In a tumultuous year that was not normal for anything and everything including baseball, one thing that might be back to normal is voting for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Granted, the 2021 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot has 14 returning candidates, with just about every one of them owning cases for induction that range from borderline to compelling.

THE OUTLOOK OF THE NFL POSTSEASON

The NFL season is slowly grinding out into the postseason, and it won’t be long now until we know who is making it into the New Year with a championship to play for. 

There have been a lot of surprises, changes, evolutions, and even “as expected” this season in the NFL, and despite the fears and pressure of the coronavirus, the league has held its own and teams have shown the requisite resilience. With the season set to roll into the New Year and in a new playoff format, there is all the excitement and competition to look forward, including quite a lucrative time to be had for those who love a flutter and do not mind investing some hard-earned greens and time. For those rooting for the Giants, or pretty much anyone who needs some incentive, the bonus code SugarHouse will be a big boost to their first go.

The NFC

For a number of seasons now the NFC has been a very competitive conference with the NFC West being the pick of the lot. However, the Seahawks are coming out on top, thanks to an MVP-level of play from quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite being 8-3, a tie with the Green Bay Packers and one step back from the New Orleans Saints (9-2), the Seahawks are still expected to be the name out of the conference when the bowl comes around. The New York Giants are having a resurgence with a winning streak that is taking them into the postseason. At 4-7, the Giants are tied with Washington (4-7) but hold a head-to-head advantage over them. Tom Brady has not had the easiest of seasons in Tampa Bay, but he still has the team in a wildcard spot, alongside the Rams and Cardinals, but only temporarily. Despite their poor season, the 49ers are still in the running for a wildcat spot, including eight other teams, amongst which are the Eagles (3-7-1), Cowboys (3-8) and Falcons (4-7).

The AFC

The Steelers have been so shockingly dominating, it has been both awesome and crazy to watch. At 11-0, the Steelers have looked steady all season long and are already assured to make the playoffs, and the Kansas City Chiefs are not letting them off the hook at 10-1.Patrick Mahomes has not been loudest best his play has been stellar and looks paced for the postseason. The Titans (8-3) and Bills (8-3) have been equally as impressive and are looking sure to be in the postseason. The conference is so competitive, the Browns at 8-3 can only manage a wildcat spot at the moment, but they have looked even more sure-footed without Odell Beckham Jr. The Patriots have had a season to forget, but their greatness still has them fighting for a wildcat spot at 5-6. This would be quite an achievement for the rebuilding patriots and not a very bad start to Cam Newton’s start in New England. The Ravens, Raiders, Broncos, Texans, Chargers, and Bengals are all in the mix.

In August 2010, Roman Leakee made his professional debut with World Wrestling Entertainment. Two years later, and following the rebrand of the Florida Championship Wrestling to NXT, the competitor’s ring name changed to Roman Reigns. Since then, the organization has had a superstar on their hands. Although there are debates regarding WWEs marketing of Reigns, few can argue that he hasn’t been one of the promotion's go-to athletes for the best part of the past decade. So, let’s take a look at whether the 35-year-old will end up in the company’s Hall of Fame. 

Competing Against the Best Since 2010 

Throughout the bulk of his professional wrestling career with the WWE, Reigns has proved to be a divisive character. That said, irrespective of whether you love him or hate him, his in-ring success speaks for itself. To date, the Florida-born competitor has held the WWE Championship on three separate occasions. Additionally, he has also clinched the Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and Universal Championship. 

Given the longevity that Reigns enjoyed throughout the 2010s, it’s surprising to learn that he only lost one of his many singles titles on five separate occasions, as per www.sportskeeda.com. Perhaps the WWE Universe’s perception of the 35-year-old is why this record is often overlooked. Due to this, the organization has to take responsibility for failing to market the Big Dog effectively. However, his recent link-up with Paul Heyman appears to have been a masterstroke. Since returning to the WWE at SummerSlam, Reigns has lived up to his motto of “wreck everything and leave”. As such, he’s received credit from Hall of Famers. JBL, for example, labeled the Florida-born competitor as the “most compelling character” of the last 20 years, according to https://wrestletalk.com.   

A Career-Defining Promotion 

Fundamentally, it’s a testament to Reigns’ mental strength that he overcame personal and professional adversity on his path to success. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact period where the 35-year-old's in-ring fortunes changed, his improved ability to cut promotions certainly helped. For someone who has headlined four straight WrestleMania pay-per-view events, his microphone work can’t be too shoddy. Following The Undertaker’s initial retirement in 2017, Reigns declared that the ring was now his yard, inferring that he was stepping up to fill The Deadman’s shoes, as per https://bleacherreport.com. Interestingly, his improved promotional skills have seen Mick Foley compare his progression to the likes of Kurt Angle and The Rock. 

Regarding the 35-year-old's marketability, his heightened microphone skills have undoubtedly enhanced his reputation. Thanks to this, he now plays a pivotal role in spearheading the rise of digital wrestling-themed developments across the globe. This is evident by his position as a cover star, along with Becky Lynch, on the WWE 2K20 video game.   

Not only that, but he’s also a leading figure in expanding WWE’s appeal among American audiences through diverse entertainment streams. Recently, Bluberi has partnered with the WWE in an effort to create wrestling-themed video slots that will feature a number of stars, including Reigns. Interestingly, this style of sporting expansion has occurred in the past with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. At Unibet, which is one of the bonus-offering platforms listed at https://www.bonusfinder.com/free-spins-no-deposit, prospective players can immerse themselves in It’s Time. The six-reel, Relax Gaming creation focuses on the UFC’s Bruce Buffer and incorporates an array of features, such as the Fighter and Buffer bonuses. 

It’s Hard to Deny Reigns 

Love him or hate him, Reigns has been at the forefront of WWEs storylines for over a decade. While he’ll never be the company’s most-loved wrestler, he’s past the point where he needs to obtain that status. For as long as the 35-year-old is spearheading the organization’s modern-day plots, it’s troublesome to deny that he’s a future Hall of Famer.   

Rock 'n' roll Musicians & Muses

Rock' n' roll musicians are known for their hard-living and their desire to love women. Many of the most famous songs ever written were about being in love with a certain kind of gal. That being said, these musicians and their muses come in all shapes and sizes, and the songs reflect the subjects' unique qualities. Here is what you need to know about some of the famous music couples out there. 

How passionate relationships with women inspire musicians to create songs

Think about some of the most famous rock songs out there. Songs like I Believe in a Thing Called Love, Nothing Else Matters, Is This Love, Angel, and many others were not just spontaneously thought of by the singers. They had to have some kind of inspiration that convinced them to write about this thoughtful, vulnerable topic. The right kind of relationship will make a man think about the circumstances that he's in and how he responded. Sometimes, the relationships have ended well, and other times they didn't. That's reflected in the individual songs, but it's clear that the right woman can make a man sing about their love in all the best ways. Their inspiration will make them compose thoughtful lyrics and take a break from the heavy, partying subject matter to show a little bit of their soft side. A perfect example of this is when Metallica released Nothing Else Matters, a song that contrasts so sharply with their thrash metal image that it made people do a double-take of the band's talent! 

The "fatale women" of the real "bad guys":

When you start looking at why the rocking singers began to change their ways or sing about love, it's important to examine the women who stand behind them. We're going to look at the Femme Fatales behind these tough guys to show you how the right woman can help a rocker come to grips with their feelings of love. 

  • Ozzy Osbourne and Sharon Arden

Ozzy and Sharon appeared to make no sense from the outside of the relationship. He was a rocker who could have had just about any lady he wanted, but he went with Sharon and stayed with her for decades. While it's true that they have had their ups and downs, she has become a prominent part of his life, even managing many of his efforts to this day. Although she was overweight, he still loved every part of her as she learned how to manage her health. She's been a force to be reckoned with in the world of business, and that didn't help her as she struggled with weight. Now that she has a new appreciation for her health and lifestyle, she has a healthy figure. BBW looking for men have the perception that men are afraid of dating curvy girls in real life. But Ozzy proved that not all men are subject to such prejudices.

  • Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley

Bon Jovi is a very attractive and successful singer. He got together with Dorothea Hurley in 1989, and they never looked back. They're the same age and from the same state, but they are worlds apart in terms of work. Still, her lifestyle and elegance have inspired many songs from Bon Jovi!

  • David Bowie and Iman

Some rockers love to be with someone that has the same high energy as them. That appears to be the case with David Bowie and Iman. She's a model, actress, and entrepreneur. She was a partner with David Bowie for decades! 

  • Bono and Ali Hewson

Bono and Ali Hewson go together so well because they're so dedicated to causes around the world. Both are activists, and she is listed as the inspiration on many songs, including "Sweetest Thing."

  • Keith Richards and Patti Hensen

Although nobody is surprised that Keith Richards married a model, everyone is stunned by their longevity. Although they have a small age disparity, they are a very successful and loving couple. 

Famous men find women of all types to be with. Without the constraints of normal living, most of them find that they have the chance to be with someone that fulfills the needs of their soul instead of finding someone to date based on their lifestyle alone. That is why you'll see rockers with dates of different ages, sizes, and backgrounds. Also, it's why we're blessed with so much beautiful music about these loving ladies.  

Rock 'n' Roll legends write songs about women all the time. Most people don't realize that these guys tend to stick with these ladies long after the song's release. Look at the list of people we've mentioned here, and you can see that the crazy rocker lifestyle isn't enough to pull a man away from the love of a great woman!

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the Mark Messier Leadership Award, it is designed to honor an individual who leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes.  We stay on the ice with the newest award, the William M. Jennings, which was first awarded in 1981-82.  

Specifically, the Jennings replaced the Vezina Trophy, which had been given to the goalie(s) of the team that allowed the fewest Goals. The Vezina was reworked to honor the best Goalie in the NHL, and the Jennings was created to follow along the Vezina’s previous guidelines.

It is named after Jennings, who was the longtime President of the New York Rangers.

So how many William M. Jennings winners have made the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the William M. Jennings Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Billy Smith, New York Islanders: 18-14-7, 2.87 GAA, 9.1 PS  1983 Co-Winner

The Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups (1980-83), with this being the final one of the dynasty.  Smith was there for all of them, winning the Vezina the year before and Conn Smythe this year.  He continued to play in the NHL until 1989, retiring with a 305-233-105 record.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.

Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens: 22-16-6, 2.94 GAA, 7.7 PS  1987 Co-Winner

Patrick Roy was already an established legend before he turned 21, as the year before he won the Conn Smythe when he took the Canadiens to an unexpected Stanley Cup win.  Roy won his first of three Jennings Trophies, and was tenth for the Vezina.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens: 23-12-9, ,2.90 GAA, 8.7 PS  1988 Co-Winner (2)

Along with his co-winner, Brian Heyward, Roy became the first player to win the Jennings in consecutive years.  He was named a Second Team All-Star and was eighth for the Vezina.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens: 33-5-6, ,2.47 GAA, 9.3 PS  1989 Co-Winner (3)

Roy made history as the first player to win the Jennings in three straight years, and he was also the first to win the Jennings and the Vezina in the same season.  The Goalie also led the NHL in Save Percentage (.908) and GAA (2.74).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Ed Belfour, Chicago Blackhawks: 43-19-7, ,2.47 GAA, 14.0 PS  1991

Ed Belfour seemed to come out of nowhere as in his rookie year he won the Calder, the Vezina and the Jennings the first player to do so.  Belfour led the NHL in Wins (43), Save Percentage (.910) and GAA (2.47).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Patrick Roy, Montreal Canadiens: 36-22-8, ,2.36 GAA, 13.5 PS  1992 (4)

Roy became the first player to win the fourth Jennings and his third Vezina, and in regards to the Hart, he was the runner-up. He was also the NHL leader in Save Percentage for the fourth time (.914) and GAA for the second time (2.36).  Roy would lead Montreal to another Stanley Cup win in 1993.  Notably, this would be the first time that the award was given to just one Goalie.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Ed Belfour, Chicago Blackhawks: 41-18-11, ,2.59 GAA, 13.0 PS  1993 (2)

Belfour won his second Jennings Trophy in the same year as he won his second Vezina.  “The Eagle” led the league in Shutouts (7) and was a First Team All-Star for the second time. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Grant Fuhr, Buffalo Sabres: 13-12-3, ,3.69 GAA, 3.9 PS  1994 Co-Winner

A member of five Stanley Cup Championships with the Edmonton Oilers, Grant Fuhr won the Vezina in 1988, but it was with Buffalo that he would win his first and only Jennings Award.  He later played for Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Calgary and had 403 career Wins.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.

Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres: 30-20-6, ,1.95 GAA, 13.1 PS  1994 Co-Winner

This was Hasek’s breakout year as he not only won the Jennings, but he also won the Vezina and was the runner-up for the Hart. Hasek led the NHL in Save Percentage (.930), GAA (1.95) and Shutouts (7).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ed Belfour, Chicago Blackhawks: 22-15-3, ,2.28 GAA, 6.0 PS  1995 (3)

Belfour led the NHL is Shutouts for the fourth straight season, and was named a Second Team All-Star.  He finished second for the Vezina that year.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. 

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils: 37-14-13, ,1.88 GAA, 12.4 PS  1997 Co-Winner

Martin Brodeur is considered one of the greatest Goalies of all-time, and in terms of the William M. Jennings, he is one of the most decorated netminders ever with five wins.  Prior to his first win, Brodeur already won the Calder and won his first Stanley Cup.  This year, Brodeur was also a Second Team All-Star, was second for the Vezina, fourth for the Hart, and he led the NHL in GAA (1.88).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils: 43-17-8, ,1.89 GAA, 11.1 PS  1998 (2) 

Brodeur won his second straight Jennings Trophy, with similar accolades in his first win.  He was again second for the Vezina, fourth for the Hart, and a Second Team All-Star. This year began a four-year streak of leading the NHL in Wins.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Ed Belfour, Dallas Stars: 35-15-9, ,1.99 GAA, 9.1 PS  1999 Co-Winner (4)

Now a Dallas Star, Belfour was seventh in Vezina voting but he had his most rewarding NHL year as he helped Dallas win the Stanley Cup.  This was the only Jennings win where Belfour shared it with another Goalie.  Belfour went on to play for Toronto and Florida, retiring in 2007 with a career record of 484-320-125.Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres: 37-24-4, ,2.11 GAA, 13.9 PS  2001 (2)

In between Hasek’s first and second Jennings win, Hasek won four Vezinas, two Harts and two Lester B. Pearson Awards. Hasek won his sixth Vezina this year, which would also be his final one as a Sabre.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Patrick Roy, Colorado Avalanche: 32-23-8, ,1.94 GAA, 13.2 PS  2002 (5)

Patrick Roy forced a trade out of Montreal in 1996, and the team where he landed, Colorado, won a Stanley Cup with him in net that year. Roy won his fourth Cup in 2001, and this season, he won his fifth (and final) Jennings, while earning a First Team All-Star selection and was also second for the Vezina and third for the Hart. Roy played one more year before he retired as one of the most decorated players in hockey.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils: 41-23-9, ,2.02 GAA, 11.4 PS  2003 (3) 

In between Brodeur’s second and third Jennings win, he won a Stanley Cup (2000) and never finished less than fifth for the Vezina.  This year, he not only won he Jennings, he captured a third Stanley Cup ring, and won his first Vezina.  Brodeur was also third in Hart balloting, and he began his second four-year streak of leading the NHL in Wins.  It is worth noting that this was the only year in which the Jennings was shared between two teams, as Roman Cechmanek and Robert Esche of the Philadelphia Flyers also won.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils: 38-26-11, ,2.03 GAA, 12.5 PS  2004 (4) 

Brodeur repeated as a dual winner of the Jennings and Vezina and like the season before he finished in third place for the Hart. He would win two more Vezina Trophies, 2007 and 2008, and was second in 2006.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Dominik Hasek, Detroit Red Wings: 27-10-3, ,2.14 GAA, 4.5 PS  2008 Co-Winner (3) 

Hasek forced a trade out of Buffalo and promptly won his coveted Stanley Cup that year.  He won another this year, in what was his final NHL season.  “The Dominator” won 389 Games with a career GAA of 2.20.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils: 38-26-11, ,2.03 GAA, 12.5 PS  2010 (5) 

With his fifth Jennings win, Brodeur tied Patrick Roy for the most all-time.  Brodeur was third in Vezina voting, which would be the last time he received a vote for that award.  He played until 2013, accumulating an all-time record of 691 Wins.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. 

