The Battle of the Best: Crosby Vs. McDavid

The Battle of the Best: Crosby Vs. McDavid

Wayne Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr. All these names are considered to be hockey legends and all-time greats. As he continues his career, it is hard to argue that Sidney Crosby should not be on the list of all-time greats. Another player to watch is Connor McDavid. As his career progresses it is also hard to say that McDavid will not be joining this debate.

When it comes to the debate of the best current player in the NHL, it is really between only two people: Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, and Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. With McDavid only playing three full seasons, the two career-wise, are hard to compare. Here is how they stack up so far:

Crosby’s dominance-

Since 2005, when Crosby was drafted, it has been his league. He won the Art Ross Trophy and MVP his second year in the league, a Stanley Cup his fourth year, and since then has continued to dominate the league. One thing that has set Crosby apart from other players over the years is his work ethic. He is always looking for opportunities to learn and improve. Coaches, players, and Crosby himself all say that he is always looking to take that next step to improve his game. Even at his current age, he continues to look for ways to make himself better. When it comes to his hockey IQ, skill, playmaking, and work ethic, Crosby is almost unmatched.

McDavid’s rise-

In 2015, McDavid burst onto the scene. He won MVP his second year in the league, along with an Art Ross Trophy his second and third year. He was also named captain of the Oilers in his second season. We have not seen someone be this dominant from the start of his career since Crosby himself was a rookie. McDavid might even be more dominant than Crosby was at the beginning of his career. When speaking of pure speed, raw talent, and unlimited potential, McDavid is one of the most explosive and gifted young players we have ever seen. 

Injuries-

Both have suffered injuries that have kept them out of the game for significant amounts of time. McDavid missed around half of his rookie campaign due to a shoulder injury. Where Crosby has missed almost two years due to concussions and various injuries.

Here are their career achievements up to this point:

• Career achievements

Crosby: 

Stanley Cup- 3

Olympic gold medal- 2

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)- 2

Conn Smythe Trophy (playoffs MVP)- 2

Ted Lindsay Award (players MVP)- 3

Art Ross Trophy (regular-season points leader)- 2

Maurice Richard Trophy (regular-season scoring title)- 2

Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award- 1

Total goals- 417; total assists- 713; total points- 1,130

McDavid:

Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)- 1

Ted Lindsay Award (players MVP)- 2

Art Ross Trophy (regular-season points leader)- 2

Youngest player to be named captain in NHL history

Third youngest player(20) to be named MVP behind Crosby(19) and Gretzky(19)

Total goals- 96; total assists- 178; total points- 274

Although it is clear right now that Crosby has the upper hand in career achievements, the debate for best player in the league is still up for grabs.  So what do you think? Is Crosby or McDavid the best player in the NHL?  Vote on the poll and/or leave a comment below!