Quote:
Originally Posted by puckpaul
I get that but they did use Americans back then in northern states, and it’s a big stretch to say that the US population is the pool today….maybe 3-4 states and a few other pockets. Europe does help a lot today to even it out, especially Russia/Sweden/Finland.
And I made a mistake, only 15 players on a team back in the 20-30’s at most, maybe fewer in the 20’s (don’t have my programs handy). The best players would still be the best players. The depth in the league is a problem today, most teams have little skill on the bottom half/two thirds of the roster even if the guys are in better shape and can skate.
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In the 59/60 season, for example, there were 4 Americans in the entire league plus 2 Europeans. That's counting entire rosters, so 30+ guys per team, nearly 200 total.
The best players would still be the best but it's absolutely undeniable that the overall talent level - even with era adjustments - is significantly higher now.
The bottom half of the league is far more skilled than it's ever been. The unskilled cementheads of the past simply don't exist anymore.