 

The following are the players who have won the William M. Jennings Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Rick Wamsley, Montreal Canadiens, 23-7-7, 2.75 GAA, 9.2 GPS 1982 Co-Winner  

It is fitting that the first ever winner of a major award played for Montreal, and in the case of Rick Wamsley, this would be the only individual award he won.  He would later win a Stanley Cup with Calgary in 1989, and he retired with a 204-131-46 Record.

Eligible since 1996.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Denis Herron, Montreal Canadiens 12-6-8, 2.64 GAA 6.6 PS 1982 Co-Winner       

Denis Herron won the Vezina the year before under the Vezina’s last year of following the format of the William M. Jennings. Herron’s .911 Save Percentage led the NHL, which was the second time he did so.  He was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the off-season, and he finished his career there, retiring with 146 Wins against 203 Losses.

Eligible since 1989.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Roland Melanson, New York Islanders 24-12-5, 2.66 GAA 10.2 PS 1982 Co-Winner        

Melanson was the back-up for eventual Hall of Famer, Billy Smith, but Melanson saw his share of playing time in three Stanley Cup wins, this year being the last one.  Melanson led the NHL in Save Percentage this season (.909), and did again the year after (.902).  He later played for Minnesota, Los Angeles, New Jersey and Montreal, and left the game with 125 Wins.

Eligible since 1995.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Al Jensen, Washington Capitals 25-13-3, 2.92 GAA 5.8 PS 1984 Co-Winner

Jensen led the NHL in Shutouts (4) and was third in Vezina Trophy voting this year.  He would arguably have one more good year, and he only had 179 career NHL games.

Eligible since 1990.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Pat Riggin, Washington Capitals 21-14-2, 2.67 GAA 6.0 PS 1984 Co-Winner         

Riggin led the NHL in Goals Against Average (2.67) this year and his four Shutouts tied his teammate, Al Jensen, for the league-lead. The Goalie was a Second Team All-Star this year and was third (again tied with Jensen) for the Vezina.  Riggin was fourth for the Vezina the year after, but this ended his run as an elite Goalie.  He had a record of 153-120-52.

Eligible since 1991.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Tom Barrasso, Buffalo Sabres 25-18-10, 2.67 GAA 8.1 PS 1985 Co-Winner   

Barrasso won the Vezina and Calder the year before, and this season he was second for the Vezina, but won the Jennings and was a Second Team All-Star.  He would have an up and down career, winning two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and winning 369 Games in between the pipes.

Eligible since 2006.  Ranked #16 on Notinhalloffame.com

Bob Sauve, Buffalo Sabres 13-10-3, 3.23 GAA 2.3 PS 1985 Co-Winner

Sauve was previously a co-winner for the Vezina in 1980, and this was his second and last individual award in the NHL.  It was also his last year as a Sabre, as he joined Chicago the year after.  He retired in 1989, after two years with New Jersey.

Eligible since 1992.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Bob Froese, Philadelphia Flyers 31-10-3, 2.55 GAA 9.9 PS 1986 Co-Winner

This was by far Froese’s best year in the National Hockey League, where he led the NHL in Wins (31), Save Percentage (.909), GAA (2.55) and Shutouts), and he was a Second Team All-Star who was second for the Vezina.  Froese never approached that year again, finishing with the New York Rangers for four years with a career record of 128-72-20

Eligible since 1993.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Darren Jensen, Philadelphia Flyers 15-9-1, 3.69 GAA 9.9 PS 1986 Co-Winner       

A star at the University of North Dakota, this was Jensen’s second and final NHL season, as he was sent to the minors after. Realistically, he barely qualified for this award and won it as a second banana Goalie in a high-scoring era.  His 3.69 is toed for the worst of ant winner.

Eligible since 1989.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Brian Heyward, Montreal Canadiens 19-13-4, 2.82 GAA 6.2 PS 1987 Co-Winner   

After four seasons in Winnipeg, Heyward was noa a competent backup for Patrick Roy in Montreal.  In Heyward’s 37 Games this year, he was first in the NHL in GAA (2.82) and was sixth in Vezina voting.

Eligible since 1996.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Brian Heyward, Montreal Canadiens 19-13-4, 2.82 GAA 6.2 PS 1988 Co-Winner (2)       

Along with Patrick Roy, Heyward became the first back-to-back winner of the Jennings Trophy.  He might have been a back-up, but he wasn’t done making history.

Eligible since 1996.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Brian Heyward, Montreal Canadiens 19-13-4, 2.82 GAA 6.2 PS 1989 Co-Winner (3)       

Patrick Roy and Brian Heyward were the first players to win the William M. Jennings Trophy three years in a row, and this is arguably the only player to win three significant awards in a row, who has zero chance for their respective Hall of Fame. 

Eligible since 1996.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Reggie Lemelin, Boston Bruins 22-15-2, 2.80 GAA 6.2 PS 1990 Co-Winner 

Prior to this season, Lemelin had four top-ten finishes for the Vezina, and this year would be his last one as he was fourth. He played until 1993, accumulating 236 Wins over a 15-year career.

Eligible since 1996.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com 

Andy Moog, Boston Bruins 24-10-7, 2.89 GAA 7.3 PS 1990 Co-Winner         

Andy Moog won three Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers before arriving in Boston, and in this season, he was third in Vezina voting, which was the highest of his career.  He had seven other top ten finishes for the Vezina.

Eligible since 2001.  Ranked #26 on Notinhalloffame.com

Chris Osgood, Detroit Red Wings 39-6-5, 2.17 GAA 6.6 PS 1996 Co-Winner          

Osgood had his breakout season where he also was a Second Team All-Star and was the runner-up for the Vezina behind Dominik Hasek. The Goalie also led the NHL in Wins this year with 39.  Osgood won the Stanley Cup in the next two years with Detroit.

Eligible since 2014.  Ranked #22 on Notinhalloffame.com

Mike Vernon, Detroit Red Wings 21-7-2, 2.26 GAA 4.2 PS 1996 Co-Winner 

Mike Vernon was a Second Team All-Star and Stanley Cup winner with the Calgary Flames in 1989.  Vernon joined Detroit in 1994, and won the Jennings with Chris Osgood, with whom he took the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup win in 1997.  Vernon won the Conn Smythe that year, which was also his last in Detroit.  He finished his career with San Jose, Florida, and closed his career as a Flame.

Eligible since 2005.  Ranked #13 on Notinhalloffame.com

Mike Dunham, New Jersey Devils 8-7-1, 2.55 GAA 2.6 PS 1997 Co-Winner 

This was Dunham’s rookie year, and he played in 26 Games, just enough to qualify for the Jennings Award, which was the only individual accolade he ever won.  After two years with New Jersey, Dunham was traded to Nashville, and he later played for Atlanta and both New York teams.

