Eric Lindros, bust or biggest bust ever?

[toby91_ca 620]

John LeClair would get my vote before Big E.

Ummmm......huh?

[StaticWithABeat 0]

I would be surprised if he doesn't make it, considering the HHOF's disgracefully lax standards.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

Never dominated the league?? Bulls***! Do you remember the '90s at all?

If he wasn't a dominant player, why would the Wings, when faced with the prospect of trying to beat him in a seven game series, assign their toughest, nastiest defenseman to shadow him all game, every game? Lindros was easily one of the most feared players in all the league in the '90s.

I don't care whether or not he's Hall of Fame worthy. That's a debate that goes beyond Lindros because there are other players in that position. But calling him a bust is ridiculous. Even remotely mentioning "biggest bust ever" is plain ignorant. Hype is not the same as potential. Most players never are the "player they could have been." Is Mario Lemieux a bust because he could have done better, what with that back injury and the cancer? Is Owen Nolan a bust? Same draft position, therefore, same expectations - but no Cup and worse stats.

And reverted to same when Lindros left.

By the way, if a Cup is what makes you not a bust, Boyd Devereaux will be happy to hear the news.

I never said he wasn't good. I never said he wasn't feared. I never said he didn't produce. But he wasn't the most dominate player in the 90's. He was a good player. Great for a few years, maybe.

Was Nolan or Deveraux touted as the Next One? No, they weren't. They were not the franchise saving, game changing players Lindros was supposed to be.

And no, Lemieux isn't a bust because he had cancer. He did everything he was supposed to do, and more. Lindros did nothing he was supposed to do.

[HomeNugget 2]

I never said he wasn't good. I never said he wasn't feared. I never said he didn't produce. But he wasn't the most dominate player in the 90's. He was a good player. Great for a few years, maybe.

Was Nolan or Deveraux touted as the Next One? No, they weren't. They were not the franchise saving, game changing players Lindros was supposed to be.

And no, Lemieux isn't a bust because he had cancer. He did everything he was supposed to do, and more. Lindros did nothing he was supposed to do.

someone who plays 13 seasons in the NHL and has a PPG better than 1 is not a bust.

[BobRouse03 31]

I dont know how many other people are in here from Philly, but I will check in with the Philly perspective (or at least one that isnt full of rage). To call Lindros a bust is ridiculous. When you look at "superstar" players they make others around them do things you never thought they could do. Before playing with Lindros was John Leclair a household name? Maybe for the Canadians fans and people from Vermont.....he gets traded to Philly and boom has a fantastic career playing with Lindros. How about Mikael Renberg? Plays with Lindros and ends up second in Calder voting to Brodeur. Lindros made players around him better. He was a dominant presence on the ice and his lines were very productive. Did he live up too all the hype that surrounded him? Definately not, but that does not make him a bust. When you look at busts you should be discussing players like Pat Falloon, Alexander Daigle, Patrick Stefan. Players drafted high, or highly touted that never really did anything. And for those that dont remember those Flyers teams from the 90s....they had a lot of glaring weaknesses. There were many nights when Lindros carried that team. I do not think he is hall of fame worthy, but he cetainly isnt bust worthy either.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

I dont know how many other people are in here from Philly, but I will check in with the Philly perspective (or at least one that isnt full of rage). To call Lindros a bust is ridiculous. When you look at "superstar" players they make others around them do things you never thought they could do. Before playing with Lindros was John Leclair a household name? Maybe for the Canadians fans and people from Vermont.....he gets traded to Philly and boom has a fantastic career playing with Lindros. How about Mikael Renberg? Plays with Lindros and ends up second in Calder voting to Brodeur. Lindros made players around him better. He was a dominant presence on the ice and his lines were very productive. Did he live up too all the hype that surrounded him? Definately not, but that does not make him a bust. When you look at busts you should be discussing players like Pat Falloon, Alexander Daigle, Patrick Stefan. Players drafted high, or highly touted that never really did anything. And for those that dont remember those Flyers teams from the 90s....they had a lot of glaring weaknesses. There were many nights when Lindros carried that team. I do not think he is hall of fame worthy, but he cetainly isnt bust worthy either.

