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A Case For the Hall Part 13

Daniel Sedin – Left Wing – 2000/01-2017/18

Drafted in the first round, second overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, Sedin debuted during the 2000/01 season. Sedin scored 1041 points (393G, 648A) in 1306 games, as well as 71 points (25G, 46A) in 102 playoff games, for the Vancouver Canucks (2000/01-2017/18).

Sedin won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer and Ted Lindsay Award as the most outstanding player as judged by the players in 2011, and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy for leadership and humanitarian contribution in 2018. He earned Second-Team All-Star honours in 2010 and First-Team All-Star honours in 2011, and played in three All-Star Games, representing Vancouver in 2011, 2012, and 2016. Internationally, he represented Sweden, winning Bronze at the 1999 and 2001 World Championships and Gold at the 2013 World Championships and 2006 Turin Olympics.

In 1999, the expansion Atlanta Thrashers, low-finishing Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Brian Burke-managed Vancouver Canucks made a series of convoluted trades to leave Atlanta picking first and Vancouver picking second and third. It was a brilliant decision. Atlanta got the first pick on the condition that they didn’t pick one of the Sedin twins and wound up selecting one of the most notorious draft busts in league history at the front of one of the weakest drafts in league history while Vancouver came away with the Sedins. Daniel was the dynamic sharpshooter of the bunch, scoring 393 career goals to Henrik’s 240. Daniel was also a bit more injury-prone, but he didn’t wind up playing significantly fewer games than Henrik did. Together, the brothers shepherded the Canucks through the end of Trevor Linden and Markus Naslund’s careers and into their Cup contention in the early 2010s. They held on after the lockout but didn’t do so well under John Tortorella. In the post-Tortorella era from 2014/15, Sedin had more extreme ups and downs, but wound up scoring more points to close out their careers, scoring 236 points to Henrik’s 228.

Henrik Sedin – Centre – 2000/01-2017/18

Drafted in the first round, third overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, Sedin debuted during the 2000/01 season. Sedin scored 1070 points (240G, 830A) in 1330 games, as well as 78 points (23G, 55A) in 105 playoff games, for the Vancouver Canucks (2000/01-2017/18).

Sedin won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s leading scorer and the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP in 2010. He earned First-Team All-Star honours in 2010 and 2011, and played in three All-Star Games, representing Vancouver in 2008, 2011, and 2012. Internationally, he represented Sweden, winning Bronze at the 1999 and 2001 World Championships and Gold at the 2013 World Championships and 2006 Turin Olympics.

As opposed to Daniel, Henrik was the better player overall. With 1070 points in 1330 games versus Daniel’s 1041 points in 1306 games, Henrik narrowly beats Daniel’s points-per-game numbers as well as the raw point totals. Had the Sedins played full 82-game seasons in all their 17 years, Henrik and Daniel would have 1121 and 1111 points, respectively. Henrik came closer, as the 2013/14 season was the first season after the 2004 lockout in which he didn’t play the entire schedule. Henrik was also the superior leader. After Markus Naslund’s captaincy and the publicity stunt of naming goalie Roberto Luongo captain, Henrik was named captain in 2010 and would wear the “C” until the twins retired in 2018. The twins, being European skill players, were often derisively called names like “the Sedin sisters” but their grit was very underrated, as they put up with quite a bit to make the plays they did. They of course led the Canucks to the Final in 2011, but ran into a hot Bruins goalie in Tim Thomas. While the Canucks would win back-to-back President’s Trophies in 2011 and 2012, they would be eliminated in the first round in 2012, drive Roberto Luongo out of town in a protracted goalie controversy, and irreparably tear everything down, resulting in the Canucks’ struggles of late. It wasn’t the greatest of ends to the twins’ careers, but their uniqueness in league history and their production earn them serious consideration for the Hall, and probably induction when they’re first on the ballot next year. In their favour is uniqueness in league history as a successful duo of brothers. We’ve all heard that Wayne and Brent Gretzky are the highest-scoring pair of brothers in league history (he added four points to Wayne’s 2857); Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn played together at a similar level in Nashville for a spell; there was Phil and Tony Esposito, both Hall-of-Famers; and the Sutters are hockey royalty for some reason, but the Sedins made an equal contribution in the NHL, playing on the same team. With an uncanny chemistry, they made an impact unlike any set of brothers in league history, and their individual contributions make them both Hall worthy.

