Toews on Crosby comparisons: 'You’ve got to take it with a grain of salt'

In today's 'hot take' sports culture, we tend to create debates by comparing one player to the next instead of simply appreciating what each brings to the table, respectively. 

That has certainly been the case in hockey recently, specifically in relation to Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby.

While the latter is widely (and rightfully) considered to be the best hockey player on the planet - with two Art Ross and Hart trophies on his mantle - some have suggested that Toews is the better all-around player and more valuable to his team based on a string of success that includes two Stanley Cups.

On an international hockey level, Crosby will always be remembered for the 'Golden Goal' in Vancouver, but Toews is praised as Canada's best player in Olympic competition, without having to blow the field away offensively.

The Chicago Blackhawks captain appeared on Sportsnet 590 on Thursday, and discussed being mentioned alongside Crosby as one of the best players in the game:

I think you’ve got to take it with a grain of salt. I mean, I think there’s many situations where our team success in Chicago could hit a rough patch and myself and Kane or whoever else normally gets the credit for that could take most of the responsibility. So it goes one of two ways. I think it’s an honour to hear something like that, but like I said, I still feel every year I’ve got a lot to prove and as a team we want to win more than ever, having had that experience twice already.

Long story short: if and when Crosby can add a second Stanley Cup to his resume, the conversation will decidedly turn in his favor. Quite simply, Crosby's 1.4 point per game career average blows the active players field out of the water, with Toews far behind at 0.91. 

In other words, while pumping Toews' tires as the game's best is, like Hansel, so hot right now, all Crosby has to do is unleash 'Magnum' - particularly in the playoffs - for the win.

In the meantime, let's sit back and appreciate the opportunity to witness these two future Hall of Famers ply their trade at the highest of levels.

[H/T Nichols On Hockey]