Lindros never lived up to even half of his potential or hype. Yes, injuries played a key part in that, but big deal. If he had enough common sense to skate with his head up, he'd still be playing.

[Kp-Wings 3]

Lindros is not a HOF'er, but he's definitly not a bust.

He was, at one point, the best player in the world. His rookie season in 1992/1993, he scored 41 goals and 35 assists for 75 points in only 61 games, and missing 23 games due to injury. That's an amazing point per game pace he had, as a rookie no less.

In the 1993/1994 season he scored 44 goals and 53 assists for 97 points in only 65 games. Those are excellent numbers for a guy who missed 19 games due to injury. That's almost a 4 point per game pace. To put up those kinds of numbers in so few of games is amazing.

The next season, he scored 70 points in only 46 games. The season after that, Lindros had the best season of his career, scoring 47 goals and 68 assists for 115 points in 73 games.

Putting all of that together, that's a combined 357 points in only 4 seasons, many of those seasons involving him missing 10+ games due to injury. That proves that, at the time, Lindros was definitly one of the best, if not the best, player in the world.

In total, Lindros put up 1398 career points, 372 goals, and 493 assists in only 760 games. He's also won a Hart and Lester B. Pearson Trophy in that time. Combine that with the fact that he's scored over 75 points in 8 of only 13 NHL seasons , and scored 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in only 53 playoff games makes even more of a case for him.

If you want to discuss busts, look no further than some guys like Alexandre Daigle, Pavel Brendl, or Patrick Stefan. These guys, at no points in there careers, ever lived up to the hype that followed them. Lindros did, but because of injuries and off ice distractions, his career was derailed.

Lindros is not a HOF'er, but he is definitly not a bust. You can't be considered a bust when you put up numbers like that. At the time, Lindros was the best player in the league, and arguably the world.

Edited November 8, 2007 by Kp-Wings

[betterREDthandead 58]

I never said he wasn't good. I never said he wasn't feared. I never said he didn't produce. But he wasn't the most dominate player in the 90's. He was a good player. Great for a few years, maybe.

Was Nolan or Deveraux touted as the Next One? No, they weren't. They were not the franchise saving, game changing players Lindros was supposed to be.

And no, Lemieux isn't a bust because he had cancer. He did everything he was supposed to do, and more. Lindros did nothing he was supposed to do.

Anyone drafted #1 overall as Nolan was is supposed to be a franchise-saving, game-changing player. Those are the expectations that come with the territory. No, Nolan wasn't hyped as much as Lindros. Then again, he also accomplished less.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

Lindros is not a HOF'er, but he's definitly not a bust.

He was, at one point, the best player in the world. His rookie season in 1992/1993, he scored 41 goals and 35 assists for 75 points in only 61 games, and missing 23 games due to injury. That's an amazing point per game pace he had, as a rookie no less.

In the 1993/1994 season he scored 44 goals and 53 assists for 97 points in only 65 games. Those are excellent numbers for a guy who missed 19 games due to injury. That's almost a 4 point per game pace. To put up those kinds of numbers in so few of games is amazing.

The next season, he scored 70 points in only 46 games. The season after that, Lindros had the best season of his career, scoring 47 goals and 68 assists for 115 points in 73 games.

Putting all of that together, that's a combined 357 points in only 4 seasons, many of those seasons involving him missing 10+ games due to injury. That proves that, at the time, Lindros was definitly one of the best, if not the best, player in the world.

In total, Lindros put up 1398 career points, 372 goals, and 493 assists in only 760 games. He's also won a Hart and Lester B. Pearson Trophy in that time. Combine that with the fact that he's scored over 75 points in 8 of only 13 NHL seasons , and scored 24 goals and 33 assists for 57 points in only 53 playoff games makes even more of a case for him.

If you want to discuss busts, look no further than some guys like Alexandre Daigle, Pavel Brendl, or Patrick Stefan. These guys, at no points in there careers, ever lived up to the hype that followed them. Lindros did, but because of injuries and off ice distractions, his career was derailed.

