Ryan Smyth?

[hip check 0]

Ryan Smyth - present day Bobby Clarke... minus the ankle-breaker tag.

Will work hard, battle anyone, take the lumps and bumps, score the big goal (ugly as it may be).

[Eazy_b97 1]

If you think that Smytty is such a terrible comparison to Wendel Clark, who's a better one? And reverse that and tell me who a better point of reference for Ryan Smyth is.

If I had to compare Smyth with someone, Roberts would be someone that comes to mind. I didn't see him in his earlier days much, but from his time in Toronto, they seem to be fairly similar.

Smyth - 6'1 190 lbs, .68 PPG in his career, .8 PIMS per game

Roberts (As a Leaf) - 6'2 215 .66 PPG, 1.12 PIMs per game

I'd say thats a better comparison. Both are LW relatively the game size, play infront and in the corners. Take a ton of abuse, love to forcheck. Roberts fights a little bit which is why his PIMs are higher.

The Clark comparison has merit stats wise, but Wendel brought things to the table that aren't seen there. I don't think Smyth can change a game like Clark did. at 5'11 Kasparitis scares alot of people in the league, so I don't think your 5'10 comment has much to do with anything.

[mack 44]

at 5'11 Kasparitis scares alot of people in the league, so I don't think your 5'10 comment has much to do with anything.

Because he'll go for knees, I'd be scared of a midget if that's all they did on the ice.

[Eazy_b97 1]

at 5'11 Kasparitis scares alot of people in the league, so I don't think your 5'10 comment has much to do with anything.

Because he'll go for knees, I'd be scared of a midget if that's all they did on the ice.

Scott Stevens then.

[mack 44]

There's actual skill there though.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

If you think that Smytty is such a terrible comparison to Wendel Clark, who's a better one?  And reverse that and tell me who a better point of reference for Ryan Smyth is.

If I had to compare Smyth with someone, Roberts would be someone that comes to mind. I didn't see him in his earlier days much, but from his time in Toronto, they seem to be fairly similar.

Smyth - 6'1 190 lbs, .68 PPG in his career, .8 PIMS per game

Roberts (As a Leaf) - 6'2 215 .66 PPG, 1.12 PIMs per game

I'd say thats a better comparison. Both are LW relatively the game size, play infront and in the corners. Take a ton of abuse, love to forcheck. Roberts fights a little bit which is why his PIMs are higher.

The Clark comparison has merit stats wise, but Wendel brought things to the table that aren't seen there. I don't think Smyth can change a game like Clark did. at 5'11 Kasparitis scares alot of people in the league, so I don't think your 5'10 comment has much to do with anything.

Fair, enough...I like your Gary Roberts comparison just fine, except for the fact that Roberts is a former 50 goal scorer. I think Roberts had more skill in his prime, but they are similar in most regards. Good one, Easy.

I still believe that Wendel Clark to Smyth is a fair comparison given both their tendencies to play a hard, gritty game. Smyth won't back down from anyone, just like Clarkie wouldn't in his day. I think their skill levels in terms of scoring ability are more similar than if you were to compare Smyth to Roberts as well.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Like I said earlier, you point out the similarities, and they are there, but the physical play just clinches it for me. Smyth isn't a push over, but if Chris Simon took a run at Torres, would Smyth take care of him? Is he able to take someone like Phaneuf and just run him all game long, and physically punish him in the process. If Clark wanted to run you out of the rink, it was the most difficult game of your life. There are players in the NHL that are capable of that right now, Primeau did it to the Leafs last year, but I don't think Smyth is that type of guy. I'm done beating this dead horse for now though. Your remarks are correct, I just think you aren't giving Clark's physical game enough credit.

As for Roberts, I was looking purely at his Leaf stats because I saw him play more then. When Roberts was in his prime it was a different game, so I just took his Leaf stats.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Like I said earlier, you point out the similarities, and they are there, but the physical play just clinches it for me. Smyth isn't a push over, but if Chris Simon took a run at Torres, would Smyth take care of him? Is he able to take someone like Phaneuf and just run him all game long, and physically punish him in the process. If Clark wanted to run you out of the rink, it was the most difficult game of your life. There are players in the NHL that are capable of that right now, Primeau did it to the Leafs last year, but I don't think Smyth is that type of guy. I'm done beating this dead horse for now though. Your remarks are correct, I just think you aren't giving Clark's physical game enough credit.

As for Roberts, I was looking purely at his Leaf stats because I saw him play more then. When Roberts was in his prime it was a different game, so I just took his Leaf stats.

I'm not so sure that Wendel could even run a boy like Phaneuf out of the rink...

And if Chris Simon were to take a run at Torres, Torres is a big boy and can take care of himself.

Clark was a tough guy, but he was never the enforcer on the team. Smyth, I have no doubt, would stand up for his teammates just as easily.

If it was a different game back in Roberts' prime, would it be safe to say that it was a more open game, similar to today's NHL, and not that of the past 5 to 6 years? If so, then would it not be safe to argue that Wendel Clark's stats are inflated b/c he played his best years in a more run and gun league than SMyth did, and therefore, Smyth has more scoring talent? I don't think so...

[McCabe#1 0]

Wendel Clark was the inforcer for the Leafs, while being there best hitter, and best goal scorer. The guy did everything for the Leafs in the mid 80's, to early 90's. Wendel fought Bob Probert many times, and won a couple and lost a couple, but always held his own.

If you did watch Wendel like you say you did, you are SORELY underestimating the man. The guy was one of the best hitters in hockey, and please don't say he couldn't run Phaneuf out of the building. I love Phaneuf, but Wendel could hit just as well as he can, and keep it up all game long.

Again, yes Wendel was there enforcer for the Leafs for a couple years, but also while he was there best player.

[beaucoup_fish 0]

Wendel Clark was the inforcer for the Leafs, while being there best hitter, and best goal scorer. The guy did everything for the Leafs in the mid 80's, to early 90's. Wendel fought Bob Probert many times, and won a couple and lost a couple, but always held his own.

If you did watch Wendel like you say you did, you are SORELY underestimating the man. The guy was one of the best hitters in hockey, and please don't say he couldn't run Phaneuf out of the building. I love Phaneuf, but Wendel could hit just as well as he can, and keep it up all game long.

Again, yes Wendel was there enforcer for the Leafs for a couple years, but also while he was there best player.

I seem to recall certain players named Baumgartner and Kordic dropping the gloves for the Leafs too...

I don't disagree that Clark was an all around force and a great player. And yes, Clark was a fantastic physical player, but I think that you're OVERestimating him in this regard. You guys make it sound like Clark was the toughest SOB ever to lace on skates, and that is far from the truth. He's up there, but he's not the definitive tough guy with hands.

Don't get me wrong, I love Wendel as much as the next guy. He used to be my favourite player.