Patrick Sharp – Left Wing – 2002/03-2017/18

Drafted in the third round, 95th overall, in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, Sharp scored 620 points (287G, 333A) in 939 games, as well as 87 points (47G, 40A) in 142 playoff games, for the Philadelphia Flyers (2002/03-partway through 2005/06), Chicago Blackhawks (partway through 2005/06-2014/15, 2017/18), and Dallas Stars (2015/16-2016/17).

Sharp won the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks. He played in one All-Star Game, representing Chicago in 2011. Internationally, he represented Canada, winning Silver at the 2008 World Championships and Gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

In the era following the 2004/05 lockout, the Chicago Blackhawks became arguably the closest thing to a fully-fledged dynasty. They didn’t do what the Penguins or Lightning accomplished after them, winning consecutive Stanley Cups, but they won three Cups in six seasons, much more closely-spaced than the three Cups won by the Pens. A major part of that success was Sharp. He never did break out in Philadelphia, and it took some time to emerge in Chicago, but from 2006/07 through 2014/15, his last season with the Blackhawks, he hit 20 goals seven times and 30 goals four times. In that time he reached 60 points five times and 70 points twice, placing 35th in scoring during that time. He never hit the 40-goal or 80-point marks in the seasons he played, but showed decent consistency during the Blackhawks’ three Cup wins. Sharp isn’t the most likely future Hall-of-Famer among the early 2010s Blackhawks, but he was reliably productive for a perennial Cup winner and that may improve his odds.

Ray Sheppard – Right Wing – 1987/88-1999/00

Drafted in the third round, 60th overall, in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, Sheppard debuted during the 1987/88 season. Sheppard scored 657 points (357G, 300A) in 817 games, as well as 50 points (30G, 20A) in 81 playoff games, for the Buffalo Sabres (1987/88-1989/90), New York Rangers (1990/91), Detroit Red Wings (1991/92-partway through 1995/96), San Jose Sharks (part of 1995/96), Florida Panthers (partway through 1995/96-partway through 1997/98, 1999/00), and Carolina Hurricanes (partway through 1997/98-1998/99).

Sheppard earned First-Team All-Star honours in 1988.

Sheppard is on this list for the success he had with the Red Wings in the early 1990s. In his seasons with them, he reached the 30-goal mark four times, and the 60-point mark three times, including a 52-goal 93-point season in 1993/94 and 30 goals and 40 points in 1994/95. He had also had 38 goals and 65 points in 1987/88 with Buffalo as a rookie, and would also total 37 goals and 60 points as he was traded to San Jose and then to Florida, helping lead the third-year Panthers to a Stanley Cup Final. He also scored at a 35-goal 72-point pace in 1996/97. Overall, he reached at least the 20-goal mark with all six of the franchises he played for. He never won the Stanley Cup, but how excellent he was at his peak may make him deserving of consideration.

Mike Sillinger – Centre – 1990/91-2008/09

Drafted in the first round, 11th overall, in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings, Sillinger debuted during the 1990/91 season. Sillinger scored 548 points (240G, 308A) in 1049 games, as well as 18 points (11G, 7A) in 43 playoff games, playing for the Detroit Red Wings (1990/91-partway through 1994/95), Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (partway through 1994/95-partway through 1995/96), Vancouver Canucks (partway through 1995/96-partway through 1997/98), Philadelphia Flyers (partway through 1997/98-1998/99), Tampa Bay Lightning (partway through 1998/99-partway through 1999/00), Florida Panthers (partway through 1999/00-partway through 2000/01), Ottawa Senators (part of 2000/01), Columbus Blue Jackets (2001/02-2002/03), Phoenix Coyotes (part of 2003/04), St. Louis Blues (part of 2003/04-partway through 2005/06), Nashville Predators (2005/06), and New York Islanders (2006/07-2008/09).

