Stamkos 5. Matthews 4. Kane 3. MacKinnon 2. McDavid 1. Crosby

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Pretty fair list all around in my opinion. I know my Oilers logo gives me away, but I think Crosby 1st and McDavid 2nd is accurate and fair. If the Oilers win a cup (or two) with McDavid, then I would maybe put McDavid 1st. McDavid looks like he would eclipse Crosby speaking from a points perspective. But, I think Crosby could be a point/game player up until he retires. Can McDavid have as much gas in the tank? I would like to think so but no one has a crystal ball. Until the Oilers win a cup (which is looking more and more possible), McDavid rightfully will place behind Crosby. No one can argue that.

[@EnderSword]

It's gonna be an interesting career because often the super fast skater guys don't have that 20 year career. I think other factors too are gonna be team dynamics, It felt odd this year with him and Draisaitl kind of seemingly bitching and moaning and seeming like they wanted to bail. But obviously turned it around. But not sure he's quite the team leader some others are. Same thoughts on Matthews, nothing about him seems like a leader or anything, and i think that makes the difference between best player and best franchise player, like your actual best pick for the team.

[@RRaquello]

To go back a long way, McDavid is kind of like Lafleur and Crosby is kind of like Trottier. The only difference is that Lafleur was a wing, but back in those days, there wasn't the bias towards centers that there is now. Remember that Gordie Howe & Bobby Hull were both wings, and nobody said, "Well, they're not as good because they weren't centers." I remember arguments of Trottier vs. Lafleur, who was better. Lafleur was the speedy, spectacular guy, like McDavid. Trottier was the great all-around guy. Then Gretzky came along and ended all arguments as to who was best. I think, in judging their entire careers, Trottier would come out ahead of Lafleur in most arguments, and I think in the end, Crosby will come out ahead of McDavid.

[@theodorebelmont7922]

@@RRaquello did u notice that after Gretzky came that mostly the best player in the league was a center? Gretzky, Lemieux, Messier, Yzerman, Sakic, Forsberg, Lindros, Crosby, McDavid

[@RRaquello]

​@@theodorebelmont7922 I started watching hockey about 10 years before Gretzky came into the NHL, and the guys considered the best players in those 10 years were Orr, Lafleur and Trottier, though many would have considered Bobby Clarke the best for a couple of years. Orr was a defenseman, Lafleur a winger and Clarke & Trottier centers. But before that, if you go backwards the previous two decades, the best players probably would have been Richard then Howe, then Hull, all wings. The best centers in those years would have been Beliveau, Mikita and Esposito, who were not far off from being the best,. So the idea that the best player always has to be a center is relatively new. Some guys you watch, like McDavid, and I think definitely Matt Barzal, might be better as wings, but the prestige is in being a center and those guys would take it as a demotion and wouldn't like it.

[@ezechielladouceur7284]

I feel your pain with Auston Matthews name... I ALWAYS put an "I" instead of an "O" for my draft order. #16 Nail Yakupov #15 Erik Johnson #14 Alexis Lafreniere (Because we don't know if Laffy is a bust yet, while Johnson never became the #1 pick and we know it) #13 RNH #12 Taylor Hall (He's not constant enough... while Dahlin has proven to be a top pair defenseman) #11 Rasmus Dahlin #10 Nico Hischier #9 Jack Hughes #8 John Tavares (Because Ekblad had a bigger impact on his team than Tavares on his teams)(And as you said Ekblad is underrated, while in my opinion Tavares is overrated so...) #7 Aaron Ekblad #6 Nathan MacKinnon (He still has some work to do to prove he can be a Top 5) #5 Auston Mattews (The series... do I have to say more) #4 Steven Stamkos (The injuries makes him look more bad than he really is... I think he had a bigger impact on his team than MacKinnon and Matthews because of his long career... but in a few years if everything goes according to plan Stamkos will be out of the Top 5) #3 Patrick Kane (3 Cups... in 6 years ! And he's as relevant as he was back there still) #2 Connor McDavid (0 Cups... And still has a young career) #1 Sidney Crosby (3 Cups, 2 Olympic Gold, most complete player in the league... he is so good that even now the penguins think they have a shot at the cup if he is on the team... He is a living legend) Honestly I respect your top 16, and the funniest thing is some of the changes I made on your list is because of what you said. Like Lafreniere being one position higher is because of how you spoke about the bust... and I was thinking yeah... but Laffy cannot be seen as a bust so, logically he should be higher than the two sure thing busts. Nice exercise ^^ I had fun