Lindros is not a HOF'er, but he is definitly not a bust. You can't be considered a bust when you put up numbers like that. At the time, Lindros was the best player in the league, and arguably the world.

4 PPG average? That isn't even 2 my friend, it's much closer to 1.5 PPG.

Here is my point. Lindros was supposed to be the Next One. Better than Wayne. He never lived up to any of that hype. He won an MVP, big deal. The Pearson is more impressive. However, he had just a few good season. Yes injuries slowed him down. But why is that an excuse for him, but not for a guy like Stefan? Both are busts because they didn't live up to potential or hype. Yes, Stefan is a bigger bust, but a bust is a bust.

[HomeNugget 2]

4 PPG average? That isn't even 2 my friend, it's much closer to 1.5 PPG.

Here is my point. Lindros was supposed to be the Next One. Better than Wayne. He never lived up to any of that hype. He won an MVP, big deal. The Pearson is more impressive. However, he had just a few good season. Yes injuries slowed him down. But why is that an excuse for him, but not for a guy like Stefan? Both are busts because they didn't live up to potential or hype. Yes, Stefan is a bigger bust, but a bust is a bust.

a bust is a player that doesn't accomplish anything. Lindros played for 13 seasons and averaged more than a point a game. he didn't live up to the hype, but he's certainly not a bust.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I think he will be in the HOF, and is not a bust.

The biggest busts ever in no order: Alex Daigle, Patty Faloon and Patrick Stefan. All touted as a player who would change the face of there franchise. Daigle stunk it up along with Yashin, Faloon did s*** all in San Jose and had his best seasons in Philly, and Stefan will be remebered for missing a wide open net, leading to and Edmonton goal.

In the 90's Lindros was the most dominant player, and top 10 in the league for the best overall players. (Up there with Lemeiux, Gretzky, Yzerman, Messier, etc.)

[HenryMalredo 2]

Its crazy to call Lindros a bust just because he never became the next one. If you used that logic, you could say Mario was a bust because he couldn't carry the Penguins (They didn't win cups until Jagr was drafted and they brought in veteran players).

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

4 PPG average? That isn't even 2 my friend, it's much closer to 1.5 PPG.

Here is my point. Lindros was supposed to be the Next One. Better than Wayne. He never lived up to any of that hype. He won an MVP, big deal. The Pearson is more impressive. However, he had just a few good season. Yes injuries slowed him down. But why is that an excuse for him, but not for a guy like Stefan? Both are busts because they didn't live up to potential or hype. Yes, Stefan is a bigger bust, but a bust is a bust.

BringHome....exactly how many people have to disagree with you before you realize its not everybody else that's goofy in the head? Seriously man, look around. Either you are right, or everyone else in this thread is right. I'm putting my money on me and everyone else that you're wrong.

[BringHomeTheCup! 0]

BringHome....exactly how many people have to disagree with you before you realize its not everybody else that's goofy in the head? Seriously man, look around. Either you are right, or everyone else in this thread is right. I'm putting my money on me and everyone else that you're wrong.

Baaa Baaaa Baaaaaa

We are all sheep, follow the leader.

You are right GST, because the majority thinks it is right, it must be!! How could I have ever used my mind to form thoughts of it's own?! I'm so ashamed.

[Yemack 1]

he was never the same after 'the hit'

but in his prime, hell.. I would choose Lindros over Zetterberg + holstrom without giving a second thought

[Rivalred 630]

Lindros was a moster back in the day before he had too many concussions and would crash the net or steal steal the puck by laying a player flat on their backsides.....

I think he should be in the HHOF.... And yes I am Lindros fan... Always ways and always will....

#88

[theman19 47]

Baaa Baaaa Baaaaaa

We are all sheep, follow the leader.

You are right GST, because the majority thinks it is right, it must be!! How could I have ever used my mind to form thoughts of it's own?! I'm so ashamed.

Baaa Baaa Baaa

you're the sheep who got ate by the wolves because your dumb ass wouldn't know hockey if it hit you between the eyes.