Internationally, Sillinger represented Canada, winning Gold at the 1991 World Juniors.

Sillinger’s inclusion on this list is why it’s a multiple of five plus one. On pure merit, Sillinger is straight up not a Hall candidate. It took him until 2000 to reach 50 points for the first time and would only get that much twice more, a 63-point season in 2006 and 59 points in 2007. He retired in 2009, having only made it out of the first round a few times and never getting past the second. Sillinger’s claim to fame is that, with his trade to Nashville in 2006 he played for the most teams in NHL history at 11, extending that record to 12 with his subsequent move to the Islanders. Centres Jim Dowd, Olli Jokinen, and Dominic Moore, right winger Lee Stempniak, and defencemen JJ Daigneault, Michel Petit, and Mathieu Schneider have all played for 10 teams, but nobody’s played for 11. Jokinen retired after joining his 10th franchise, and Stempniak rejoined one of his previous teams rather than joining an 11th before he retired, so it could very well turn out that, unlike Doug Jarvis’ ironman record, Sillinger’s 12 different teams played for record will stand.

Charlie Simmer – Left Wing – 1974/75-1987/88

Drafted in the second round, 39th overall, in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft by the California Golden Seals, Simmer debuted during the 1974/75 season. Simmer scored 711 points (342G, 369A) in 712 games, as well as 18 points (9G, 9A) in 24 playoff games, playing for the California Golden Seals and Cleveland Barons (1974/75-1976/77), Los Angeles Kings (1977/78-partway through 1984/85), Boston Bruins (partway through 1984/85-1986/87), and Pittsburgh Penguins (1987/88).

Simmer was the pre-Rocket Richard Trophy goal leader in 1980. He won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, for sportsmanship, perseverance, and dedication to hockey, in 1986. He earned First-Team All-Star honours in 1980 and 1981, and played in two All-Star Games, representing Los Angeles in 1981 and 1984. Internationally, he represented Canada, winning Bronze at the 1983 World Championships.

Before Wayne Gretzky, there was Marcel Dionne. Only a few ranking spots behind Gretzky, Dionne rightfully dominates the discussion when the topic is Los Angeles Kings history. But Dionne wasn’t alone during his time with the Kings. At the forefront of the Kings of the early 80s was the Triple Crown Line, with Dionne centering Simmer and Dave Taylor. Simmer had a promising start to his career with 21 points in 35 games for the California Golden Seals during the 1974/75 season, but would only have two points in 21 games and 24 games for the franchise before joining the Kings in 1977. After going scoreless in three games for the Kings during the 1977/78 season, he finally broke out with 48 points in 37 games in 1978/79. The line was formed in earnest in 1979/80, the first year Simmer played in the NHL without playing in the AHL, and Simmer had one of his best seasons, scoring 56 goals and 101 points in only 64 games, tying with Danny Gare and Blaine Stoughton as the season’s leading goal scorers. He followed that up with 56 goals and 105 points in 65 games, though his 1982 and 1983 seasons were far more normal. He would have one more 40-goal season and two more 30-goal seasons afterward, and would come up one goal short of 30 in one more season after that. In all, he scored one fewer point than he had games played by the time he played his last NHL game in 1988. Had he played all games in the 14 seasons he played, he would have had 1118 points in 1120 games, showing he actually does compare well with his Triple Crown linemates, who both exceeded 1000 actual points. Had he played full seasons during his 56-goal seasons, he would have finished with 70 goals and 128 points and 68 goals and 129 points, respectively.

Craig Simpson – Right Wing – 1985/86-1994/95

Drafted in the first round, second overall, in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Simpson debuted during the 1985/86 season. Simpson scored 497 points (247G, 250A) in 634 games, as well as 68 points (36G, 32A) in 67 playoff games, for the Pittsburgh Penguins (1985/86-partway through 1987/88), Edmonton Oilers (partway through 1987/88-1992/93), and Buffalo Sabres (1993/94-1994/95).