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

why do you keep mentioning cups? we are ranking who is the best 1st overall picks not who has had the most *team success*. And what do you mean by "the series" Matthews' playoff points excluding 2017-18 = 16-15-31 pts in 32 games, which is pretty great Matthews' playoff points excluding 2021 playoffs and 2018 playoffs = 15-11-26 pts in 25 games like if this is purely based off of talent Matthew is easily 3rd.

[@ezechielladouceur7284]

@@LETZGONHLdraft And still, he is not a factor. If he was that great he'd be a factor when all comes down to it, he misses something that the 4 guys I put over him proved they have. Do I think that he will never ever be in th top 3, no. I just don't think he's there yet. Plus the fact that you have to take off some playoff to make your point proves he is not there yet. And the reason why I put the playoffs in the "balance" is because the way a player is in the playoff matters a lot. If the player is good in season but kinda disappear in the playoff where the pressure is doubled you cannot put him as high as a guy like Crosby or Kane that proved times and times again that they can elevate their game in time of intense pressure.

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@ezechielladouceur7284 kane's career by the time he was Matthews' age wasnt as good

[@ezechielladouceur7284]

@@LETZGONHLdraft Kane was 21 when he won his first Stanley cup. He had 88 points in 82 games of regular season AND 28 points in 22 games of playoff. If you want to compare age… at 24 Kane was winning his 2nd Stanley cup. He had 55 pts in 47 games and 18 pts in 21 game of playoff… so I’m sorry but at the same age Kane did a lot better then Matthews. I know Matthews has 2 rocket Richard trophy but individual achievement in a team sport is not as important. Has I said the fact that Matthews is not a “series” player puts him a little lower. The last playoff he was better and I’m sure he’s gonna get better but for now he is not top 3 in my opinion.

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@ezechielladouceur7284 Kane seasons proj. 82 games (19-24 year old seasons): S1 (19) = 21-51-72 pts, 18:22 toi/gp S2 (20) = 26-46-72 pts, 18:40 toi/gp S3 (21) = 30-58-88 pts, 19:12 toi/gp S4 (22) = 30-52-82 pts, 19:17 toi/gp S5 (23) = 23-43-66 pts, 20:12 toi/gp S6 (24) = 40-56-96 pts, 20:03 toi/gp Matthews seasons proj. 82 games (19-24 year old seasons): S1 (19) = 40-29-69 pts, 17:38 toi/gp S2 (20) = 45-38-83 pts, 18:08 toi/gp S3 (21) = 45-43-88 pts, 18:33 toi/gp S4 (22) = 55-39-94 pts, 20:58 toi/gp S5 (23) = 65-39-104 pts, 21:33 toi/gp S6 (24) = 67-52-119 pts, 20:37 toi/gp Kane individual awards (19-24 year old seasons): - Calder - Smythe - All-Rookie Team - 1st All-Star Team Matthews individual awards (19-24 year old seasons): - Calder - 2x Richards - Hart - Lindsay - 1st All-Star Team - 2nd All-Star Team - All Rookie Team - 2x Hart Finalist (including Hart win) - 2x Lindsay nominated (including Lindsay win) Playoff stats 24 year old seasons in round 1= Matthews = 5-4-9 pts in 7 games Kane = 0-5-5 pts in 5 games

[@larslan1975]

100% on point! Great list.

