gold star for USAHOF

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2023-24 revision of our top 50 Pittsburgh Penguins.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Hockey League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Penguins looked to have thrown in the towel but rallied to make the playoffs, helped by a push by their veteran core.  We have several elevations and one new entrant.

As always, we present our top five, which saw no changes, though there is still news regarding the top group:

1. Mario Lemieux
2. Sidney Crosby
3. Evgeni Malkin
4. Jaromir Jagr
5. Kris Letang

You can find the entire list here.

Crosby remains #2 but is closing in on the Hall of Famer, Mario Lemieux. 

Evgeni Malkin has a more arduous task. He was #3 last year, but overtaking Crosby and Lemieux seems like a tall order.

Like Malkin, Defenseman Kris Letang is in the same spot (#5) as last year and is unlikely to get past Jagr anytime soon.

Jake Guentzel, now with Tampa Bay, moved up two spots to #14.

Bryan Rust advanced three spots to #24.

Goalie Tristan Jarry moved up to #32 from #38.

Defenseman Marcus Pettersson makes his debut at #49

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

This week, the International Ice Hockey Federation announced the 2024 Class, consisting of eight new entrants and four via special awards.

The Class of 2024 are:

Natalie Darwitz: U.S.A.  Darwitz represented the United States from 199 to 2010, and won three Gold Medals and five Silver Medals in the World Hockey Championships.  The former Forward also had two Silvers and a Bronze in the Olympics and was named to the 2002 Olympic All-Tournament Team.  The native of Minnesota took the Golden Gophers to back-to-back NCAA Championships, and he is currently the General Manager of the Minnesota team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Mel Davidson: Canada.  Davidson coached Team Canada to Gold at the 2006 and 2010 Olympics and the 2000 and 2007 Worlds. 

Jaromir Jagr: Czech Republic & Czechoslovakia.  Jagr, who is still active for his Czech club team, Kladno, won a copious number of medals in International competition.  He won Gold in the 1998 Olympics and Bronze in 2006.  He also won two World Hockey Championships (2005 & 2010), Bronze at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey, and is arguably the greatest player n Czech history.

Kenny Jonsson: Sweden.  Jonsson was a defensive anchor on two Swedish Olympic Gold Medal Teams (1994 & 2006), the latter of which he was named the best Defenseman of the tournament.  He also won Bronze in the 1996 World Cup, and two World Hockey Championships (1994 & 2009).

Igor Liba: Czechoslovakia.  Liba is a Slovak, represented Czechoslovakia many times, winning Silver in 1984 and Bronze in the 1992 Olympics.  The Left Wing also won Gold at the 1985 Worlds, as well as capturing two Silvers and two Bronzes in other World Hockey Championship Tournaments.

Petteri Nummelin: Finland.  Nummelin played for Finland in 15 World Hockey Championships, where the Defenseman was highly decorated in competition, winning one Gold, four Silvers and two Bronze Medals.  He also represented his nation in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey and won Silver at the 2006 Olympics.

Jaroslav Pouzar: Czechoslovakia.  Pouzar led Czechoslovakia to an Olympic Silver Medal in 1976 and in the World Hockey Championships, would win two Gold, three Silvers and one Bronze Medal.  He also won three Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers.

Ryan Smyth: Canada.  Smyth played 20 years in the NHL, but represented Canada often winning two Golds and a Silver in World Hockey Championship.  He also captured Gold in the 1995 World Juniors, 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Desiderui Varga: Romania.  Varga is this year’s recipient of the Torriani Award, and he played in three Olympics and 17 World Championships.

Anatolii Brezvin: Ukraine.  Brezvin served as the President of Ukraine’s Ice Hockey Federation from 2006 to 2020, and this year’s winner of the Paul Loicq Award.

Al Michaels: U.S.A..  Michaels is the inaugural winner of the IIHF Media Award, and his “Do You Believe in Miracles?” call remains the most recognized in all of hockey.