Simpson won the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers in 1988 and 1990.

Once again, Oilers Cup winners who had All-Star calibre seasons get here. While Simpson’s career was significantly shortened by injuries, such that he retired at 28, he had a successful career. From his 1986/87 sophomore season through 1991/92, he eclipsed 50 points in each season, including four 60-point seasons, which further includes two 70-point seasons, one of which was his best season, a 56-goal and 90-point season. That season would be good enough to get anyone into an All-Star game, and with the solid body of work surrounding it and his two Stanley Cups, I figured it warranted adding him to the list here. Had he not missed time due to injuries, he probably would have played well past 1995 and would have 608 points in 776 games to that point.

Lars-Erik Sjoberg – Defence – 1979/80

Signed as an undrafted free agent in the WHA in 1974 by the Winnipeg Jets, Sjoberg debuted in the WHA during the 1974/75 season and in the NHL during the 1979/80 season. In the WHA, Sjoberg scored 194 points (25G, 169A) in 295 games, as well as 23 points (1G, 22A) in 52 playoff games, for the Winnipeg Jets (1974/75-1978/79). In the NHL, Sjoberg scored 34 points (7G, 27A) in 79 games for the Winnipeg Jets (1979/80).

In the WHA, Sjoberg won the AVCO World Trophy with the Winnipeg Jets in 1976, 1978, and 1979. He won the Dennis A. Murphy Trophy as the league’s top defenceman in 1978. He earned First-Team All-Star honours in 1978, and played in three All-Star Games, representing Winnipeg in 1974, 1975, and 1978. Internationally, Sjoberg represented Sweden, winning Bronze at the 1972 and 1974 World Championships, Silver at the 1969, 1970, and 1973 World Championships.

Sjoberg only played one season in the NHL. It is not his lone NHL season that gets him on this list for consideration though. It’s the rest of his track record. His five World Championship medals are nothing to scoff at, even if there isn’t a Gold among them, and his run in the WHA was highly successful, with him topping 40 points four times, 50 twice, and 60 once in his five seasons there. He captained the Winnipeg Jets, forming a brigade of Swedish stars with Anders Hedberg, Ulf Nilsson, and Kent Nilsson, helping Swedes, and Europeans in general, develop a reputation as viable, even desirable, players to have on a North American team. In that time, he was a four-time WHA postseason All-Star, the defenceman of the year in 1978, and a three-time AVCO World Trophy winner. Ultimately, his pro career didn’t last long. He was limited to nine games in the final WHA season and retired just short of turning 36, ultimately passing away of cancer in 1987.

Jiri Slegr – Defence – 1992/93-1995/96, 1997/98-2001/02, 2003/04-2005/06

Drafted in the second round, 23rd overall, in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft by the Vancouver Canucks, Slegr debuted during the 1992/93 season. Slegr scored 249 points (56G, 193A) in 622 games, as well as 18 points (4G, 14A) in 42 playoff games, for the Vancouver Canucks (1992/93-partway through 1994/95, part of 2003/04), Edmonton Oilers (partway through 1994/95-1995/96), Pittsburgh Penguins (1997/98-partway through 2000/01), Atlanta Thrashers (partway through 2000/01-partway through 2001/02), Detroit Red Wings (part of 2001/02), and Boston Bruins (partway through 2003/04-2005/06).

Slegr won the Stanley Cup in 2002 with the Detroit Red Wings. Internationally, he represented the Czech Republic, winning Bronze at the 1990 and 1991 World Juniors and 1992 Albertville Olympics with Czechoslovakia, the 1997 and 1998 World Championships and 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and Gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics and 2005 World Championships.

