Is this a joke? These requirements for what defines a generational talent are a bit extreme. Gretzky, Howe, Lemieux, Orr(how can you leave Orr off a generational talent list - GOAT at a position that is required in to play the game) - no mention of Sawchuk whatsoever and how he defined the position - best goalie, possibly better than Brodeur - did you even see his scarred face pictures? Possibly one of the most eerie of any hockey photo? Brodeur - ok - there are the really easy ones.
1) Jagr is the #2 points leader all time and put up 70+ at the age of 38 or something - no question here - in fact - if he didnt take off those years to play KHL and didnt have 2 lockout shortened seasons what happens? Or did you forget he missed almost 3 years to that - potentially an additional 120+ goals and 250+ points. Plus his prime was in the dead puck trap era and not the 8-5 high scoring 80s.
2) Lidstrom - 7 norris trophys - best defenseman of his generation without any question. He stands way above any other defenseman in that regard. He could score and play D. Seems obvious here
3) Yzerman/Messier - he dgaf about this list because he is selfless and the definition of a leader/captain and his 3 Cups. Not to mention theyre #7 and #4 on the all time points list;
4) Crosby - Talent and cups + consistency w/o a doubt put him here;
5) Ovetchkin - Greatest goal scorer of all time probably - although Id like to see him and Jagr in his prime face off.
My thoughts are - if you have at least 1 Stanley Cup and are in the Top 10 of scoring all time - its likely youre a generational talent. If youre a defenseman, I agree it gets a bit harder to judge which is why maybe Orr and Lidstrom are the only ones. Goaltending is a similar scenario - w/o question Sawchuk and Brodeur fit the mold - Hasek may be close in that he was extremely dominant and took over games - not sure on him.
Sure you can debate, Sacic, Brett Hull, Ray Bourque, Roy, Dionne, Lafleur, Dryden, Esposito, Bobby Hull, Beliveau and Plante as well.
As for McDavid? Time will tell - hes way too young to discuss now