I'm probably not the best advocate for him - but since no one else has responded yet - I think Makarov would not only be a top 10 player in the NHL in the 80s, he'd be a very likely #3 behind Gretzky and eventually Mario.
Not sure what he did at age 31 coming to play in NA for the first time is necessarily representative of how good a player he was. I wouldn't put him above guys like Ovi or Jagr or such on the first line - but he definitely belongs before you get anywhere close to Sundin/Modano level, and probably before anyone on the second or third line in the OP too.
I mean, I know the Soviet teams were a force int he 70 and 80s, definitely some great players on those teams. I jsut feel Makarov shouldve been scoring 110+ points in Calgary if he were that dominant of a player. Yes he was past his peak, but he was 31-35 years old from 1989-1993, very high scoring era, and was "only" putting up a PPG (only 57P in 92-93). I understand its tough to change leagues and adapt after 10 years or so, and had he started his career in the NHL, I think he definitely puts up 100+ in the 80s almost every year.
I dunno, to say he wouldve been 3rd best I think is a little over the top, but top 10 is definitely possible. I guess he deserves a spot if Kharlamov is there.
This is close. This is by far the best matchup so far here. Can see arguments for either/or.
Ill still pick Canada to win. A lot of that is due to their actual track record of winning, especially this past decade. The Crosby/Toews/Weber era etc - I think being good on paper is great, but coming through in the big moments is also important and i like their track record there. Talent-wise it's close both ways.
I'd personally definitely find room for Carey Price in net for Canada. I don't know if he's having a better career than Belfour or Luongo (I think he might be tbh - but, probably not a popular opinion) - but I do think he's probably the best goalie of all-time for Canada on the international stage, so in that regards he'd be a good fit. Not sure if that's your criteria though, or if you're just picking based on best career, in which case maybe not.
Also sticking to goalies - seems a bit timely to include Hasek but not Roy, even though they started their careers at the same time, it's just that Hasek didn't come to NA in the NHL later-on. I'm nitpicking though.
Should Kucherov be there for team world? Above Mogilny/Backstrom? He won all the awards last year.
yeah, Im going more with career in general.... Price, as much as hes proven himself in international play, I think hes always been relatively overrated (and Im from Montreal). His Vezina finshes are: 1,3,4,5,7,9,10.... He'll have a great career relatively speaking, but no way will he surpass Belfour (1,1,2,3,4,4,4,7,7,7), but maybe Lu (2,3,3,4,4,7,7) if the Habs turn it around soon.
Hasek, yeah I guess I shouldve left him out.... Kucherov, sure, was just going with career as mentioned.