The 1992/93, 2001/02, and 2005/06 seasons, all saw Slegr play fewer than 50 NHL games. He played significantly less than the full schedule in many of his seasons, and he had two short absences from the NHL between the beginning and end of his NHL career. So it may surprise you to learn that this, perhaps somewhat obscure, player is a member of the Triple Gold Club. He was there with the Czechs when they overcame the Canadian powerhouse en route to a Gold, and he won a Gold at the World Championships. And of course, he has championship round pedigree. In addition to winning a Cup in Detroit to go to his Triple Gold Club membership, which would make him just one of many Hall-of-Famers to have played on that 2002 edition of the team should he wind up inducted, he also had a respectable 38 points in his second season as the Canucks made it to the Cup Final, though he didn’t play in the playoffs.

Bobby Smith – Centre – 1978/79-1992/93

Drafted in the first round, first overall, in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft by the Minnesota North Stars, Smith debuted during the 1978/79 season. Smith scored 1036 points (357G, 679A) in 1077 games, as well as 160 points (64G, 96A) in 184 playoff games, for the Minnesota North Stars (1978/79-partway through 1983/84, 1990/91-1992/93), and Montreal Canadiens (partway through 1983/84-1989/90).

Smith won the Stanley Cup in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens. He won the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year in 1979. He played in four All-Star Games, representing Minnesota in 1981, 1982, and 1991, as well as Montreal in 1989. Internationally, he represented Canada, winning Bronze at the 1978 World Juniors.

Smith was the last player selected first overall in the draft while it was still called the “Amateur Draft.” Part of the 1000-point club, Smith eclipsed the 30-goal mark three times in his career, including a 40-goal season. Smith occasionally missed noticeable time with injuries, and would have even more 30-goal seasons under his belt had he not missed so much, scoring at 35- and 30-goal paces in 1980 and 1981, respectively. He topped 70 points 10 times, 80 points six times, 90 points three times, and 100 points once. As a 1000-point player and Calder winner who won a Stanley Cup and played in four All-Star Games, I’d say Smith has a reasonable case to be in the Hall of Fame. Had he not missed any time with injuries, he’d have had 1158 points in 1204 games, making an even stronger case.

Steve Smith – Defence – 1984/85-1996/97, 1998/99-2000/01

Drafted in the sixth round, 111th overall, in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft by the Edmonton Oilers, Smith debuted during the 1984/85 season. Smith scored 375 points (72G, 303A) in 804 games, as well as 52 points (11G, 41A) in 134 playoff games, for the Edmonton Oilers (1984/85-1990/91), Chicago Blackhawks (1991/92-1996/97), and Calgary Flames (1998/99-2000/01).

Smith won the Stanley Cup in 1987, 1988, and 1990 with the Edmonton Oilers. He played in one All-Star Game, representing Edmonton in 1991. Internationally, he represented Canada, winning the 1991 Canada Cup.

When people think of Steve Smith, they think of the defenceman who scored an own goal that cost the Oilers the 1986 playoffs and, as it would turn out, immortalization in NHL history as the owners of the second five-season Stanley Cup-winning streak in league history, the first in the post-expansion era, and potentially the first dynasty lasting longer. Be that as it may, in Smith, we have another All-Star calibre player (this one having played in an All-Star Game) who won multiple Cups. Just like other players with All-Star calibre seasons and championships as members of the Oilers, Smith gets on this list. Smith has three seasons in his career in which he topped 10 goals, and in those three, he also topped 50 points. He managed to hang in there as a respectable point-producing defenceman for longer than teammate Charlie Huddy, and wound up with slightly superior scoring rates to Huddy. Huddy retired following the 1996/97 season, but would return for three years with Calgary, finising his career as captain of the Flames, starting with the 1999/00 season before his retirement during the 2000/01 season.

Pat Stapleton – Defenceman – 1961/62-1962/63, 1965/66-1972/73

Signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chicago Blackhawks, Stapleton debuted during the 1961/62 season. In the NHL, he scored 337 points (43G, 294A) in 635 games, as well as 49 points (10G, 39A) in 65 playoff games, for the Boston Bruins (1961/62-1962/63) and Chicago Blackhawks (1965/66-1972/73). In the WHA, he scored 239 points (27G, 212A) in 372 games, as well as 23 points (2G, 21A) in 28 playoff games, for the Chicago Cougars (1973/74-1974/75), Indianapolis Racers (1975/76-1976/77), and Cincinnati Stingers (1977/78).