Eligible since 2010.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com. 

Roman Turek, Dallas Stars 16-3-3, 2.29 GAA 3.7 PS 1999 Co-Winner 

Turek played just enough to qualify for the Jennings, and as Ed Belfour’s backup, he won not only the Jennings but the Stanley Cup. This was his last year in Dallas, as he was traded to St. Louis the following year.

Eligible since 2010.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com. 

Roman Turek, St. Louis Blues 42-15-9, 1.95 GAA 10.2 PS 2000 (2) 

Turek went back-to-back in Jennings wins, but was the first to do it with different teams.  This time, Turek was a first string Goalie, and he had the best year of his life, finishing second in Vezina voting, sixth for the Hart and was a Second Team All-Star.  His played one more season with the Blues before moving on to Calgary for three years.

Eligible since 2010.  Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com. 

Roman Cechmanek, Philadelphia Flyers 33-15-10, 1.83 GAA 10.9 PS 2003 Co-Winner

Roman Cechmanek had a brief NHL career, consisting of only four seasons, and he was a former Second Team All-Star.  Cechmanek was third in Vezina voting this year, which would be his penultimate NHL campaign.

Eligible since 2012.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Robert Esche, Philadelphia Flyers 12-9-3, 2.20 GAA 3.8 PS 2003 Co-Winner

Esche played eight years in the NHL, usually as a backup, and this was his lone season where he would win an award.  He had a lifetime record of 78-64-22.

Eligible since 2015.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames 42-20-11, 2.07 GAA 16.2 PS 2006 

This was the best season of Kiprusoff’s career where he not only won the Jennings, but was the Vezina Trophy winner and was third for the Hart.  He also led the NHL in Goals Against Average (2.07) and Shutouts (10), and played until 2013, finishing with a 305-192-68 record.

Eligible since 2016.  Ranked #189 on Notinhalloffame.com

Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild 23-8-6, 1.97 GAA 9.0 PS 2007 Co-Winner

Esche played eight years in the NHL, usually as a backup, and this was his lone season where he would win an award.  He had a lifetime record of 78-64-22.

Eligible since 2015.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Manny Fernandez, Minnesota Wild 22-16-1, 2.55 GAA 7.8 PS 2007 Co-Winner

Fernandez was a late bloomer, as his best pro seasons in hockey came in the latter half of his career.  This was Fernandez’ first individual award.

Eligible since 2012.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Chris Osgood, Detroit Red Wings 27-9-4, 2.09 GAA 6.6 PS 2008 Co-Winner (2)     

Sharing the netminding duties with Dominik Hasek, Osgood won his lone GAA title this year.  Osgood won his third Stanley Cup this year, and he played until 2011, retiring with 401 Wins, 317 of which were as a Red Wing.  His 12 years between Jennings wins is the longest.

Eligible since 2014.  Ranked #22 on Notinhalloffame.com

Manny Fernandez, Boston Bruins 16-8-3, 2.59 GAA 4.9 PS 2009 Co-Winner (2)

Fernandez became the second player to win the Jennings with two different teams, and he did so in what turned out to be his last NHL season.  He had a career record of 143-123-35.

Eligible since 2012.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins 36-11-7, 2.10 GAA 14.7 PS 2009 Co-Winner 

If his teammate, Manny Fernandez, was a late bloomer, then what do you call Tim Thomas, who first became a bona fide presence in the NHL in his early 30s?  Thomas would also win the Vezina, and was the league leader in Save Percentage (.933) and Goals Against Average (2.10).  Two years later, Thomas led the NHL again in Save Percentage and GAA, while also winning the Vezina.  More importantly, he would backstop the Bruins to a Stanley Cup win.

Eligible since 2017.  Ranked #77 on Notinhalloffame.com

Ray Emery, Chicago Blackhawks: 17-1-0, 1.94, 3.4 PS 2013 Co-Winner

Emery lost only one game all year, and he was seventh in Vezina voting, though he did not see much action in the playoffs that year. Nevertheless, Emery won the Stanley Cup this year, giving him a ring.  Emery had played for Ottawa, Philadelphia and Anaheim before this year, and he was in the NHL for two more years afterward, back as a Flyer.

Eligible since 2018.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com. 

Let’s update our tally, shall we?       

Award in Question

Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF

Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.

NBA MVP

100%

100%

NHL Art Ross

100%

100%

NHL Hart Trophy

93.6%

96.3%

NBA Finals MVP

91.3%

94.9%

NHL Norris

90.5%

96.4%

NHL Ted Lindsay Award

90.0%

 

NBA All-Star Game MVP

89.5%

91.7%

NHL Conn Smythe

74.2%

85.4%

NFL Bert Bell Award

73.7%

71.4%

NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year

73.1%

79.4%

NFL AP MVP

68.3%

74.0%

NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year

66.7%

66.7%

NHL Lady Byng

63.8%

76.0%

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

60.8%

71.1%

NFL Super Bowl MVP

60.6%

64.9%

NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award

60.0%

60.0%

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

58.3%

56.5%

NHL Vezina

57.1%

66.3%

NBA Rookie of the Year

56.5%

56.5%

MLB MVP

55.0%

60.2%

NFL Pro Bowl MVP

52.3%

54.8%

MLB Lou Gehrig Award

51.9%

51.9%

MLB Roberto Clemente Award

47.4%

47.4%

NHL Calder Trophy

46.5%

46.5%

NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

46.0%

46.0%

MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award

44.4%

55.4%

MLB Babe Ruth Award

37.0%

39.3%

NHL King Clancy Award

36.8%

36.8%

NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy

33.3%

36.7%

MLB World Series MVP

33.3%

36.8%

MLB Hutch Award

33.1%

33.1%

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

28.6%

28.6%

NHL Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

27.9%

27.9%

MLB Edgar Martinez Award

26.7%

17.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)

25.0%

30.8%

MLB Comeback Player of the Year

25.0%

25.0%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)

23.5%

52.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove

21.7%

36.8%

NHL William M. Jennings Trophy

20.7%

40.4%

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

20.6%

20.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)

20.0%

22.5%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)

18.8%

39.8%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)

18.2%

35.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)

18.2%

20.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)

16.7%

32.7%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)

16.7%

30.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)

15.7%

25.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)

14.3%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)

13.6%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)

13.6%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year

13.3%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)

10.3%

15.2%

NBA Most Improved Player of the Year

5.3%

3.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)

3.8%

3.2%

NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year

0.0%

0.0%

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the William M. Jennings Trophy in the NHL who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Hockey Hall of Fame:

Niklas Backstrom, Minnesota Wild 23-8-6, 1.97 GAA 9.0 PS 2007 Co-Winner

This was Backstrom’s rookie year, though the Swedish Goalie was already 27.  Backstrom led the NHL in Save Percentage (.929), GAA (1.97) and was sixth in Vezina voting.  He played with the Wild until 2015, and finished his NHL run with Calgary before returning to Europe and playing in the Finnish League.

Eligible in 2022.

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks 38-15-7, 2.11 GAA 13.6 PS 2011

A Second Team All-Star twice before in his career, Luongo led the NHL in Wins for the only time in his career.  He also was third in Vezina voting.    Luongo would take the Canucks to the Stanley Cup Finals, but they went down to the Boston Bruins.  Later on, Luongo returned to Florida, playing until 2019 and retiring with 489 Wins.

Eligible in 2022.

The following are the players who have won the William M. Jennings Trophy who are still active.

Cory Schneider, Vancouver Canucks 16-4-2, 2.23 GAA 5.6 PS, 2011 Co-Winner

Cory Schneider played the minimum 25 Games to qualify for what is to date, his only individual accolade in his career.  

