Whom Would You Rather Have?

JOHN LECLAIR
FLYERS LW
A year from unrestricted free agency, LeClair won a record $7 million arbitration award on Aug. II after having scored 40 or more goals in five straight years. LeClair has emerged from the shadow of line-mate Eric Lindros and proved that he, too, is an elite player.

OR

JOE SAKIC
AVALANCHE C
A year from unrestricted free agency, Sakic signed a one-year, $7.9 million contract 24 hours before his arbitration hearing last week. Sakic, who missed 22 games with injuries last season, averaged 1.35 points per game in 1999-2000, second to Jaromir Jagr 's 1.52.

The Verdict: As much as we like Sakic's multidimensional skills, we'll take LeClair because he plays a position in which topflight performers are in short supply.