In the NHL, Stapleton earned Second-Team All-Star honours in 1966, 1971, and 1972. He played in four All-Star Games, representing Chicago in 1967, 1969, 1971, and 1972. In the WHA, he won the Dennis A. Murphy Trophy as the league’s top defenceman. He earned Second-Team All-Star honours in 1976 and First-Team All-Star honours in 1974. He played in five All-Star Games, representing Chicago in 1974 and 1975, Indianapolis in 1976 and 1977, and Cincinnati in 1978. Internationally, he represented Canada, losing the 1974 Summit Series and winning the 1972 Summit Series.

I went back-and-forth on whether to put Stapleton. On the one hand, he had a strong career in the NHL with 30 points in all but his first two NHL seasons, 40 points in his last four NHL seasons, and 50 points or more in two of his NHL seasons, along with a very fruitful career in the WHA. On the other hand, his career was somewhat short even when taking his WHA career into account, with a gap of two seasons occuring between his second and third NHL campaigns and only five seasons in the WHA, and he didn’t win a championship in either league. Ultimately, I figured, with 327 points in 545 games with the Blackhawks, his place on that Summit Series squad, and a strong career in the WHA to supplement his NHL record, I chose to include him. Fun fact, he apparently owns the puck from the goal that won the Summit Series.

Kevin Stevens – Left Wing – 1987/88-2001/02

Drafted in the sixth round, 108th overall, during the 1983 NHL Entry Draft, and traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1983, Stevens debuted during the 1987/88 season. Stevens scored 726 points (329G, 397A) in 874 games, as well as 106 playoff games (46G, 60A) in 103 playoff games, playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins (1987/88-1994/95, partway through 2000/01-2001/02), Boston Bruins (part of 1995/96), Los Angeles Kings (part of 1995/96-1996/97), New York Rangers (1997/98-1999/00), and Philadelphia Flyers (part of 2000/01).

Stevens won the Stanley Cup in 1991 and 1992 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He earned Second-Team All-Star honours in 1991 and 1993 and First-Team All-Star honours in 1992, and played in three All-Star games, representing Pittsburgh in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Internationally, he represented the United States, winning Bronze at the 1996 World Championships.

Stevens is a modest example of putting a player in based on their peak as opposed to their full career. Don’t get me wrong, Stevens was productive throughout his career, but there’s clearly a half of his career where he dominated, and a half of his career where he was a solid supporting cast member. That period of domination was from 1989/90 through 1994/95. Those six seasons included 29 goals and 70 points in 79 games, 40 goals and 86 points in 80 games, 54 goals and 123 points in 80 games, 55 goals and 111 points in 72 games, 41 goals and 88 points in 83 games, and 15 goals and 27 points in 27 games, respectively. During that 1992/93 season, he scored at an 84-game pace of 64 goals and 130 points. Again, he remained solid after leaving Pittsburgh the first time in 1995, remaining a double-digit goal and point scorer in all but the 1999/00 and 2001/02 seasons, which saw him play fewer than 40 games. He is one of only four players in NHL history to reach both the 50-goal and 200-PIM marks in a single season, along with Hall-of-Famer Brendan Shanahan, as well as Gary Roberts and Keith Tkachuk, both of whom are also on this list. He is also tied with Steve Payne, Newsy Lalonde, Wayne Gretzky’s highest total, and three different seasons by Mike Bossy, for fourth-most goals in a single postseason, behind only Joe Sakic, Jari Kurri, and Reggie Leach.

Gaye Stewart – Left Wing – 1941/42-1942/43, 1945/46-1953/54

Signed as an undrafted free agent in 1940 by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Stewart debuted during the 1942 playoffs. Stewart scored 344 points (185G, 159A) in 502 games, as well as 11 points (2G, 9A) in 25 playoff games, for the Toronto Maple Leafs (1941/42-1942/43, 1945/46-partway through 1947/48), Chicago Blackhawks (partway through 1947/48-1949/50), Detroit Red Wings (1950/51), New York Rangers (1951/52-partway through 1952/53), and Montreal Canadiens (partway through 1952/53-1953/54).

