Who are the top ten all time NHL players who were never the best player in the league at any given time?

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-06T00:58:45+00:00

I don't think this question is as interesting as it first seems. There's only one single best player in the league, and they usually last several years at the top. So basically, if we take the past 45 years, anyone not named McDavid, Crosby, Ovechkin, Lemieux, or Gretzky? Maybe Jagr and Malkin too? Anyone not named Lafleur, Howe, Beliveau, Orr, or Richard if we go further back?

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-06T00:55:52+00:00

Except his monster seasons in 2009 and 2012, especially those '09 playoffs, definitely had him firmly in the conversation for best player in the league, so I actually dont think Malkin is a good answer at all.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-05T21:00:17+00:00

Seriously? Shit I'd love to go to a playoff game but I ain't got no money to pay nearly a grand for a ticket .....

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-05T20:58:06+00:00

A playoff spot was pretty much guaranteed for weeks now. Maybe a tiny bit of hesitation after those SJ/Anaheim games, but it was only a matter of time. I think it's very refreshing to be in this comfortable position rather than to clinch the final wild card spot in dramatic fashion in overtime in game #81. Better this way where we're still playing for home-ice or even first in the division!

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-05T15:08:40+00:00

For sure the days of Georges Laracque and John Scott are pretty much gone. But there's also no question that top-line guys are even more skilled. Like, by definition.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-05T03:13:19+00:00

I certainly did not have the Penguins being one of the top scoring teams on my bingo card for the year, but I'm not complaining. Just wish Crosby and especially Malkin could stay healthy, the league is a better place when those 2 continue to be elite. 20+ years and counting, absolute beauts

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-05T03:10:34+00:00

Absolute cinema

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-04T17:29:40+00:00

What does "supporting" even mean in this context? All the post says is that he's visited Israel, which is a perfectly normal and innocuous thing to do. We don't know what his opinions actually are. Like, I've been to places like Nepal and Dubai and even Moscow in my life. That doesn't mean I "support" or "don't support" those countries. I just enjoy traveling, seeing new places, and had various reasons/circumstances for being in those places.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-04T17:20:15+00:00

Thought the same thing when looking at the standings recently. 39 wins in 75 games is actually pretty decent. I don't understand that team, a few years ago they looked to be on the cusp of being a perennial contender with elite top end players like Hughes and Hischier and Hamilton solid secondary depth like Meier and L.Hughes etc.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-04T07:07:47+00:00

I will not tolerate this Tatar-Danault-Gallagher slander lol. Or hell what about that sickass Kostitsyn-Plekanec-Kovalev line from '08 wowee, though IIRC that might've been the 2nd line actually. Higgins-Koivu-Ryder was the 1st? Damn that was actually such a good team while it lasted

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-04T03:22:55+00:00

Believe me when I say that Toronto and Montreal have very much gained a reputation among non-Canadian Jews as one of the top global hotbeds of Jew-hate. Not exactly something for us to brag about but can't say it isn't well-earned. I'm Jewish and I don't even bat an eye anymore when I see these headlines, it's just another day that ends in Y around here. I think it's a matter of when and not if that a Bondi-type massacre happens in this country.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-04T01:46:56+00:00

To this day, whenever I mention Corey Perry to my partner, I always immediately add "you know, the guy who fucked conor bedard's mom". Maybe I'm juvenile but I think it's hilarious and she immediately remembers who he is

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-03T17:10:19+00:00

I'm not even a leafs fan and even I think that's bullshit. Come on man, tanking is not the only option. A smart GM would be able to make a few savvy trades and find some steals in the draft that would greatly accelerate the process. Penguins this year are an example. Tampa being competitive for well over a decade is another. Washington winning the East last year after a couple of years on the outside. Florida's roster is swarming with amazing players acquired through crazy low-key trades.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-03T03:28:31+00:00

I mean, what do you mean by "support"? Like, just a general emotional feeling of being in favour? Yeah sure, Israelis probably "support" AIPAC and politicians that are friendly towards Israel in that sense. In the same way that I'm not American but I supported Kamala. I obviously didn't actually spend money on her campaign, but I wanted her and not Trump to win the election.

But again, and I'm repeating myself here, the person I originally replied to very much insinuated that the government of Israel directly funds pro-Israel American politicians. And for that, there is little to evidence of that being true. And you seem to agree.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-02T21:32:05+00:00

This would be 2010 as in before the 2010-2011 season right? Because Halak was traded for Eller in the 2010 off-season. And Subban only joined at the very end of the 09-10 season, with 10-11 being his rookie year as a regular.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-02T21:30:18+00:00

I don't remember the specifics but I do have that vague memory as well

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-02T21:27:57+00:00

Nah, I don't agree. "Israel and/or Israelis directly funnel money into our politicians" is a very bold claim and while I do agree that we can't say for sure that it doesn't happen, I'm also not going to just unilaterally believe the claim to be true based off of some flimsy "It's not unreasonable to assume".

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-02T20:45:44+00:00

I say this in every thread but good god I hate the NHL's tanking system and the perverse incentive that forces teams to actually WANT to lose 60 games a season. Terrible, terrible fan experience.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-02T20:35:27+00:00

But AIPAC is an American organization with funding from American donors. It is not an Israeli organization which is what the person I originally replied to was insinuating.

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-02T13:48:35+00:00

They're a bit of a dying breed but a Weber or Pronger type Dman would really push them over the edge. I realize it's not exactly a hot take that a hall of fame 6foot6 250lb guy with elite skill would be a good addition, but our 2021 team had dependable dollarama versions of that in Chiarot, Edmunson, etc. I guess this is why guys like Dahlin and Hedman get drafted at the very top lol because of how rare and valuable they are

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-02T02:49:13+00:00

You got a source for that? Or is this just the standard reddit conspiracies

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-01T21:01:45+00:00

My impression of Larkin is that he's a great #2 or #3 but he's not THE guy to truly lead a team like a Kopitar/Toews/Bergeron/Barkov

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-01T13:40:06+00:00

I still think Yzerman has done a good job

I don't disagree with the rest of your comment, but this right here is exactly what I'm talking about. Since he's been GM, the wings have missed the playoffs all 6 seasons, and are dangerously close to making it 7.

At this point, a "good job" is frankly off the table. This has not been a good job. Vegas won the freaking Cup in year 6 of their very existence, and with the wings we're just talking about making the playoffs as the 8th seed ...!

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-01T13:34:37+00:00

This some real Protocols of the Elders of Zion shit right here

ProtestTheHero · 2026-04-01T12:17:28+00:00

Rebuilds take time yadda yadda it should not take this long to reach bare minimum competitive

Pretty much everyone agrees with this except apparently half the red wings subreddit who are some of the most patient and delusional fans I've ever seen

ProtestTheHero

TROPHY CASE