34 Years Old,Playing for the New Jersey Devils.

Brian Elliott, St. Louis Blues: 23-10-4, 1.56, 9.0 PS 2012 Co-Winner

Brian Elliott’s 1.56 GAA is by far the lowest among William M. Jennings Award winners, which was league-leading as was his .940 Save Percentage. Elliott was fifth in Vezina voting that year.

35 Years Old,Playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Jaroslav Halak, St. Louis Blues: 26-12-7, 1.97, 9.0 PS 2012 Co-Winner

What an incredible tandem that Elliott and Halak made.  Both had GAAs under 2.00, and he finished sixth for the Vezina while Elliot was fifth.

35 Years Old,Playing for the Boston Bruins.

Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks: 19-5-5, 1.94, 6.0 PS 2013 Co-Winner

Crawford was eighth for the Vezina this year, and in the post-season, he was the main Goalie in their Stanley Cup win.

36 Years Old,Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings: 27-17-4, 2.07, 7.4 PS 2014

Two years before, Quick was a Second Team All-Star and he led the Kings to a Stanley Cup win while winning the Conn Smythe.  This year, Quick again won the Cup, while finishing fifth in Vezina voting.

35 Years Old,Playing for the Los Angeles Kings.

Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks: 32-20-5, 2.27, 11.9 PS 2015 Co-Winner (2)

In Crawford’s second Jennings win, he was again the primary Goalie for the Blackhawks in a Stanley Cup win.  Crawford was also sixth for the Vezina this year. Crawford tied with Carey Price of Montreal for this award.

36 Years Old,Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens: 44-16-6, 1.96, 16.2 PS 2015 Co-Winner 

Carey Price had the best season of his career where he not only won the Jennings, but also captured the Vezina, Hart, and the Ted Lindsay Award. If Price gets into the Hockey Hall of Fame, this was the year that did it.

33 Years Old,Playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

Frederik Andersen, Anaheim Ducks: 22-9-7, 2.30, 7.0 PS 2016 Co-Winner 

Two years away from being named an All-Rookie, Frederik Andersen won the William M. Jennings Trophy.  This was his last year in Anaheim as he was traded to Toronto in the off season.

31 Years Old,Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks: 21-13-4, 2.07, 6.5 PS 2016 Co-Winner 

This was officially Gibson’s rookie year and he was seventh in both the Calder and the Vezina.

27 Years Old,Playing for the Anaheim Ducks.

Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals: 42-13-6, 2.20, 12.3 PS 2017 

Holtby won the Vezina the season before and was second for that prestigious award this year, while also earning a Second Team All-Star Selection. He would win the Stanley Cup the following year aiding the Caps in their first league title.

27 Years Old,Playing for the Washington Capitals.

Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings: 33-28-3, 2.40, 12.2 PS 2018 (2)

Finishing ninth for the Vezina this year, Quick was again the lone Jennings winner in his second win. 

35 Years Old,Playing for the Los Angeles Kings.

Thomas Greiss, New York Islanders: 23-14-2, 2.28, 8.7 PS 2019 Co-Winner

As of this writing, the Jennings trophy in 2019 is the only individual trophy he has won in the NHL, and he is currently two Wins away from 250.

34 Years Old,Playing for the New York Islanders.

Robin Lehner, New York Islanders: 25-13-5, 2.13, 10.2 PS 2019 Co-Winner

Lehner had a great year where he also won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and was third for the Vezina.  This would be his only year in New York as he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks as a Free Agent.

29 Years Old,Playing for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Jaroslav Halak, Boston Bruins: 18-6-6, 2.39, 6.1 PS 2020 Co-Winner (2)

In between his first and second Jennings win, Halak would have stints in Washington and the New York Islanders before joining the Bruins. Backing up Tuukaa Rask, Halak had to take over for the Bruins in the playoffs when Rask left the COVID-19 mandated bubble.  Halak became the third player to win the Jennings with two different teams.

35 Years Old,Playing for the Boston Bruins.

Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins: 26-8-6, 2.12, 9.1 PS 2020 Co-Winner 

Rask won the Vezina in 2014, and this year he was second for the Award, and was named a Second Team All-Star.  Rask would however leave the COVID-19 bubble early in the playoffs. 

35 Years Old,Playing for the Boston Bruins.

The William M. Jennings Trophy has been awarded to legends and journeyman, and there is no reason to think that won’t continue in the future.

This concludes our hockey portion.

So, what is up next?

We go back to the diamond for the Relief Pitcher of the Year, a specialty position that has not generated a lot of success for Cooperstown.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

Last time, we looked at the Lester B. Peasrson, awarded annually to the top MVP as voted on by the players of the National Hockey League.  We stay on the ice with the newest award, the Mark Messier Leadership Award, which was first awarded in 2007-08.  Named after Hall of Famer, Mark Messier, it is designed to honor an individual who leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members and a dedication to community activities and charitable causes.

So how many Mark Messier Leadership winners have made the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame?

Let’s find out!

The following are the past players who have won the Mark Messier Leadership Award who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

Chris Chelios, Detroit Red Wings, Defense: 11 G, 11 A, 22 P, 3.3 PS  2007

At age 45, Chelios had literally been a leader for decades, and despite his age, he was in the NHL for three more seasons. The American Defenseman had won three Norris Trophies, was a five-time First Team All-Star, and won three Stanley Cups; one with Montreal and two with Detroit.  It is hard to debate that this award did not get off to a perfect start.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs, Center: 32 G, 46 A, 78 P, 9.8 PS  2008

This was Sundin’s penultimate year in the NHL, and his last with the Toronto Maple Leafs.  A Maple Leaf since 1994, Sundin was a leader on the ice since day one, and was Toronto’s best player for over a decade.  He had previously been a Second Team All-Star twice.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames, Right Wing 35 G, 54 A, 89 P, 9.5 PS  2009

Iginla was not just Calgary’s leader, but had been the Flames best player for years.  This was his third First Team All-Star season, and seven years before he was the winner of both the Art Ross and Lester B. Pearson Award.  Iginla would later play for Pittsburgh, Boston, Colorado and Los Angeles.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

 

The following are the players who have won the Mark Messier Leadership Award who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes, Right Wing: 22 G, 28 A, 50 P, 5.0 PS 2012   

Since the franchise relocated from Winnipeg to Phoenix, Shane Doan was the best and most important player for the franchise when they were in Arizona.  Doan led the Coyotes to a Conference Final this year, and he was with Phoenix for his entire 21-year career.

Eligible since 2020.  Ranked #56 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators, Right Wing: 10 G, 16 A, 26 P, 2.7 PS 2013   

Alfredsson was in his 17thand final year as an Ottawa Senator, and while he couldn’t lead them to a Stanley Cup, he was the leader on many good Senator teams.  He played one more year in Detroit, and scored 1157 career Points.

Eligible since 2017.  Ranked #5 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Let’s update our tally, shall we?        

Award in Question

Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF

Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.