Stewart won the Stanley Cup in 1942 and 1947 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He won the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year in 1943. He earned Second-Team All-Star honours in 1948 and First-Team All-Star honours in 1946, and played in four All-Star Games, representing Toronto in 1947, Chicago in 1948, Detroit in 1950, and the Rangers in 1951.

Stewart is another player from a much earlier era of NHL hockey whom the call to the Hall managed to evade. Stewart wasn’t the greatest player of his era, that much can be gleaned from the players he participated in the All-Star Game with, but with two Cups, a Calder, and several All-Star nods under his belt, he could be worth a look at for Hall induction if they decided to induct an older player.

Blaine Stoughton – Left Wing – 1973/74-1975/76, 1979/80-1983/84

Drafted in the first round, seventh overall, in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Stoughton debuted during the 1973/74 season. In the NHL, Stoughton scored 449 points (258G, 191A) in 526 games, as well as six points (4G, 2A) in eight playoff games, for the Pittsburgh Penguins (1973/74), Toronto Maple Leafs (1974/75-1975/76), Hartford Whalers (1979/80-partway through 1983/84), and New York Rangers (part of 1983/84). In the WHA, Stoughton scored 179 points (89G, 90A) in 219 games, as well as 10 points (4G, 6A) in 11 playoff games, for the Cincinnatti Stingers (1976/77-partway through 1977/78), Indianapolis Racers (partway through 1977/78-partway through 1978/79), and New England Whalers (part of 1978/79).

Stoughton was the pre-Rocket Richard goal leader in 1980. He played in one All-Star Game, representing Hartford in 1982.

Stoughton didn’t do much to showcase himself as a star in the making during his first run in the NHL, scoring only 65 points in 155 games across his first three seasons. Even his WHA tenure, truthfully speaking, didn’t suggest a bright NHL future, as his second and third WHA seasons were little better than his three NHL seasons at the time, suggesting he’d be remembered more as one of those players who have success in the WHA but wash out of the NHL. Stoughton broke out after the NHL-WHA merger in 1979, and his 56 goals wound up leading the league in goals. Danny Gare and Charlie Simmer, with whom Stoughton tied, are also on this list, and while it could easily be argued those players had the stronger careers overall, Stoughton nonetheless is a former goal-scoring leader and gets a spot on the list for that reason. It’s not like it was a flash in the pan either. He would go on to finish the 1981/82 season with 52 goals and 91 points.

Gary Suter – Defence – 1985/86-2001/02

Drafted in the ninth round, 180th overall, in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames, Suter debuted during the 1985/86 season. Suter scored 844 points (203G, 641A) in 1145 games, as well as 73 points (17G, 56A) in 108 playoff games, playing for the Calgary Flames (1985/86-partway through 1993/94), Chicago Blackhawks (partway through 1993/94-1997/98), and San Jose Sharks (1998/99-2001/02).

Suter won the Stanley Cup in 1989 with the Calgary Flames. He won the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year in 1986. He earned All-Rookie honours in 1986 and Second-Team All-Star honours in 1988, and played in four All-Star Games, representing Calgary in 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1991. Internationally, he represented the United States, winning Second place at the 1991 Canada Cup, Silver at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and the 1996 World Cup of Hockey,

Suter was part of the elite defence corps for the Flames in the late 1980s. He may have been second fiddle for pretty much his entire career, playing with Al MacInnis for his entire tenure with the Flames and being traded to Chicago via Hartford shortly before MacInnis’ departure to play alongside Chris Chelios, and only being “the guy” on defence when he joined the Sharks in his late 30s, but he was an excellent defenceman during his run with the Flames and Blackhawks. He scored at least 40 points in ten of his NHL seasons, scoring 50 in eight, 60 in seven, 70 in four, 80 in two, and 90 in one. A skilled all-around defenceman who made an impact everywhere he played, it’s surprising he hasn’t been inducted. Injuries did flare up at various points in his career, and it did cause him to miss all but five games of the Flames’ 1989 postseason, which kind of tarnishes his status as a Cup winner, but his overall impact ought to earn him some consideration.