1998 Men’s Czech Olympic Team.  This squad wins the Milestone Award (last awarded in 2013), and they had wins over Canada in the Semis and Russia in the final to get there.  This team was led by an incredible performance by Goalie, Dominik Hasek, who had a 0.97 GAA over six Games.  The team also had Goalies, Milan Hnilicka and Roman Cechmanek, Defenseman Jiri Sleger, Frantisek Kucera, Roman Hamrlik, Richard, Smehlik, Jaroslav Spacek, Petr Svoboda and Libor Prochazka, with Forwards Jiri Dopita, Martin Rucinsky, Jaromir Jagr, Martin Straka, Robert Reichel, Robert Lang, Pavel Patera, Martin Prochazka, Josef Beranek, Vladimir Ruzicka, David Moravec, Milan Hejduk and Jan Caloun.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the newest members of the IIHF Hall of Fame.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022/23 revision of our top 50 Pittsburgh Penguins.

As for all of our top 50 players in hockey we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Hockey League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, Pittsburgh missed out on the playoffs, but there were still a pair of new entrants and some elevations. 

As always, we present our top five, which saw some changes:

1. Mario Lemieux

2. Sidney Crosby

3. Evgeni Malkin

4. Jaromir Jagr

5. Kris Letang

 

You can find the entire list here.

In the top five, Malkin overtook Jagr for the #3 spot in a reversal of the former Hart Trophy winners.  Letang remains at #5.

Center, Jake Guentzel, climbed to #16 from #23 and Right Wing, Bryan Rust, moved to #27 from #31.

The new entries were Defenseman, Brian Dumoulin and Goalie, Tristan Jarry at #37 and #38 respectively.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

Regular visitors of Notinhalloffame.com know that we are slowly working on the top 50 of every major team in the NHL, NBA, NFL and MLB.  Once that is done, we intend to look at how each team honor their past players, coaches and executives.  As such, it is important to us that the

Pittsburgh Penguins will be retiring the number 68 of Jaromir Jagr on February 18.

Jagr scored 1,079 of his 1,733 career NHL Points with Pittsburgh, a team he played 11 seasons (1990-91 to 2000-01), won the 1998-Hart Trophy, five Art Ross Trophies and won two Stanley Cups (1991 & 1992).

Jagr currently owns the Kladno Knights of the Czech League, who he played for last year, and could still again, as he has not yet officially retired despite being 51.  The Hockey Hall of Fame does not consider a player eligible until he stopped playing hockey in all major competitive leagues, hence why Jagr, who last played in the NHL in 2018, is not yet inducted.

He will become the third player to have his number retired by the Penguins, following Michael Briere (#21) and Mario Lemieux (#66).

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Jaromir Jagr for his impending honor.

The Hart is not the only award considered the MVP in Hockey, as in the 1971-72 Season, the Lester B. Pearson Award was created, which is where the players vote on who they feel is the league MVP.  In 2010, it was renamed the Ted Lindsay Award, in honor of the Hall of Famer who spearheaded the creation of the NHLPA.

The results are as follows:

There are currently 20 former Ted Lindsay Award winners who are Hockey Hall of Fame eligible with 18 entering, yielding a percentage of 90.0.  

This covers 33 years of Hall-eligible winners, of which 31 of them saw a Conn Smythe winner enter the Hall.  This yields a percentage of 93.9.

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

1971:  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, Center:  76 Goals, 76 Assists, 152 Points, +69, 18.5 Point Shares.      

A year after he led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup, Phil Esposito won the first ever Lester B. Pearson Award on the strength of hockey’s first ever 76 Goal Season, a number he matched in Assists.  His 152 Points landed him another Art Ross Trophy, and he was a First Team All-Star for the third straight season.  Esposito was not the Hart Trophy winner, as despite his incredible accomplishments, the honor went to Bobby Orr, who had 139 Points and 22.8 Point Shares.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1972:  Jean Ratelle, New York Rangers, Center:  46 Goals, 63 Assists, 109 Points, +61, 13.6 Point Shares. 

Jean Ratelle had his best season in hockey where he had career-highs in the big three offensive stats (46 Goals, 63 Assists and 109 Points).  Ratelle was the league-leader in Even Strength Goals (40) and Shot Percentage (25.1%) and with only four Penalty Minutes, he was an easy choice for the Lady Byng. Ratelle was only fourth for the Hart this year (Bobby Orr won it), and he was a Second Team All-Star at Center behind Phil Esposito.  Ratelle scored 1,267 Points over his career

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

1973:  Bobby Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers, Center:  37 Goals, 67 Assists, 104 Points, +32,  10.3 Point Shares.        

