bobholly39
Registered User
- Mar 10, 2013
- 22,358
- 15,086
Would like to start a discussion about the top 5-10 or so highest trade values in NHL history.
This isn't as simple as listing the top players and saying Gretzky is #1, Orr #2, Lemieux #3, etc. League dynamics is a huge component of this. For example - an argument can be made that Connor McDavid today is worth more as a trade asset in today's league than Gretzky was at any point in his career, based on how much league changed. Or - maybe you disagree completely and do think this list should start with Gretzky and Orr.
You can list one same player twice on a list if it makes sense. Example - you might list Sidney Crosby from his first few years, and Sidney Crosby today (30+) as two separate entries. Don't get stupid with it though and list players too close to each other (ex - McDavid just starting his career - his trade value is what it is, don't really care how it differs from 2019 to 2017).
Lindros trade + hype is obviously a good start point.
Crosby + McDavid as prospects/rookies are other strong contenders.
Do Orr/Howe/Rocket from back in the day make such a list? Lafleur?
How about Gretzky/Lemieux? Lemieux may be the #1 most hyped prospect of all time - but Gretzky did get traded, and although Cash was a heavy component and likely skews the value a bit, the return itself seems pretty lame (contrast this to Lindros trade - or what Crosby/McDavid might fetch near start of career).
Maybe Hasek in his buffalo years?
Try and make a list of top 5 or so of all time. Specify if you're thinking of a player in a specific year only (ie Lindros only in draft year), or just for a more general timeframe (ie Crosby in his first 2-3 years as a whole).
This isn't as simple as listing the top players and saying Gretzky is #1, Orr #2, Lemieux #3, etc. League dynamics is a huge component of this. For example - an argument can be made that Connor McDavid today is worth more as a trade asset in today's league than Gretzky was at any point in his career, based on how much league changed. Or - maybe you disagree completely and do think this list should start with Gretzky and Orr.
You can list one same player twice on a list if it makes sense. Example - you might list Sidney Crosby from his first few years, and Sidney Crosby today (30+) as two separate entries. Don't get stupid with it though and list players too close to each other (ex - McDavid just starting his career - his trade value is what it is, don't really care how it differs from 2019 to 2017).
Lindros trade + hype is obviously a good start point.
Crosby + McDavid as prospects/rookies are other strong contenders.
Do Orr/Howe/Rocket from back in the day make such a list? Lafleur?
How about Gretzky/Lemieux? Lemieux may be the #1 most hyped prospect of all time - but Gretzky did get traded, and although Cash was a heavy component and likely skews the value a bit, the return itself seems pretty lame (contrast this to Lindros trade - or what Crosby/McDavid might fetch near start of career).
Maybe Hasek in his buffalo years?
Try and make a list of top 5 or so of all time. Specify if you're thinking of a player in a specific year only (ie Lindros only in draft year), or just for a more general timeframe (ie Crosby in his first 2-3 years as a whole).