[@nickcoffee486]

Shannon I think you nailed it

[@diggergeensen860]

No arguments here. On a side note…That Oilers Jersey makes me remember the underdog years for the Oilers. Far enough out of their dynasty that they were actually likeable again as a Canucks fan, who at that point was just cheering for the Cup to come home to Canada. They were underdogs, that were basically labelled a “farm team”, due to always losing their best players over financial reasons. The talks of the team being moved etc. They were easy to cheer for, because everything seemed to be working against them….Yet when they would get in the playoffs they managed some pretty exciting upsets. The incredible Curtis Joseph performances were a thing to behold. The 1998 upset against Colorado, where he basically wasn’t going to be denied . The Marchant overtime winner to upset Dallas. And later the Cinderella run to the finals in 06. I thought they were the better team than Carolina. The Roloson injury was just devastating. Anyway I’m not an Oilers fan - first, and foremost, but them jerseys did provide some exciting moments IMO.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I was a teenager in the late 90s and loved those series in 1997 and 1998. It was pretty exciting and the first excitement I had since the late dynasty wins I remember in 1988 and 1990. There were some dark times after and the always-present losing players for next to nothing and the thinly-veiled threats of relocation. Watching the Nordiques and Jets go south really had me worried that the Oilers were next. Thank God it never happened.

[@vertigov5303]

The biggest thing that bit the Oilers were there was not a bonafide obvious superstar in the three years run that they had. Hindsight is 20/20, but Edmonton hit the skids at the worst possible time.

[@kitrulfer9406]

It worked out eventually. 4th times the charm

[@brucemckinlay9739]

Yup they sucked at the worst time. Obviously made up for it in 2015 but they were trying to not suck that year lol.

[@billbill3915]

@@brucemckinlay9739 The spittle flying outrage over the Oilers getting high picks is what landed them McDavid at the end of the day. If they didn't change the draft lottery that year, the Oilers don't get McDavid. It's hilarious.

[@curtisk595]

So true … so many people think that the number 1 pick will be a Superstar … many times they are just a solid player and only a special few reach the Crosby/ McDavid etc elite status. I might be older but the Alexander Daigle draft - he was seen to be the next Guy Lafleur … and had the famous line “nobody remembers who is the second pick” (Pronger - who obviously became a more accomplished player).

[@lindsaywilliams6918]

Loved the video

[@Nerio27]

I premade my own list and had the exact same top 8. It's really tough ranking some of those players multiple spots down but it's more of a reflection of the company they keep.

[@marlinisgreat]

Man that’s a tough list. I could see most of the top 6 switching around except for 1 and 2. I think Kane has got to be top 4 and that’s from a blues fan.. idk

[@joe.osullivan]

The top 6 is really difficult. Personally I would change the order slightly, mostly based on Cups. It's a team sport, but winning a Cup as someone of that high caliber also shows leadership and development. My list then would be: 1. Crosby (Adding in Ovi I would have him here) 2. McDavid 3. Kane 4. Stamkos 5. Matthews 6. MacKinnon Doesn't mean in 5 years this would be my ranking, but if they all retired today this is where I think they would be.

[@Matthew_McDonald9847]

I think I would have mack and matthews over stamkos but that’s a good list

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I would put Kane and McKinnon at 3 and 4 interchangeably. If the Oilers win the cup, I would still struggle to put McDavid ahead of Crosby, unless the Oilers win two or more cups, if that happens.

[@chickenfkeryay]

My same ranking

[@stanleyfranks9891]

@@oilersridersbluejays I like Turtles….

[@mikel1888]

This is a great video idea!!!

[@CaptainCanada92]

I like the list overall there was one or two players I would have flipped but that's a minor difference of opinion. Good job!

[@oceanshrugs9235]

Shannon chose violence with this video lol. Haven't watched it yet but I know the comment section will be a looooad of fun lol

[@patch8376]

I like Hischier but don't know if I'd have him ahead of Nugent-Hopkins and EJ. I wouldn't have Dahlin ahead of them either. I'd have Dahlin 1 higher than Laf.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I agree but I am biased. Take what I say with a grain of salt.

[@MikeS29]

My thoughts are you are spot on. Arguments can be made, as noted. Here's an idea: Do this same thing and rank the Number 2 picks of each year! Thanks, Shannon.

