With the Hockey Hall of Fame’s class of 2015 now enshrined, attention has already turned to next year’s potential inductees. And most of that focus is on players who’ve missed the cut in previous years and could finally hear their name called.
That’s because the list of newly eligible players is, to put it kindly, underwhelming. Call it a fluke or, or lay the blame on the 2012-13 lockout – after all, not too many legends want to end their career playing through a rushed half-season. Either way, while the list of 2016 first-timers club has its share of good players and respected journeymen, there’s not a single Hall of Famer to be found.
Or is there? I’ve always preferred to look on the bright side of things, and I’m up for a challenge. So today, let’s take a look down that list of new candidates, and see if we can’t come up with some good arguments in their favor.
Jose Theodore – By all accounts, has always done a wonderful job of taking care of Jarome Iginla’s Hart Trophy.
Jamie Langenbrunner – Is a former star player who once played for the Devils and is now very old, so we should probably get our votes in now before he inevitably signs with the Blues.
Wade Redden – Personally made you a better spouse, parent and friend by single-handedly putting an end to all that time you used to waste having “worst contract in NHL history” debates.
Miikka Kiprusoff – Could probably sway a lot of voters by putting together a highlight reel of him and his teammates on the 2004 Flames. Just make sure none of those clips involve Martin Gelinas, since nobody in the NHL ever bothers watching replays involving him until it’s too late.
Classic-style DGB!
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I think Kiprusoff warrants an entry (possibly the only one of the first-time eligibles - it is a really, really thin year this year). He was pretty incredible and could have won a couple of cups if he hadn't spent the latter half of his career wallpapering over the cracks of some pretty awful Flames teams. And also if the refs weren't blind in 2004.
He still holds the record for lowest GAA in a season (1.69), which has to be worth something.
Oh wow, full steam ahead! This seems like the kind of article you would see here instead of Grantland... cool!
ReplyDeleteGrab Bag this Friday? Oh please oh please
Goddamn it is good to have you back. You almost make me want to be a Leafs fan. Almost.
ReplyDeleteSooooo glad you're still writing despite Grantland going down. I look forward to these articles everyday...Keep doing your thing!
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