Marcel Dionne was a very good player....he would of been a really good player for the habs....like a Jacques Lemaire or Steve Shutt (not comparing styles, just value to team), but they don't build a statue as one of the four greatest players, for the most storied NHL franchise, for those players.
They do for Guy Lafleur though.
I don't think that's really fair to Dionne, he scored almost 1000 more points career wise than either of them, and more points than those two players combined. It's a shame he never stuck with one team, I think he could've had a much bigger impact in the league.
It's almost impossible to argue against lafleur though, the poll I put in the polls section was around 50/50 last time I checked but I changed it just to who would you have taken #1.
Speaking of the 1971 NHL entry draft, it's weird to think in 2015 that a team used to just be able to trade for the #1 pick no problem.
Just pick up the phone and be like "Yea we want the #1 pick, want to trade it to us for some dudes? Sure? Okay."
For his first three years in the NHL, It was as if Lafleur was coached by Michel Therrien. He was either on a leach or in the doghouse. After 1980, his stardom and his lifetyle cought up with him. Then he didn't play for 3 years. If it wasn't for those three facts, Guy would have had as many of more points than Dionne. Throw in the hardware and the clutch performance and there is no point having this debate.
I don't think that's really fair to Dionne, he scored almost 1000 more points career wise than either of them, and more points than those two players combined. It's a shame he never stuck with one team, I think he could've had a much bigger impact in the league.
It's almost impossible to argue against lafleur though, the poll I put in the polls section was around 50/50 last time I checked but I changed it just to who would you have taken #1.
This is something that I'm genuinely curious about. At the 1971 draft the Canadiens had the 1st overall selection and picked Guy Lafleur. Without a doubt, Lafleur was fantastic for the Habs and is one of the all-time greats, but my question is.... did they get the pick wrong? Marcel Dionne was picked 2nd overall, and produced better as an individual.
A breakdown goes as
Lafleur: 1126 games, 560 goals, 793 assists, 1353 points
Dionne: 1348 games, 731 goals, 1040 assists, 1771 points
Lafleur is an all time Hab hero, but going back in time was he the wrong pick? I wasn't alive then so I'm looking for your answers haha.
Yes, I'm bored.
It's really a philosophical debate and there's can never be real evidence. Both HOF, both local, both genius.
Now, Wickenheiser vs. Savard...