E.J. Hradek Picks The All Time Best....For Each Team

Over at ESPN.com, E.J. Hradek has undertaken an interesting task. He's picking the top franchise players -- 1 forward, 1 defenseman and 1 goalie -- of all 30 NHL teams.

For some teams this is an easy task, especially the more recent expansion franchises.

But for the teams that have been around for a while, the task is downright tough.

Take for Montreal for example.

Which forward do you favor? Rocket Richard? Guy Lafleur? Jean Beliveau? Howie Morenz? Boom Boom Geoffrion?

The choice is not a whole easier on defense. Doug Harvey? Larry Robinson? Serge Savard? Jacques Laperriere? Butch Bouchard?

Or in goal? Patrick Roy? Ken Dryden? Bill Durnan? Jacques Plante? Georges Vezina?

Here's Hradek's selections, organized by current NHL divisions:

| Atlantic | Northeast| Southeast | Central | Northwest | Pacific

And by the way, I have to agree with Hradek's tough calls involving Montreal.