Ask Adam: Where does Chelios rank?

Where does Chris Chelios rank among all-time defensemen?

Adam Proteau
2007-12-14 13:32:11

Only two more mailbag columns before we take a one-week hiatus for the Christmas break, so if you’ve got a question that just can’t wait until then, get it in to me soon.

Adam,

If there were ever such a thing as a perfectly played hockey game, would it have any score?

James Statichuk, Kenora, Ont.

James,

I love this question. It’s like something I used to get in philosophy exams. What’s more, it gets to the heart of one of hockey’s most fundamental problems – the idea, at least among NHL coaches, that a high-scoring game equals a sloppy, mistake-filled game.

That’s an attitude that has to change, and after my interview with NHLPA executive director Paul Kelly Thursday – read more about it here – I think that’s an attitude that will be targeted to a much greater degree in the coming years.

Again, there’s nothing wrong with a 1-0 or 2-1 game in my mind, so long as the quality scoring chances number in the dozens. But the hyper-coaching of the sport does nothing but make the game less exciting for everyone but the most hardcore fans.

Adam,

Here where I live everyone is crazy about college basketball: Especially the Kentucky Wildcats.

My son and I watch every Bruins game. We have the NHL Center Ice package through our cable TV provider. My family and friends think that we're crazy for watching hockey over basketball or football. How can I get my family and friends interested in the game of hockey?

David Blakeman, Nicholasville, KY

David,

As an NBA devotee and someone who only gets interested in college basketball when it’s time to pick my March Madness pool, I can assure you and your son that everyone else in your circle are the ones who should be fitted for straightjackets.

Converting them into NHL fans, however, is a tough road to hoe. Personally, I’d tie them to chairs, make them watch old tapes of the 1970s-era Montreal Canadiens and 1980s-era Edmonton Oilers, and throw in the occasional hack to the shins with a hockey stick if they refuse to come around.

I jest, of course. The reality is, most people need to grow up with a sport to appreciate it on a diehard level, and those who don’t appreciate it likely won’t ever appreciate it. But that doesn’t mean you should stop trying. They may very well thank you for your persistence one day.

Adam,

First of all, I love reading the mailbag. It's by far my favorite part of The Hockey News website.

I consider myself a very knowledgeable fan of the NHL, but there is still something I need to know. How is it decided which NHL team gets the first chance to select a player off waivers?

Cameron Paul, Winnipeg

Cameron,

Thanks for the kindness. Glad you enjoy this corner of the site.

The team that gets first crack at any player on the waiver wire is the team that possesses the worst record in the NHL at the time. The choice then continues in reverse order of the league’s standings, meaning the first-place franchise has the last opportunity to claim the waived player.

Hi Adam,

Since there was a recent blog item on THN.com about whether Nicklas Lidstrom is the second-greatest defenseman ever, where would you say Chris Chelios ranks among the all-time greatest defensemen?

Chris H., Bangor, Maine

Chris,

I also love this question, because it provides me with the chance to make my publisher happy by promoting the book I wrote with Ken Campbell, The Top 60 Since 1967: The Best Players of the Post-Expansion Era.

In that book, a panel of experts voted and ranked Chelios the 32nd best NHLer since 1967. He finished behind fellow blueliners Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Lidstrom, Denis Potvin, Paul Coffey, Larry Robinson, Scott Stevens and Al MacInnis.

I’m sure you could make an argument Chelios deserves a higher rank, but personally, I wouldn’t (and didn’t) rank him ahead of any of those superstars. That’s not to be construed as a negative comment on his abilities, but when you get to that level of the NHL’s all-time upper echelon, you’ve got to be damn near perfect to be right at the top.

Ask Adam appears Tuesdays and Fridays only on The Hockey News.com. To send us your question or comment, click HERE.

COMMENTS (10)

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Joe K. Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:59)

I'll politely disagree with comments that MacInnis "was average in his own end" and lacked longevity. I'll add this: I'm not a homer - I appreciate great players, even if they're not on my team. MacInnis' defensive play improved steadily throughout his career, and in the early 1990's he was consistently one of the best defenseman in the league. He was a Norris finalist six times, winning the trophy in 1999, finishing 2nd in 1990 and 1991 and finishing 3rd in 1989 and 1994. As for longevity, he was consistently the best-conditioned player in the Blues' training camp. His work ethic was fantastic and he was always quick to counsel other players (Pronger, Jackman). He suffered a very serious and nagging shoulder injury that cost him alot of games over a few years, but he was still playing at a high level (and 25+ minutes/game) until the eye injury. I've long liked Chris Chelios, but if you're going to talk crap about one of the best defensman of his generation I'll simply finish with this: Mac was elected to the Hall on the 1st ballot, in the company of Stephens and Messier. MacInnis also has a great eye for talent. Combined w/ his ability to befriend young players, I think he will continue play an important part in StL - but in the front office - for many years.

Carlo Silvio Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:56)

Definitely ahead of Stevens and MacInnis. His longevity, work ethic, and leadership abilities put his name just over Borques. 1st ballot HoF'er and just wait till he trades his Winged Wheel for a slick suit and a spot on the Wings staff. Imagine when the obsessive Chelios can put all his concentration on developing players.

Todd Bush Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:54)

I don't know how you would rank him. He hasn't been a top 2 defenceman since his Chicago days - and he was a top 2 because 3, 4, 5, and 6 weren't all that great. But in Montreal, when playing with Schneider, Desjardins, Robinson, Lefebvre - he was a top 2 guy and a winner. At least he'll be a hall of famer

Marc Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:53)

I'd put him ahead of Stevens and MacInnis. Stevens was a rock, but only briefly a scoring defenceman, and MacInnis was average in his own end, not mean at all. Chelios has done it all in his long career. I think Rob Blake and Chris Pronger are comparable.

Hart Stoffman Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:52)

I wouldn't rank Chelios behind either Stevens or MacInnis. By the way, the man's in his mid-fourties. When he was in his prime, he was an offensive force from the blueline.

Jason Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:49)

Joe, you clearly have take a "blow" to the head to say that Cheli is a dirty player and has "no offensive talent". He does what he is asked to do, and chair the powerplay in recent years is not it. He was a 20 goal scorer at one time when that was his responsibility. Show some respect for the great American hockey player of all time!

Jimmy Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:49)

Best U.S. born player all-time for me, and certainly a better OLD D-man than Borque

Andre Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:47)

I felt so bad when the Habs traded him to Chicago years ago for an aged DenisSavard. He was one of many college defenseman grabbed out ofcollege by the Habs, who used to do things right,

Eric Pye Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:46)

Chelios is the modern-day Gordie Howe, in terms of longevity and grit. Chelios deserves to be ranked up there, maybe not as a top-10 or top-30 guy, but he has earned his spot in their book with his solid play, ability to stay healthy and fresh throughout the year, and his leadership over the last 15-20 years

Joe Blow Posted
(2009-04-30 05:56:44)

Chelios does not deserve 32nd overal in NHLers of the past 60 years. he is much to dirty and likes to play cheap. he also has no offensive talent, which is something Adam really likes to promote is offensive hockey, so i dont know how he could rank chelios so high, even though he said he would not have rated him higher