Brent Sutter – Centre – 1980/81-1997/98

Drafted in the first round, 17th overall, in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders, Sutter scored 829 points (363G, 466A) in 1111 games, as well as 74 points (30G, 44A) in 144 playoff games, for the New York Islanders (1980/81-partway through 1991/92), and Chicago Blackhawks (partway through 1991/92-1997/98).

Sutter won the Stanley Cup in 1982 and 1983 with the New York Islanders. He played in one All-Star Game, representing the Islanders in 1985. Internationally, he represented Canada, winning Silver at the 1985 World Championships and the 1984, 1987, and 1991 Canada Cups.

A caveat to start, I don’t buy in to the Sutter hype. Not anymore. By and large, the entire family has consisted of grinders and two-way forwards who weren’t really anything special as players, as coaches they tend to suck the excitement out of the teams they coach (no, winning Cups doesn’t make a team enjoyable to watch), and precisely nothing came of the second generation, so it’s not like they had Michael Jordan’s Secret Stuff anyway. Overall, the continued glorification of the Sutters is a continued glorification of everything I feel the NHL needs to de-emphasize in order to reach its potential. That being said, some members of the family gained notoriety on their own merits. Chief among them was Brent Sutter. He won two Stanley Cups in his career thanks to playing for the juggernaut New York Islanders of the day, and he leads all members of the family in all-time scoring, only Brian Sutter, who spent his career with the Blues, was comparable as an offensive player, leading the family in points-per-game. But only Brent Sutter combined significant offensive production with significant longevity, being one of only two members of the family to play more than 1000 NHL games, and again scoring way more than the other. At some point the Hall induction committee must be thinking, or must have thought, about inducting one of the Sutters into the Hall, and Brent is the only one to which I’d respond “yeah, makes sense.”

Petr Svoboda – Defence – 1984/85-2000/01

Drafted in the first round, fifth overall, in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, Svoboda debuted during the 1984/85 season. Svoboda scored 399 points (58G, 341A) in 1028 games, as well as 49 points (4G, 45A) in 127 playoff games, playing for the Montreal Canadiens (1984/85-partway through 1991/92), Buffalo Sabres (partway through 1991/92-partway through 1994/95), Philadelphia Flyers (partway through 1994/95-partway through 1998/99), and Tampa Bay Lightning (partway through 1998/99-2000/01).

Svoboda won the Stanley Cup in 1986 with the Montreal Canadiens. He played in one All-Star Game, representing the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2000. Internationally, he represented the Czech Republic, winning Bronze with Czechoslovakia at the 1984 World Championships and Gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics.

Svoboda was an early defector from the Communist Eastern Bloc in the early 1980s, leaving during an U18 tournament in West Germany, and went on to become one of the most notable Czech players in NHL history. A two-time 30-point and one-time 40-point scorer, Svoboda was a defensive leaning player during his career. Despite that, Svoboda scored arguably the most iconic goal in Czech hockey history, the lone goal of their 1-0 win over an impressively stocked Russian team to win Gold at the Nagano Olympics. Back in January 2019, Ken Campbell argued that if Paul Henderson should be inducted into the Hall, then so too should players from other countries who made major impacts in international play, with Svoboda and his golden goal one of the key examples. It seems, at least in my reading, that he’s implying Svoboda doesn’t deserve to be in the Hall, and if Henderson is inducted then there’s all these players we would need to induct to be fair despite the fact that they shouldn’t be in either. At least in the case of Svoboda, I would say, yes, he should be inducted. The gold medal goal-scorer and a Cup winner, three-time Cup finalist and one-time All-Star? Sure he should get in.

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Talking Points