[@MrUltimateSF]

I'd love to see a video ranking entire drafts over the past decade or two. Or top 10 drafts of all time O.O

[@love4adventurz]

Alright let me throw a hot take since why not haha. For me Matthews would be number 6, 5 Stamkos, 4 Mackinnon, 3 Kane, 2 McDavid and Crosby 1 the reason being is that Matthews has done great in the regular season but has not gotten the team past the first round yet and part of the blame is on him, whereas Stamkos, Kane and Mackinnon have lead their teams to championships and played important roles in those wins

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

team success doesnt = a player being worse nor better. individual success and individual awards do however

[@love4adventurz]

@@LETZGONHLdraft in most cases yes but when you're drafted 1st overall the expectation is that the player drafted will lead the team to championship gold that's the ultimate goal

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@love4adventurz 1st you are expected to be a franchise changing talent. if you win a hart, lindsay, 1st all-Star Team and have amazing seasons than you have easily met expectations. the fact that rankings might matter based off of playoff success is so stupid because one player can only do so much. the ranking should be based off of: a) individual success (Awards) b) career numbers c) Talent

[@williamfischer3990]

Sidney Crosby is number one on this list for me too. Any hockey fan could say that as all around player he is still the best in the NHL.

[@doaftheloaf]

on talent, 97 is a bit ahead. but he has to put in more time to be ahead of 87. specifically, we need to see what he does with the rest of his prime years, and if he can win a cup. he's not the all-round player sid is, so i think i need to see something like a 150 point season. he's capable, but sid is probably a top 10 player all-time. that's what mcdavid has to beat. and he needs to put in more time to rank that high.

[@williamfischer3990]

@@doaftheloaf I could not agree more Connor is electrifying, but he needs to win a cup. I think of Marcel Dionne had all the talent in the world but never became a champion.

[@doaftheloaf]

@@williamfischer3990 and his little bro played like 3 years and got one.

[@krazyshady902]

I agree with this top 6 for sure. I think you got it right

[@PopShoppekid]

Discovered your channel awhile back and I now can understand why you are a Bruins fan. They show up every game, play the game the way it is supposed to be played. Their players generally are not too greedy ( taking less money so the team can stay strong for a longer period of time. Every team has very bad periods Boston included but when they do have a very good team they generally can keep very competitive longer than most clubs. Like how Toronto used to be in the Conn Smythe decades. Old Conn used to say if you can’t beat them in the alleys you can’t beat them on the ice. I am a lifetime Leafs fan. I saw them when I was very young have constant success but this now 55 years of poor management and utter nonsense through too many seasons, well I might pack it in this spring after another 1st round loss and shop for a team that plays the game the right way.

[@epichunter472]

Nuge is the Oilers Swiss army knife don't regret that pick at all and i agree with most of your list other then Nuge over Dahlin

[@hockeyfan6511]

Nuge is very very good and yeah I wouldn’t take any other player too, he stuck with the team through their worst seasons, best 2 way forward on the team, and is still very good when he isn’t putting up points. I like your comparison to him as a Swiss Army knife it makes total sense lol

[@stentorofsparta3576]

Landeskog and huberdeau went right after, what are you talking about you don’t regret the pick?

[@hockeyfan6511]

@@stentorofsparta3576 the oilers don’t need a superstar scorer it worked out in the end and we got mcdavid so everything did pan out but nuge is a very good 2 way forward and we do need better d right now and nuge does help with that on the PK and 5 on 5

[@epichunter472]

@@stentorofsparta3576 He is so underrated playing behind McDavid and Draisaitl he's there best Penalty killer, hes solid on the powerplay, you could see how much they missed him last year when he was out eith injury and is loyal to a team who hasn't had much success were most players would want out so ya i don't regret it one bit

[@stentorofsparta3576]

@@epichunter472 I’m not slandering nuge, I’m just saying landeskog and huberdeau were right there. Who doesn’t need a player like those two. For all nuge does, he’s not them. You can find players like nuge other places than 1st overall.

[@jonmendelson1104]

YES! Glad to see my #TankHardForBedard is catching on! Edit: Here's hoping my Sharks can succeed at it...I don't think we have what it takes to finish below the Arizonas or the Chicagos of the league, but the lottery can make it happen.

[@jejsemin33]

I'd throw Kane at 3, but the rest I think you nailed it. Great list Shannon

[@Footy_Fan]

People who get bent out of shape over OPINIONS over SPORTS, either need medication, or to just get a life. I make lists like this constantly. It is just fun. Don't pay any attention to those people, Shannon. You are awesome. You have taught me a lot, as well. Keep up the awesome work!

