I would argue Zetterberg's 07-08 season was the best season by either of them.
I appreciate Datsyuk, I know some of you don't believe that. I just think he has built into something he isn't around here. The fact is him and Zetterberg are very interchangeable. They were a great one-two punch and top 10 centers in the league for a long time.
But lets be clear here if you're just looking at peaks we have two Hart Trophy winners sitting on the board right now. League MVPs were won by Abel and Goodfellow.
I am not debating Datsyuk vs Zetterberg only that neither should be going off the board was the point of their difference being negligible. But yes I would vote Zetterberg as he was the Captain and better playoff performer who will still stack some numbers on top of Datsyuk's now finished resume. But right now they are a coin flip scenario, but behind some of these guys. But it is hard to make a list where they don't come right next to each other. I expect most lists would have Datsyuk ahead, I don't but I do have him right behind Hank despite everybody thinking I hate him...
Goodfellow isn't getting enough chatter here. He was an MVP, won three cups, he has the on-ice accolades...and he also founded the Red Wings Alumni Association, and was involved with the organization after he played. There's been a lot of talk about stats and what not, but what these guys did after their playing careers should carry some weight.
and I think it's entirely fair to point out Datsyuk bailing. At least Fedorov was genuinely without a contract the first time he tried to get out of town. Datsyuk suddenly didn't understand a word of english and had no idea about one of the most prominent rules instituted by a CBA that cost him half a year's paycheck. Sure.