Hockey Hall of Fame: The Case For Andreychuk

Andreychuk deserves induction

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s only Stanley Cup captain, Dave Andreychuk will find out today if he is a Hall of Famer. Others considered top candidates for induction:  Joe Nieuwendyk, Doug Gilmour, Adam Oates, Eric Lindros, Alexander Mogilny, Dino Ciccarelli, Pierre Turgeon and Pavel Bure. After missing out in his first year of eligibility last year because of a stud Hall of Fame class (Yzerman, Hull, Robitaille and Leetch), Dave should be elected today when compared to the current candidates. Andreychuk is the highest one of the highest scoring player not in the Hall of Fame. He certainly deserves to be an honored member and should be included in this year’s class.

He is one of the highest scoring left wingers in NHL history.  On November 28, 2008, he was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame.

Here are a few career numbers to consider :

• 5th most games played in NHL history with 1639.
• 13th most goals scored in NHL history with 640 (One of only 18 players with 600+ goals).
• Tied with Denis Savard for 27th in league history with 1338 points.
• Most NHL career power play goals with 274.
• 1991–92 NHL Power Play Goals Leader with 28.
• 1992–93 NHL Power Play Goals Leader with 32.
• Oldest player to a make Stanley Cup Finals debut: 40 years, 7 months.
• Played in NHL All-Star Game in 1990 and 1994.

Andreychuk is considered by many to be a borderline Hall of Fame candidate.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  His career accomplishments stand up to Hall of Fame scrutiny very well.

Here are seven players’ career statistics. You decide which one is the Hall of    Famer.

Answers:

A) Gilbert Perrault HOF
B) Cam Neely HOF
C) Yvon Cournoyer HOF
D) Bernie Federko HOF
E) Bob Gainey HOF
F) Michel Goulet HOF
G) Dave Andreychuk – Up for Induction  (Surprise!)

The Hockey Hall of Fame’s listed qualifications for a nominated player are:  A three year minimum playing career, good playing ability, sportsmanship, character and the player’s contribution to the team or teams, and to the game of hockey in general.  That means that Tiger Williams, Bob Probert, Tie Domi and Stu Grimson are in!!  The Hall needs to change its “vague and subjective” qualifications and antiquated voting methods.  The most players that can be inducted in any year are four.  This needs to change, too.  I realize that you can’t select players solely on numbers, but some benchmarks need to be set.  The character of the player should be a low priority, but if you do consider character, Andreychuk stands tall in that category.  Cam Neely shouldn’t be in for being a “good” man, nor should Dino Cicarelli be held out because of his “questionable” character.  I hate to say it, but look at the LPGA Hall of Fame induction qualifications.  The LPGA’s qualification requirements are much more stringent and objective than those of any other Hall of Fame.  They use a point system for regular wins and major wins. Score 27 points and you are in. Is this a model for induction? Maybe not, but it is a more concrete process that takes the intangibles out of it.

Is the answer 500 goals, 1,000 points, and a ten-year career?  I don’t know.  That is a discussion for another time, puckheads. One thing is certain though:  640 goals 1,338 points and a Stanley Cup in a 23 year career deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.