NBA MVP

100%

100%

NHL Art Ross

100%

100%

NHL Hart Trophy

93.6%

96.3%

NBA Finals MVP

91.3%

94.9%

NHL Norris

90.5%

96.4%

NHL Ted Lindsay Award

90.0%

 

NBA All-Star Game MVP

89.5%

91.7%

NHL Conn Smythe

74.2%

85.4%

NFL Bert Bell Award

73.7%

71.4%

NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year

73.1%

79.4%

NFL AP MVP

68.3%

74.0%

NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year

66.7%

66.7%

NHL Lady Byng

63.8%

76.0%

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

60.8%

71.1%

NFL Super Bowl MVP

60.6%

64.9%

NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award

60.0%

60.0%

NBA Defensive Player of the Year

58.3%

56.5%

NHL Vezina

57.1%

66.3%

NBA Rookie of the Year

56.5%

56.5%

MLB MVP

55.0%

60.2%

NFL Pro Bowl MVP

52.3%

54.8%

MLB Lou Gehrig Award

51.9%

51.9%

MLB Roberto Clemente Award

47.4%

47.4%

NHL Calder Trophy

46.5%

46.5%

NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award

46.0%

46.0%

MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award

44.4%

55.4%

MLB Babe Ruth Award

37.0%

39.3%

NHL King Clancy Award

36.8%

36.8%

NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy

33.3%

36.7%

MLB World Series MVP

33.3%

36.8%

MLB Hutch Award

33.1%

33.1%

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

28.6%

28.6%

NHL Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy

27.9%

27.9%

MLB Edgar Martinez Award

26.7%

17.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)

25.0%

30.8%

MLB Comeback Player of the Year

25.0%

25.0%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)

23.5%

52.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove

21.7%

36.8%

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

20.6%

20.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)

20.0%

22.5%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base)

18.8%

39.8%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop)

18.2%

35.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)

18.2%

20.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)

16.7%

32.7%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield)

16.7%

30.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)

15.7%

25.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base)

14.3%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)

13.6%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)

13.6%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year

13.3%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher)

10.3%

15.2%

NBA Most Improved Player of the Year

5.3%

3.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base)

3.8%

3.2%

NFL AP Comeback Player of the Year

0.0%

0.0%

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the Mark Messier Leadership Award Trophy in the NHL who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Hockey Hall of Fame:

None.

The following are the players who have won the Ted Lindsay who are still active.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center: 51 G, 58 A, 109 P, 14.7 PS, 2010

At age 23, it will be difficult to envision another Mark Messier Leadership Award winner to be younger than Sidney Crosby.  This season, Crosby was in his fifth NHL season, and was a Second Team All-Star and a Rocket Richard winner.  He was already a Hart Trophy winner, and would be again four years later.  Crosby is a three-time Stanley Cup Champion.

33 Years Old,Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins, Defense: 14 G, 30 A, 44 P, 10.0 PS 2011

A Second Team All-Star this year, Chara was the Norris Trophy winner two years previous, and he was a First Team All-Star and Second Team All-Star twice before.  Chara led by example, and the Bruins won the Stanley Cup this year, largely on what the big man did.

43 Years Old,Playing for the Boston Bruins.

Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings, Right Wing: 15 G, 12 A, 27 P, 3.1 PS 2014 

Dustin Brown helped lead the Kings to a Stanley Cup in 2012, and he did it again this season.  Brown was an All-Star in 2009.

36 Years Old,Playing for the Los Angeles Kings.

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks, Center: 28 G, 38 A, 66 P, 9.4 PS 2015 

This season Toews led Chicago to their third (and his) Stanley Cup win of the decade.  The Center had previously been named a Second Team All-Star (2013), a Conn Smythe winner (2010) and Frank J. Selke Trophy winner (2013).

32 Years Old,Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Shea Weber, Nashville Predators, Defense: 20 G, 31 A, 51 P, 9.5 PS 2016

Weber had been the core player in Nashville for years by this time and prior to this Mark Messier Award, he was twice a First Team All-Star, twice a Second Team All-Star, and had five top-four finishes for the Norris Trophy.

35 Years Old,Playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

Nick Foligno, Columbus Blue Jackets, Left Wing: 26 G, 25 A, 51 P, 5.9 PS, 2017

Foligno also won the King Clancy Award this year, marking the first time that a Blue Jacket won either.  

33 Years Old,Playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Deryk Engelland, Vegas Golden Knights, Defense: 5 G, 18 A, 23 P, 4.5 PS, 2018

For the second year in a row, the winner of the Mark Messier Leadership Award also won the King Clancy.  Engelland was the first Golden Knight to win this trophy.

38 Years Old,Free Agent.

Wayne Simmonds, Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators, Right Wing: 17 G, 13 A, 30 P, 1.9 PS, 2019

This is the first and to date only Mark Messier Leadership winner who split his award-winning season between two years.  Simmonds was dealt from Philadelphia to Nashville for their playoff run, and this was mostly due to his overall contributions as a Flyer.

32 Years Old,Playing for the Buffalo Sabres.

Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames, Defense: 5 G, 26 A, 31 P, 5.4 PS, 2020

Giordano is a late-bloomer of sorts, winning his first Norris Trophy at age 35 and setting personal statistical bests.  To date, Giordano has played his entire career with Calgary, and has been their leader for years.

37 Years Old,Playing for the Calgary Flames.

Leadership in team sports is important, and as we see, they are often from players who could be considered the best player on the team.

So, what is up next?

We have one NHL Award left, the William M. Jennings, which is awarded annually to the team of Goalies that have the fewest Goals Against.

As always, we thank you for your support, and look for that soon.

The United States is well-known for its love of sports. You’ll find fans of just about every sport out there, both domestically and abroad. But when it comes to placing sports bets, there are a few sports in particular that really seem to capture people’s attention. Whether you’re new to sports betting or you’re a seasoned pro, there’s a good chance these are the sports that stick out in your mind, and for good reason.

Here’s a look at the most popular sports to bet on in the United States.

Football

When it comes to the number one sport to place a bet on, football – more specifically the NFL, takes the top spot. In fact, no other sport even comes close to taking this one out of the top spot. A big part of why this sport draws the most bets is because many would argue that this is America's most favorite sport all-round. It's a classic game, it signals the start of fall, and is really something that millions of people look forward to each year.

Where this one differs from some of the other professional sports is that there aren’t many games in the season. There are 32 different teams that have been divided into eight different divisions. Each of those teams then plays 16 games during the season. The season leads up to the ultimate event of the year – the Superbowl Championship.

Basketball

Then we’ve got basketball, or the NBA. This is another very popular sport to bet on in the United States. With 30 teams located in the United States and Canada, the season is plenty long enough with lots of games leading up to the NBA playoffs. Teams will play a total of 41 games at home and then 41 games away.

What helps to make this such a fun sport to bet on is the fact you can place so many different kinds of bets. These include such things as which team will win, of course, as well as things like how many points will be scored, how many points the team will win by, and so on. It adds an extra element of challenge and fun. This sportsbook reviews blog really breaks it down so you can find the best online options for placing your bets.

Baseball

Then we have the sport of baseball (MLB), commonly referred to as “America’s pastime”. Unlike the other two sports listed, baseball has a more relaxed speed and feel about it, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel competitive. The season is plenty long, meaning there are lots of opportunities to place bets, and you’ve got teams all across the United States and in Canada. 

Dip Your Toes in All of Them

If you’re having a hard time deciding which sport you want to place a sports bet on, there’s nothing to stop you from dipping your toes in each one. You may just find that you do better in one over the others, or that you find one sport a bit more exciting to follow.

What Games Do People Play in Their Free Time

Playing games has a long time been considered a waste of time. However, the benefits of playing games are numerous. First of all, gaming helps people release stress and free their minds. Games are the perfect time-killers that people enjoy playing while on-the-go, during office breaks, or at home using a PC setup. And now you can even Buy MTG Arena codes hassle free from the Online Shop – MTGA Codes.

Mobile gaming is becoming more and more popular because of the advantages of portable devices that makes it easy to play your favorite games no matter where you are. There is a number of games on the online market that don’t require people to use special equipment, and all it takes to gain access to online games is to open your browser and choose a game on some of the online gaming sites.
Online Gambling

Online gambling is one of the gaming industries that has been a trend for quite a time. Gambling enthusiasts like the idea of the gambling possibility in the comfort of your own home. Online slots successfully transfer the player in the world of gambling, and players have the feeling like they’re sitting in some of the land-based casinos across the world. 