Some of you guys seriously kill me. Eric Lindros for the hall,....i dunno,....it's debatable,....

But to call Eric Lindros a bust is freaking idotic. Hart trophy winners are not busts.

Was he Gretzky? No, But for about 5 years he looked like he was on his way to being something altogether different.

In fact if anything i'd say lindros was more Howe then Gretzky (blasphomy, but true.)

I'm willing to bet money you became a hockey fan after 1997 to say something that ridiculous.

Eric Lindros in his prime was one of the most feared forces in the NHL at that time. A bust is someone who is hyped like he was and never even comes close. As has been said Daigle is a good example. He was hyped like Gretzky or Crosby but never did a damn thing in the NHL and stopped playing because he lost heart. Not because Scott Stevens ate his soul.

Hell you could make a better point in saying Keith Premadonna was more of a bust than lindros. Eric was everything that chump was supposed to be, he just wasn't there for long.

If Scott Stevens never knocks his bats out of whack we could be talking about a player who could have gone down in the top 10 of all time.

[interminded 1]

he was never the same after 'the hit'

but in his prime, hell.. I would choose Lindros over Zetterberg + holstrom without giving a second thought

I wouldn't go that far, but he almost single handedly got the Flyers to the 97 SC Finals.

He was the sole reason they had a fighting chance.

[auxlepli 17]

IMO he's a bust. Maybe not the biggest bust ever, but definitely a bust.

He never fully lived up to his expectations.

Colorado won two championships thanks to the trade. Lindros none.

His "I won't play" antics are similar to those of John Elway, so throw in that he's big baby too.

If he's a HOFer, then everybody who's not an expansion team throw-away is a HOFer.

He doesn't belong in the Hall.

Edited November 8, 2007 by auxlepli

[Grittzkey 1]

Bust? No

HOF'er? No

--

They received in the trade Peter Forsberg, Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne, a 1st round selection (Jocelyn Thibault) in 1993, a 1st round selection (later traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, later traded to the Washington Capitals - Nolan Baumgartner) in 1994, and $15,000,000 cash

All that for Eric Londros?? Wow. just Wow.. 6 Players - 2 first round selections and 15million in cash.. WOW..

i never knew the history of Eric, because i got into hockey when i was like 8..and im 19 now.. but daaaang son.. all this for an unproven rook?

Edited November 8, 2007 by Grittzkey

[Louisville 112]

"Had his parents left him alone, I don't know what this kid could have done because he could really play."

- Philadelphia Flyers senior VP Bob Clarke offers his opinion on whether Eric Lindros is a Hall of Famer.

I think his quote was cut off. The end should read: "he could really play, with his head down."

[PROBIE4PREZ 58]

not a bust. definetly not the same player after losing brain cells but before all of that I loved the way he played. Crashing, banging, in your face , true North american power forward. Scores 40 + goals a season and rack 100+ penelty mins at the same time. God how i miss the power forward north american players. HOF worthy? meh hell get in.

[johnnyoski 0]

Who was a floundering 2nd/3rd line scorer until he started riding Eric's coattails.

OK...so maybe I was just going based on his stat sheet. More career goals...just quietly went about his business without the drama that came with Lindros.

I guess the whole fiasco about him refusing to play for the Nordiques and then how his Dad got involved with Clarke while in Philly just made him look silly at times.

[Opie 308]

If my beloved Cam Neely is in the HHOF than you have to put Lindros in. Was he a bust no, he was overrated because the way he came into the league. Demanding a trade, he was Eli Manning before Eli Manning, I guess that would mean Eli pulled and Eric!

[DEVILSWATERBOY 10]

Me I never liked Lindros I thought he was just a big goon who could find the back of the net as far as the HOF no way he is not deserving of this honor, Heres a question should Pat Lafontaine make it to the HOF?

THe reason that I ask this is they both left the game for the same reason. Her is a look at their stats.

Lafontaine

1013 PTS

545 A

468 G

Lindros

865 PTS

493 A

372 G

My opinion is that Lindros should not make it to HOF becuase he did not even break the 1000 PT mark.