TORONTO | The festivities of the 2022 vintage of the Hall of Fame gave right to moving moments in particular with the presence of Bjorje Salming. We must already think about those of next year. Which player or builder is likely to receive this honor?
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We decided to analyze the applications of former hockey players who could receive the call from the selection committee in a few months.
Among the players who are in their first year of eligibility, we find the names of Henrik Lundqvist, Corey Crawford and… Andrei Markov.
Even though he didn’t win the Stanley Cup, Lundqvist starts with a head start. Crawford also has a solid track record with two Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks (2013 and 2015). As for Markov, he could wait a year or two before seeing the doors open to him.
The other candidates
Among the other candidates, we find Henrik Zetterberg and Alexander Mogilny. Zetterberg did not receive a vote in his first year of eligibility. Mogilny has been waiting for his turn since 2009. Rod Brind’Amour is still waiting for his turn after retiring in 2010.
As for women’s hockey, Quebecer Caroline Ouellette is crossing her fingers for 2023. The quadruple gold medalist has a real chance of seeing her name among the inductees.
HENRIK LUNDQVIST
New York Rangers
▸ 1st year eligibility
▸ Vezina Trophy Winner in 2012
▸ Form : 459-310-96, .918 rate, 2.43 average and 64 shutouts
The man nicknamed “King Henrik” never won the Stanley Cup during his career. He enjoyed a distinguished 15-year career with the New York Rangers. On the international scene, he has a gold medal at the Olympics in 2006. He added a silver medal at Sochi in 2014 and a gold at the Worlds in 2017.
COREY CRAWFORD
Photo courtesy, USA Today Sports
Chicago Blackhawks
▸ 1st year eligibility
▸ Stanley Cup winner (2013 and 2015)
▸ William Jennings Trophy winner (2013 and 2015)
▸ Form : 260-162-53, .918 ratio, 2.45 average and 26 shutouts
The Quebec goaltender has a solid track record, but he could have to wait a year due to the presence of Lundqvist. Between 2010 and 2017, only Lundqvist and Marc-André Fleury had more regular season wins than him. However, he had the most in the playoffs during this period.
ANDREI MARKOV
Montreal Canadiens
▸ 1st year eligibility
▸ Gold Medal Winner at the 2008 World Championship
▸ Form : 119 goals, 453 assists, 572 points
Andrei Markov was the Canadiens’ defensive general for 16 seasons. His only regret is not having been able to reach the plateau of 1000 games with the Habs. Even if he did not win the Stanley Cup or an Olympic gold medal, his candidature will be studied by the members of the selection committee.
Other players who will be in their first year of eligibility:
- Jay Bouwmeester
- justin williams
- Dustin Byfuglian
- Brent Seabrook
- Mike Green
They’ve been waiting their turn for a long time
ALEXANDER MOGILNY
Photo courtesy, Reuters
Buffalo, Vancouver, New Jersey and Toronto
▸ Eligible since 2009
▸ Stanley Cup winner in 2000 (New Jersey)
▸ Winner of the Lady Bing Trophy in 2003
▸ Form : 473 goals, 559 assists, 1032 points
The Russian striker marked his generation with his spectacular goals, but he is ignored by the Hall of Fame selection committee. He was one of the first players to leave the Soviet Union to play in the NHL. He opened the door to a new generation of Russians, including Sergei Fedorov and Pavel Bure.
ROD BRIND’AMOUR
Photo courtesy, Reuters
Philadelphia and Carolina
▸ Eligible since 2013
▸ Two-time Selke Trophy winner (2006 and 2007)
▸ Stanley Cup winner (2006 with Caroline)
▸ Form : 452 goals, 732 assists, 1184 points
The man who is now the Hurricanes coach had a brilliant career countering the best opposing forwards. However, he was able to do his part on offense. He deserves his place, but we don’t know when that moment will come.
They will also be considered:
- Henrik Zetterberg
- Pierre Turgeon
- Tom Barasso
- mike richter
- John LeClair
- Theoren Fleury
- Keith Tkachuk
Is this the right year?
CAROLINE OUELLETTE
Canadian women’s hockey team
▸ Eligible since 2022
▸ Six-time gold medalist at the World Championships
▸ Quadruple gold medalist at the Olympic games
▸ Record with Team Canada: 32 goals, 62 assists, 94 points
The Montrealer had one of the most decorated careers in women’s hockey history. One wonders why she didn’t enter in her first year of eligibility. The second time is likely to be good. She is one of the pioneers of women’s hockey in Quebec.
MEGHAN DUGGAN
USA women’s hockey team
▸ Eligible since 2022
▸ Seven-time gold medalist at the World Championships
▸ Triple medalist at the Olympic games
▸ Profile on the international scene: 43 goals, 35 assists, 78 points
The one who now holds the position of director of development for the New Jersey Devils has contributed to the growth of women’s hockey in the land of Uncle Sam. If Caroline Ouellette is still ignored, it should come as no surprise that Duggan is the elected for the 2023 vintage.