Playing casino games is an activity known for the high level of excitement because of the unpredictability of the game’s outcome. There is a variety of online slots available on the market and players can easily signup at Casimba to try out a casino game, while themed slots and live dealer roulette are some of the most advanced games in terms of technology. 
Social Games vs Video Games

Online slots are not the only games that people enjoy playing in their free time. People who enjoy spending time outdoors prefer playing chess or monopoly together with their friends. On the other hand, gamers would rather play their favorite video game using a PC setup. No matter what the reason for playing games is, it’s definitely one of the activities that people opt for when it comes to making a decision on how they’re going to spend their free time. Playing games is not an activity associated only with children but adults enjoy doing it too.  

The Benefits of Playing Games

There are numerous reasons why people choose to play games in their free time. First of all, gaming helps people forget about everyday troubles and dive into the world of gaming. Games nowadays offer a number of extra features like multiplayer gaming. It connects people together, and it’s an argument against those who believe that gaming is an antisocial activity. Playing games is an activity that activates both visual and auditory stimuli, and the whole gaming experience affects your body and brain.

Instead of sitting in front of the TV for hours or watching Netflix movies, people can do something more adventurous and something that fits their personality in a better way. From video games to social games, people do have a choice when it comes how they’re going to organize their free time. Playing games also fills you with positive energy and it makes you happier.

Why didn’t we do this before?

Allow me to pull back the curtain here at Notinhalloffame.com.  

Notinhalloffame.com grew from a simple idea; rank those who are not in various Halls of Fame from the world of sports and music and create a platform for individuals to campaign for their favorite musician/athlete, or at the very least, reminisce.

As it grew, we had the opportunity to interact with other people about the various Halls of Fame, what we like, what we don’t like, and changes we would like to see made.  Since, we aren’t privy to what the actual committees discuss, why not make one of our own?  That is what we did.

Through Twitter, this is the group that was assembled:

@notinhalloffame (Official Twitter site of Notinhalloffame.com and run by Kirk Buchner)

@2ndHandBurrito (Evan Nolan, co-host of the Hall of Fame Show)

@konadreamssssss (Glen Pawlowski, triathlete from Buffalo)

@vancemeek (Vance Meek has blogged about the Bengals and has been a guest on our podcast.

@readjack (Jack M. Silverstein, Sports Historian and writer from Chicago)

@lhd_on_sports (David Whitlock is a blogger and commentator on lhd-on-sports.com.

@tedcrocketiiil (Ted Crockett is a veteran and follows all sports halls.

@ThomasHallNFL (Thomas Hall follows the Denver Broncos and is the host of Convincing Numbers, a show on Football Analytics.  He also contributes to @milehighhuddle.

@Profhofcantonf (As his Twitter handle will tell you, Paul Lawrence has been studying the process of the Pro Football Hal of Fame for years.

@VinLospinuso91 (Vinny Lospinuso studies journalism at Hofstra, and is a regular guest on our shows.  

This was a group that comes from varying fan bases and differing perspectives.  As we progress, we hope to expand it, adding more people from different parts of the United States, and beyond.  

Please note that in our Zoom discussion, Vance and Paul were unable to attend, but their initial votes were counted.  We hope to have them on for future roundtables.  

As this was the first time, we had ever done this, we decided not to record and air our discussion.  As the Philadelphia 76ers management says, “Trust the Process”, and in the future, we will air our meetings to keep everything transparent.  

Here was our process:

Step One: Automatic Elimination, Part One.

Each person was asked to submit their 25 selections.  

If a former player received no votes, they would not be discussed, and were automatically eliminated from consideration.

Those players were:

QB Drew Bledsoe

QB Jake Delhomme

QB Jeff Garcia

QB Dave Krieg

FB Mike Alstott

RB Tiki Barber

RB Earnest Byner

RB Larry Centers

RB Eddie George

RB Jamal Lewis

RB Glyn Milburn

WR Chad Johnson

WR Derrick Mason

WR Mushin Muhammad

WR Roddey White

TE Dallas Clark

TE Brent Jones

TE Heath Miller

TE Jeremy Shockey

TE Wesley Walls

OL Matt Birk

OL D’Brickashaw Ferguson

OL Kevin Glover

OL Jordan Gross

OL Chris Samuels

OL Chris Snee

OL Brian Waters

OL Erik Williams

DL La’Roi Glover

DL Michael Dean Perry

DL Justin Smith

DL Greg Townsend

LB Seth Joyner

LB Jarod Mayo

LB Willie McGinest

LB Chris Spielman

LB Takeo Spikes

LB Darryl Talley

DB Nick Collins

DB Merton Hanks

DB James Hasty

DB Albert Lewis

DB Tim McDonald

DB Allen Rossum

DB Bob Sanders

DB Adrian Wilson

K David Akers       

K Gary Anderson

K Jason Elam

K Jason Hanson

K John Kasay

K Ryan Longwell

K Nick Lowery

P Jeff Feagles

P Sean Landeta

P Rohn Stark

P Matt Turk

KR/PR Josh Cribbs

Takeaway:  

There was no visceral reaction from any of us regarding those shut out of the vote.  Perhaps with Chad Johnson, but we went through this stage was very quickly.  

Step One: Automatic Elimination, Part Two.

If a player received all ten votes, they would not be discussed, and they automatically advanced to our list of Semi-Finalists.  

Those players were:

QB Peyton Manning

WR Calvin Johnson

OL Alan Faneca

DB Charles Woodson

Takeaway:  

Many of us thought there would be more unanimous picks, but it was a quick reminder why we do this, and how much fun this was going to be.  It is also very clear at this time that this was a group that wanted to discuss who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame; possibly more than those who get to make those selections.  Manning, Woodson and Johnson are on their first ballot.  Faneca has been a Finalist for the fifth straight year.

Step Two: Almost Unanimous 

Once we determined who we would not discuss, we decided to alternated to the remaining vote getters from highest to lowest, and “sandwich” our way to the middle.

Those players were:

WR Torry Holt

OT Tony Boselli

DB LeRoy Butler

DB John Lynch

Takeaway:

We asked each other a simple question.  Do we have any objection, if we put all of these men through to the Semi-Final round? Nobody had an issue, and all four of the above, all of which are former Finalists advanced.

Step Three: One and done? 

There was a glut of former players who only received one vote. They were:

QB Steve McNair

RB Steven Jackson

RB Eddie George

RB Priest Holmes

RB Eric Metcalf

RB Warrick Dunn

FB Lorenzo Neal

WR Jimmy Smith

WR Donald Driver

WR Rod Smith

TE Ben Coates

OL Willie Anderson

OL Kent Hull

OL Olin Kreutz

DL Ray Childress

DL Casey Hampton

DL Justin Tuck

DL Simeon Rice

DL Leslie O’Neal

DL John Abraham

LB Cornelius Bennett

LB Tedy Bruschi

LB Joey Porter

LB London Fletcher

DB Asante Samuel

DB Charles Tillman

DB Troy Vincent

DB Rodney Harrison

KR Mel Gray

P Reggie Roby

We asked people if they wanted to make a push for one of these players, and Thomas Hall made an incredible case for Tom Nalen, the former Broncos Center.  It swayed many of us, who were previously on the fence about him, and elevated him many of our minds, that it was Nalen, on not Jeff Saturday, who is the best Center available.  Hall had a great piece that he wrote for Broncos Wire, that best sums up his cause.

Jack Silverstein trumpeted the pure role of a Fullback that former Charger, Lorenzo Neal, brought to the table, but it was his push of Charles “Peanut” Tillman, and reminding us all about the “Peanut Punch”, and how he helped to evolve Defensive Backs.

Everyone was then asked to submit three votes, with the top three vote-getters advancing to the round of those receiving two votes.  Nalen, Tillman and Simeon Rice advanced.  Others receiving consideration were Lorenzo Neal, Jimmy Smith, Donald Driver, Willie Anderson, Leslie O’Neal, John Abraham, London Fletcher, Rodney Harrison, Reggie Roby and Steve McNair.

