Flash Walken said:
Reading the HHOF debate thread, it got me thinking about modano.
Looking at his stats and seeing him play, I'm having a hard time thinking of a better American-Born 'player'.
Maybe Mullen was a better scorer (maybe), but he played in a different era. There's a blank space in my mind about another possible, but I'm sure it will come out within a few posts.
Thoughts?
Modano wouldn't even make my top-5. He coasted for most of his early career and never did fulfill the offensive potential he was drafted for. He rounded out his game to be a high-end two-way player, but he wasn't the offensive force he was supposed to be.
As for better, absolutely no way would I take Modano over Chelios. As a former North Stars fan, that is high praise. Chelios was a far better d-man than Modano was ever a forward. For years, it was a debate between him and Bourque as to the best d-man in the game.
I would give strong consideration to Brian Leetch before Modano was well, though that one is closer for me. I take Leetch because he had a better attitude and accomplished more.
IMO, Neal Broten was a better player in his prime than Modano. Like Modano, he was a high-end, though not top-end, offensive player and a great 2-way player. Only Broten didn't need to be motivated to play and didn't shy away from contact like the young Modano did.
As for my other two, I would take two goalies: Barrasso and Richter.