I'm patiently waiting for someone to de-bunk the logic I just graced this forum with
Alright here it goes. You argue that Ryder puts up stats, which I can't deny to a certain extent, but arguing his 30-goal seasons from 7/8 years ago doesn't help convince anyone. However, though you argue he puts up stats, Hall and Ovechkin both outscored him last year, and have the advantage of age, while Ryder is most likely declining. Secondly, in a league with Hits and PIMS, you would have to be brain dead to even compare Ryder to Ovechkin/Hall, even if he put up the same number of points, which he obviously doesn't.
Again, Byfuglien puts up less points and around the same PIMS as Ovechkin and Hall, and is much more of an inconsistent player than the two of them. They play different positions, so it's hard to compare, but regardless, the possible gap between Byfuglien and Hall does not make up for the difference in Ovechkin and Ryder.
Halak has played well this year, while Schneider is not playing very amazing, but it's not a surefire thing that it will stay that way. Do you forget that Halak put up worse stats than
Brian Elliot and played less games last year? Regardless, Halak and Elliot have a history of splitting starts in St. Louis, and there is a 3rd option in Jake Allen. Halak is playing great now, but his job is nowhere near secure, and at the first sign of failing he could be replaced. As of now, Halak has the advantage over Schneider, but given past stats that could easily change. Schneider played more than Luongo last year, and if you think Brodeur > Luongo right now, there is no hope for you and you should probably stop watching hockey. Sure, Brodeur is a legend, but it is the GM and coach's job to win as many games as possible, so if Schneider outplays Brodeur, he will get more stats (not 70/12, more like 50/30).
As of right now, you can give the advantage to Halak over Schneider. It's pretty even between Byfuglien and Hall, but if someone argued the advantage for Byfuglien due to his position, I could agree to that, but it's less of a difference than Halak and Schneider for sure, and almost irrelevant. The two differences put together, however, does not match the difference between Ovechkin and Ryder. Ryder doesn't put up the same points as Ovechkin, does not hit as much, and does not put up as many PIMS. Though I am too lazy to look it up, he probably does not put up as many PPP, either. If you are going to use Halak's hot start as leverage, how about Ovechkin's? Definitely looking back to his elite 50-goal season form after his start. Lastly, even if the values were even, which you won't convince most people after this post, the person with Ovechkin could get higher value, based solely on his name, so it is smart to decline.
EDIT: You continually talk down New Jersey to try to gain leverage, but then try to talk up a 33-year old winger on the exact same team, who has a history of following up 30-goal seasons with 30 point seasons, and the reputation of one of the softest players at his position.
If you have trouble understanding my logic I "graced the forum with," here it is in simpler form.
Halak >>> Schneider (Each ">" for likely games played advantage, team quality, and a generous one for his hot start)
Byfuglien > Hall (For putting up similar numbers, but from the backend)
Ryder <<<<< Ovechkin (Basically every single offensive category. Goals, Assists, PIMS, Hits, PPP. Tempted to pull the "quality of team" card as well, considering he is on the same team as Schneider. Also has subtle advantages in TOI, Name recognition, etc.)