[@FC-tq1yj]

I'm an Oilers fan and neither McD nor Mathews are ahead of Stamkos and Kane. Cups matter.

[@doaftheloaf]

erik johnson has a cup. mcdavid doesn't. who was the better pick?

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

team success shouldnt matter. individual awards and success matter

[@brucemckinlay9739]

Not much of an Oilers fan....

[@FC-tq1yj]

@@doaftheloaf Kane and Stamkos don't just have one cup and neither were bit players while winning their cups. Patrick Kane's 'beast mode' is insane while Stamkos has done more on the goal scoring front than Mathews. Yes, at the end of their careers McD and maybe Mathews will likely surpass Kane and-or Stamkos... they just simply aren't there yet... and with Mathews not even making it past the first round... even with a 3-1 series lead against Montreal... he's definitely not ahead of Kane who can literally drag his team into the playoffs. Should McD and Mathews never win a cup can you really place them ahead of a guy like Patrick Kane. Let's ad in Ovenchkin... do you put Ovi at three behind McD? You can't put him ahead of Crosby cause... Cups and you can't put him below Mathews cause Mathews isn't close to beating Gretzky's career goals record.

[@LETZGONHLdraft]

@@FC-tq1yj "and maybe Mathews will likely surpass Kane and-or Stamkos" how about 1 billion percent. Matthews has already won more individual awards than Stamkos, and Matthews won a hart and Lindsay at such a younger age than Kane did.

[@graador2276]

Nuge is still underrated

[@mightymacaque]

Oh boy, this is gonna stir up some stuff

[@firstlast9707]

Fun video! McDavid is the only player who looks like he's playing down a division, so I could see him at #1. It's hard to compare almost complete careers with unfinished career. I'd go Crosby (if you want a cup, and your life depends on it, you bet on him), McDavid (he's from another planet), Kane (big game player, three cups, magic with the puck), Makinnon (he is dominant in the playoffs when it counts), Stamkos (60 goal scorer, contributed on the ice for one cup), Matthews (best scorer now and for the foreseeable future).

[@fujikokun]

Patrick Kane should be third

[@alexthebasilisk]

MacKinnon over Stamkos and Kane I do not agree with. Stamkos had better than Mac’s career high this past season as a 32 year old and has higher career PPG and more Cups.

[@tdfmtig]

It’s a popularity contest with all of the Avs players

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

@@tdfmtig By all of them, you mean MacKinnon and Makar. Don't kid yourself into thinking the Avs are talked about too much when many often underestimate them.

[@levidecroce6036]

MacKinnon has been on pace for MUCH higher than his career high, just got injured or the season got shortened. He had a slow start to his career on a bad team, otherwise their career ppgs would be the same. Stamkos has one cup for which his team wasn’t $18M over the salary cap. And of course, the only time the two faced each other, MacKinnon won.

[@alexthebasilisk]

@@levidecroce6036 we’re using injuries as an excuse now? I think Stamkos may have had a few of those himself….and now we’re dealing in hypotheticals too. It’s alright you can admit you don’t have a leg to stand on

[@levidecroce6036]

@@alexthebasilisk It’s alright, you can admit you don’t know how to read: literally 3 words over from “injuries” I said that one time he was on a way-over-100-point-pace he didn’t get 100 points because the season got shortened. You know, the pause for Covid that no one could have predicted? And if we’re counting rate of injury against the players, Stamkos has been injured much more than MacKinnon. MacKinnon is an incredibly dynamic player, controlling the game whenever he’s on the ice, who already has as many fairly won cups as Stamkos and has the better chance at winning more in the coming years. Mac wins.

[@shanedoucette9521]

Interesting list

[@ManOfTrades]

Maybe after the oilers cup this year we can bump connor up a spot! Love how you are always so unbiased. Also we all know that is THE penguins logo!

[@marcusthompson403]

Where would you have put Ovi? I'd think either 2 or 3, but I think I'd lean 2nd because we've seen how high his peak is

[@bobjones3069]

Why would anyone chime in with a random Ovie comment??? Why not mention Lemuix or Perreault??? Becouse they are not relevant to this conversation.

