I would take Thornton over many on the list.
If a player such as Crosby is deserving, then the mere fact that Thornton has produced more points in a similar era proves how good and deserving he is of similar recognition. He is absolutely a top 100 player all-time. You can argue if he is top 10 or top 50, but a player that’s top 7 in assists all time that doesn’t make the top 100 list is kind of ridiculous.
I think the idea that Thornton is a top-50 player (much less top 10!) of all time is a nonsensical one.
I don't think Ron Francis or Adam Oates should make the top-100 either (although Francis might have a better case than Thornton).
Over those ten years, Getzlaf clearly has the lesser regular-season resume, but his playoff resume is clearly stronger. Thornton doesn't have a run to match up with what Getzlaf did in 2007, 2015, or even 2009.
Starting the stat counting from 2005, which takes out 6 seasons of Thornton's production. And more then half of those years being years well past his prime.
Thornton is still 3rd in scoring behind only Ovechkin and Crosby.
And? Being the top-100 player has to be more about just longevity and showing up. Not to mention all the goalies and defensemen you are losing just looking at scoring numbers. I would incontrovertibly take Kopitar, Kane, Malkin, Datsyuk, Bergeron, and arguably Zetterberg over Thornton from 2005 onwards.
