Who's the greatest all around hockey player in the NHL? (1 Viewer)

When I ask that I mean the greatest all around player currnetly playing. Meaning penalty killing, power play, offensive and defensive. I may be a little biased but seeing Steve Yzerman play over the last 19 years has been a one of the greatest examples of a team player I've seen.

Right now would be very hard to choose. I may have to go with Joe Sakic right now. As far as the future is concerned. Bet the farm now that Joe Thornton is going to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come in the next year or two. Hell, right now he is one of the best players in the league, and he's only 22. Wait till he's in his prime. It scared me to thing about it. Thankfully, he's on my team right now.

i am gonna go with my man mike modano.....great two way player....

Sour grapes, eh Scott?
Anyway, we'll see who's laughing come this Saturday.

Eric Lindros has been a bigger disappointment then Alexander (the great) Daigle. Lindros was expected to be the next great player, a combo of Messier and Super Mario. Never happened and it's the NHL's loss.

Forsberg would be the choice if he was still playing but he ain't. Tough to decide between Sakic and Stevie Y but I have to go with Mr. Yzerman. Very close though.

I have to agree about Thornton. Yes, it's partly a hometown reaction but I truly believe that he's the real deal. He's an unbelievable playmaker, hits a ton when necessary and has a bit of a mean streak. 22 years old and really big. If Thornton continues to improve he will be a top three player in the league for years to come. He's currrently second in scoring.

BTW, if it was 'best player' as opposed to 'best all-around' I think that it's Roy hands down.

If you're going to pick a guy like Stevie Y (career +/- of 173) who's past his prime, then you also have consider the lifetime achievement of Messier (+214 which includes being -60 since he's gotten older and been on bad teams since he left the Rangers a few years ago). Of the current players, I think Forsberg is the man (Flyers fans love it when you say that).

not just the NHL but the world, hands down, Peter Forsberg

Iginla and Lemieux.

Scott

I would say Mario Lemieux and I would be correct, but he's out with the hip injury. So, how about Peter Forsberg? Oh, that's right he's taking the year off.

I'll have to go with Joe Sakic.

Forsberg...not even close.

I really hate it when the truly great players go down with chronic injuries. Watching Cam Neely repeatedly trying to come back from injury was almost as hard as watching his retirement press conference. A real shame.

Lemieux is the same way. Imagine if his body had been healthy all of these years. Now Forsberg has the injury problem. I hope that he's able to come back.

[sneer mode]Now if only Yashin could develop some problems. I hate to see obnoxious guys like him playing while class acts like Forsberg and Lemieux deal with chronic injuries.[end sneer mode]

Forsberg.

I agree about Forsberg except that he does get hurt a lot. After Forsberg I would have to say Mike Modano.

I would possibly go with Paul Kariya as my second choice, I think we'll see what he can do during the Olympics when he has some talent around him...

First choice... I would pick a healthy Stevie Y over anybody...