[@endersdragon34]

@@bobjones3069 because he is a 1st overall pick still playing today so it's easier to compare him with these guys as they have all played together, can't do that with Mario who only played with Crosby and Ovie (I think)

[@endersdragon34]

I hate the capitals but I agree with 2nd, until Matthews wins a Cup or produces Ovie like goals he's higher than everyone except Crosby.

[@CozyToad]

@@bobjones3069 Only one year before Crosby and still active. Why not discuss it? If you're not interested just don't engage with this topic, clearly others are.

[@slipperynodd578]

My top 5 is 1.Crosby 2.McDavid 3.Kane 4.MacKinnon 5.Matthews Am I saying Matthews is bad? No. But Shannon said off the top it’s based on what they’ve accomplished in their career and MacKinnon has done more. I would rather MacKinnon on my team personally but I’m not taking that into consideration on this list.

[@DropKick-yq6ub]

Ekblad, has had a real resurgence in his career. I thought it was gonna be a short one considering all the concussions ans freak injuries. I'm really happy for him and the Florida Panthers

[@artvandelay1967]

would love to see a list of 'top draft days'- ie the greatest haul of players by one team in 1 draft year. (dallas getting Heiskeinen and Robertson in the same year as an example). top 10 or 20 in the last 15years or so?

[@thesilentz4574]

Wow! Going into this video I thought for sure Patrick Kane would be easily top 3 at this point of the respective careers on this list. Surprised when I saw Mackinnon and even Mathews above Kane. I’m going to be interested where Dahlin ends up further down the road, once he’s developed more and given more time to accomplish career milestones and achievements. Personally I really like his game.

[@willie153]

would be awesome to do to do the same for picks 2, 3 , 4 , and 5 and maybe even more

[@kennethkinkel4868]

Real question is who would you start a franchise build with Makar or McDavid who is the best player in the league right now? Love to see a video on this!

[@scottgorski7541]

I love when you state what others say about you and your change of voice. Well done "Stupid Hockey Guy". Hmmm, smells like a shirt is needed

[@chriskarafinski2640]

IMO I think it is a stretch to have Matthews at 3. He has had one 60 goal season which is great, but not the player Kane/McKinnon or even Stamkos is

[@GG-ng6zm]

skill wise he’s better than them, no one has scored at a goal per game pace in the modern era not even ovechkin

[@gregc8483]

Stamkos had a 60 goal season, plus cups and longevity. I get that Matthews is fun to watch and in his prime right now, but not enough to rank that high.

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@gregc8483 in terms of skill mathews is better, he’s the better goal scorer no one ever had 51 in 50 before, and his 2 way game is the best on the list. Kane and him could be swapped but that’s about it

[@gregc8483]

@@GG-ng6zm I admit Matthews seems to be the best goal scorer. This is a tough list to sort out. If we give points for cups, scoring titles, or even break them down by American. Canadian ext.. Then we can flip flop them all day.

[@simoncohen9323]

​@@GG-ng6zmmultiple players have hit 51 in 50 he isn't the first 50 in 50 player ever

[@NESADDICT]

Fun list! As a pens fan I approve 😂

[@neithermanc1]

once i saw the timespan i knew sid would be number 1 🐧

[@isaiahwirch9389]

Shoutout on the Connor Mcdavid point prediction thg!!

[@Spetsnazty]

This list is spot on

[@SpaceForce635]

1-6 must have been difficult to order.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Really you could mix them all up and can’t really argue too much. I don’t think you could not have Crosby at 1 and McDavid at 2 though, those are pretty much givens, especially if the Oilers win a cup or two.

[@jlaw1822]

Dahlin > Hischier and I don’t think it’s close

[@stentorofsparta3576]

What exactly has dahlin done to raise himself head and shoulders above anyone?

[@rodmunch69]

Have you considered doing this same list, but instead of just #1st, it's #1st AND #2nds. Would be interesting to see how that list shakes out, how many teams made the wrong selection at #1.

[@ilai7893]

Props to you Shan for not giving into recency bias and putting McDavid as GOAT, Sid is the greatest of the era you chose

[@flarrfan]

Oh, I would, based on his production from day one. I think cup success will come eventually...Look how long Stamkos had to wait.