Takeaway:

I think we would all agree that this was the round where we enjoyed the most.  A free exchange of ideas and opinions and we all left re-thinking how we viewed selective players.  This is what it was all about.

Step Five:  Those with 80%, so still an “A”.

Back to the top, we had three who received all but two votes.  They were:

WR Reggie Wayne

LB Zach Thomas

LB Patrick Willis

This was another rapid conversation, as nobody had any overt objection to push them through.  Willis’s name did illicit a mild surprise that he was not a Finalist last year.

Takeaway:

Wayne and Thomas were both Finalists last year, with Willis making the Semi-Finals.  Since this part was moving so quickly, we decided to continue on with the upper half of the ledger.

This brought our total to 11.

Step Six:  Completing the “Upper Part of the Sandwich”

There were six players who had either seven, six or five votes.  They were:

RB Shaun Alexander (7)

DL Jared Allen (7)

DL Richard Seymour (7)

LB Sam Mills (5)

DB Ronde Barber (6)

ST Steve Tasker (6)

We went with five of these players.  Seymour was a Finalist last year, and is likely to be so again, and there was no concern among our group to place him through to the next round.  Barber has yet to be a Finalist, but has been a Semi-Finalist.  While none of us disagreed that Barber should advance, it brought up a conversation on just how good Tampa’s defence was back in the early 2000s.  So far, two Hall of Famers (Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks) and counting.

Allen is on his first ballot, and many project him to be a Semi-Finalist, though based on reading the room, we may not push him further in our next meeting.  As for Alexander, the Running Back and former MVP, has never been a Semi-Finalist, and has been eligible since 2014.  He might be under 10,000 career Rushing Yards, but the former Seahawk is one of nine players to have 100 TDs on the ground.  Alexander is the only eligible player not to be enshrined.  

The love of our group for Tasker was unanimous, and those who did not vote for him initially had no problem putting him through to our Semi-Finals.  Tasker was a Semi-Finalist last year, and this is his penultimate year of Modern Era eligibility.

This brings us to Sam Mills, a Finalist last year.  While the respect was there for Mills, most of agreed that as good as he was, this was a very good player with an excellent story.  He did not advance, and was placed in the middle section; ie; the “meat of our Hall of Fame conversation.”

Takeaway:  

While the discussion on Sam Mills brought up apathy, did any of us really think that we wouldn’t put him through the Semi-Finals?  

Step Seven:  Two Votes

We go back to bottom with those who received two votes.  As mentioned before, Nalen, Tillman and Rice advanced to this conversation.  We did the same thing and opened up the floor to anyone who wanted to make a statement on these players.  Those in this round are:

RB Corey Dillon

RB Herschel Walker

RB Fred Taylor

TE Keith Jackson

OL Tom Halen (advanced from previous round)

OL Logan Mankins

DL Kevin Williams

DL Simeon Rice (advanced from previous round)

LB Lance Briggs

DB Charles Tillman (advanced from previous round)

KR Brian Mitchell

The Chairman (Kirk) pushed for Herschel Walker, citing his USFL stats, and that it is a “Pro” Football Hall of Fame.  Evan made a case for Kevin Williams, citing advanced analytics.  Like the previous round, each person could vote on three people, with the top three voters advancing.  Those were Nalen, Williams and Tillman.

Takeaway:

Taylor might have been a Semi-Finalist last year, but along with Dillon, the belief is that 10,000 Rushing Yards do not hold the same cache they used to.  Shaun Alexander might not have five digits in Rushing Yards, but he was without question the best Running Back at one time.  Taylor and Dillon were not.  Mankins received respect in our discussion, as did Lance Briggs, as we were trying to decipher his overall impact.  Brian Mitchell also received consideration.  

Step Eight:  The Meat of the Hall of Fame Sandwich

Here we go.

What we have left are those who received three or four votes in our original tally, and the one who fell (Mills), and the three who advanced (Nalen, Williams and Tillman).

We had nine spots left with 19 remaining candidates.  They are:

QB Donovan McNabb (4)

QB Randall Cunningham (4)

RB Ricky Watters (4)

WR Hines Ward (4)

WR Henry Ellard (3)

OL Jeff Saturday (4)

OL Steve Wisnieuski (4)

OL Richmond Webb (4)

OL Lomas Brown (3)

OL Ruben Brown (3)

OL Tom Nalen (Advanced from 1 & 2)

DL Neil Smith (4)

DL Bryant Young (3)

DL Kevin Williams (Advanced from 2)

LB Sam Mills (5) (Demoted from previous round)

LB Clay Matthews (3)

LB Pat Swilling (3)

DB Eric Allen (3)

DB Charles Tillman (3)

In this final round, we opened up the floor.  Here are some notes on some of the players not yet discussed.

Former Philadelphia Eagles Quarterbacks, McNabb and Cunningham were at the forefront.  Neither have been a Semi-Finalist, and both have unique cases. McNabb led the Eagles to four straight NFC Championship Games, winning the fourth, but losing the Super Bowl. Randall Cunningham is a three-time Bert Bell Award winner, who was a large link in the evolution of Quarterbacks.

Lomas Brown, a nine-time Pro Bowler who recently was not even on the Preliminary Candidate list, blocked for Barry Sanders.  Somebody had to help Sanders during those years right?  Glenn, our Bills fan, was the biggest supporter of Richmond Webb, a seven-time Pro Bowler with the Dolphins.  

Ward might have been a Semi-Finalist, but we were looking more at Henry Ellard, who at the time of his retirement was third all-time in Receiving Yards.  

There was a groundswell for Swilling over Mills, for the the detitle of the defacto “Most deserving New Orleans Saint.”  As for Clay Matthews, the former Cleveland Brown who is now on his last year of eligibility, was deemed to be “very good”, and nothing more.

For his round, each voter could assign three votes for their top choice, two for their second, and one vote for the next five.  The results we had saw Cunningham, Webb, L. Brown, Nalen, Williams, Swilling, Ellard, Wisnieuski and Tillman advance as our Semi-Finalists.

Takeaway:

Our selection of Nalen, Williams and Tillman came out of nowhere, and proves the power of conversation.  While Sam Mills is probable to be a Finalist again, it did not prevent him from falling out of our Semi-Finalists.

Just for fun, we voted as to who would be our last “five out”.  They were McNabb, R. Brown, Smith, Saturday and Watters.

Summing Up: 

Our 25 Semi-Finalists are:

QB Peyton Manning

QB Randall Cunningham

RB Shaun Alexander

WR Calvin Johnson

WR Torry Holt

WR Reggie Wayne

WR Henry Ellard

OL Alan Faneca

OL Tony Boselli

OL Steve Wisnieuski

OL Richmond Webb

OL Lomas Brown

OL Tom Nalen

DL Jared Allen

DL Richard Seymour

DL Kevin Williams

LB Zach Thomas

LB Patrick Willis

LB Pat Swilling

DB Charles Woodson

DB LeRoy Butler

DB John Lynch

DB Ronde Barber

DB Charles Tillman

ST Steve Tasker

Will this be the group that the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee actually puts through?

Probably not.  

While we are not making public our Zoom discussion, we intend to that in the future so that all conversations on the Hall will be transparent.  We ask that of the various Halls, so we will work towards providing the same.  As it stands now, you know much more about our process!

We hope you enjoyed this, and if you have any questions, please contact us.  It is a conversation that we all welcome.

For more on this, on our upcoming “The Buck Stops Here: Hall of Fame Show”, Kirk and Evan go into a deep conversation as to what was discussed.  Look for that soon.

What comes next?

In November, the Pro Football Hall will announce their Semi-Finalists, so we will reconvene, and see how they compared to ours.  We will then take their 25, and reduce them to 15, the same way that the PFHOF does.

Thank you to everyone who participated, and we look to do more of these in the future.

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