[@sethers9922]

Who the hell could argue against Crosby at #1? Guy just makes the whole line. Stick whoever you want with him…

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I would be a little upset actually if he was ranked behind McDavid. If the Oilers win a cup or two then maybe a guy could switch them around. The rest of the list is pretty fair I think. A guy could move a certain player up or down a spot or two but at the end of the day it’s pretty fair and accurate.

[@SpaceForce635]

As good as he is and will likely be over the next decade, I can't see Connor McDavid surpassing Sidney Crosby as having a better career.

[@danieldengL4R]

McDavid is 1000 miles ahead of Crosby. You just have to accept it. Cups don't make you a better player because the cups are a team thing. Crosby has never & will never take over a game like McDavid has done many times!

[@abrararifify]

@@danieldengL4R I mean we don't, and objectively it isn't true

[@oceanshrugs9235]

It's going to highly depend on your opinion of what makes a good player.

[@strahinjagov]

@@danieldengL4R tell me you don't watch hockey without telling me. Crosby in his prime took over games all the time.

[@GG-ng6zm]

@@danieldengL4R crosby’s two way game was and is levels ahead of mcdavid, that’s why he was so successful

[@FHL-Devils]

I think the list is spot on. The only change I would make is Hischier / Hall swap, simply because Nico has had such a tough time staying healthy, and Hall does have that Hart trophy.

[@mariusgiraffe]

Interesting idea. Thanks :)

[@cackoocacho1629]

1 - 3 looks accurate. At this point in time, I would still rate Crosby over McDavid myself. RNH at 13 behind guys like Hughes, Hischer, Dahlin, and even Hall who's Hart trophy was a fluke. RNH is the swiss army knife of the Oilers, and he is better than competent at all roles he fills. His stats don't look flashy at all, but I'd take him over 9 - 12, any day.

[@mithex8414]

Mackinnon has never hit 100 points and Matthews has done barely anything to prove himself a top talent. Having them in front of Kane is very questionable

[@stentorofsparta3576]

Mackinnon was robbed by Covid & Matthews did a 50 in 50. But sure, they’re nobody’s.

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

1. Crosby 2. Kane 3. MacKinnon 4. Stamkos 5. McDavid

[@mithex8414]

@@lelouchvibritannia4028 the best player since mario at 5 😂😂😂 give me a break

[@lelouchvibritannia4028]

@@mithex8414 McDavid is awful at defense.

[@SpaceForce635]

How has Matthews done barely anything to prove himself a too talent? Have you been asleep for 5 years?

[@EpilepticBob]

As an Oilers fan I remember being 10 or 11 around the 06 run. An, growing up most of my life the Coilers sucking, an making the 2017 playoffs I was just turning 22. Fuck, bit of a difference, in age. But being 26 now. It’s nice to some sort of success finally

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I’m lucky enough to remember a bit of the 1988 and 1990 seasons. But, got to see the dismal mid 90s with all of the big players gone or leaving and unable to land any stars because of money constraints and the never ending threat of relocation and ownership issues. The 1997 and 1998 runs were magical and I think helped partially in keeping the team in Edmonton. The early 2000s were alright as we usually made playoffs but Dallas could have pissed off (still hate that team). 2006 I was partying it up and most of that year (especially the playoffs) were memorable but probably would be more memorable if I wasn’t half cut most of the time. The darkness that followed I had no idea would last that long but we had some really shitty management and pro and amateur scouting, like drafting Yakupov. Even I said that was a big mistake not taking Morgan Rielly or Ryan Murray. But, it’s amazing how a few smart decisions in the front office can really change the makeup of a team. I don’t know how far or how long this fun ride will last, but I’m glad I can actually not only enjoy making playoffs, but also now get to enjoy deep playoff runs.

[@tylerm727]

1. Crosby 2. Mcdavid 3. Kane 4. Stamkos 5. Mack 6. Matthews 7. Tavares 8. Hughes 9. Ekblaad 10. Hall 11. Dahlin 12. Hishchier 13. RNH 14. Johnson 15. Lafrienere 16. Yakupov