For the first time, an expansion team had a player win the Hart when Bobby Clarke took it for the first of three times. The Center, who had won the Bill Masterton Award the year before, was the Second Team All-Star behind Phil Esposito, but bested the Bruin for the Lester B. Pearson and also the Hart Trophy, as much of Philadelphia’s success this season was led by Clarke, but the best was coming for Philadelphia and the “Broad Street Bullies”.  Clarke would lead the Flyers to the next two Stanley Cups, and he also won a second and third Hart.  Clarke played the entirety of his career with Philadelphia, retiring in 1984 with 1,210 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1974 (2):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, Center.   68 Goals, 77 Assists, 145 Points, +51, 17.0 Point Shares.  

This was Esposito’s second Lester B. Pearson Trophy and making him the first to become a multi-time winner.  In between his two Pearson wins, Esposito won his second Stanley Cup, and two Art Ross Trophies.  This season, Esposito won his fifth Art Ross Trophy, was a First Team All-Star for the sixth time, and was also the winner of the Lester B. Pearson.  Esposito was also the NHL’s Goal leader for the sixth consecutive season, and this was also the fifth straight year a Bruin won the Hart. The charismatic Center was a Second Team All-Star the year after, and he was then traded to the New York Rangers where he played until he retired in 1981.  Esposito accumulated 717 Goals and 1,590 Points over his career.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1975:  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, Defense.   46 Goals, 89 Assists, 135 Points, +80,  21.5 Point Shares.         

You could argue that Bobby Orr’s Lester B. Pearson Trophy 1975 was a surprise.  It was not that he wasn’t worthy, but the shock was that he had never won it before despite the hardware being only five years old.  Previously, Orr won three Hart Trophies, two Stanley Cups, seven Norris Trophies, a Conn Smythe and an Art Ross.  This season, he would win his second Art Ross trophy in 1974-75, and to date he was the first, last and only blueliner to win that honor.  Orr was also the first Defenseman to win the Pearson. A knee injury derailed his career, and he only scored 55 Points over his final three years in hockey, the latter two being in a Blackhawks uniform.  He was fast-tracked into the Hall, and there will never be another Defenseman like him again.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1976:  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing.   56 Goals, 69 Assists, 125 Points, +67, 13.8 Point Shares.  

The Montreal Canadiens have had many dynasties over their existence, and in the 1970s, their offensive leader was Guy Lafleur. A First Team All-Star the Year before, Lafleur was so again this year and he won his first Art Ross.  The Right Wing was third this year for the Hart and Lady Byng, but more importantly, he led the Habs to a Stanley Cup win, and his second overall.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1977 (2):  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing.  56 Goals, 80 Assists, 136 Points, +89, 15.7 Point Shares. 

Guy Lafleur took them to their second straight Stanley Cup and he also won the Hart Trophy.   The Habs star won his second Art Ross and earned his third First Team All-Star Selection.  This would be the only season where he won the Conn Smythe as well as leading the league in Assists (80).  Notably, LaFleur became the first back-to-back Pearson/Lindsay winner.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1978 (3):  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing.  60 Goals, 72 Assists, 132 Points, +73, 15.8 Point Shares.  

Lafleur was named a First Team All-Star for the fourth of what would be six straight selections, and would also mark his second Hart and third and final Art Ross Trophy.  The Right Wing played with Montreal until he was forced to retire in the 1984-85 Season. After being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, he came out of retirement for three seasons, one with the New York Rangers and two with Quebec.  He would retire for good in 1991, leaving the NHL with 1,353 Points, and was the first ever three-time Ted Lindsay Award winner.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1979:  Marcel Dionne, Los Angeles Kings, Center.  59 Goals, 71 Assists, 130 Points, +22, 13.3 Point Shares.         

Dionne was a First Team All-Star two years before, and this season he was a Second Team All-Star behind Bryan Trottier of the New York Islanders, who also won the Hart Trophy.  Dionne was third for the Hart this season, and was the first King to win the Pearson.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

1980 (2):  Marcel Dionne, Los Angeles Kings, Center.   53 Goals, 84 Assists, 137 Points, +34, 13.5 Point Shares  

Dionne went back-to-back with his second Pearson, and he was a First Team All-Star, besting Wayne Gretzky, who beat him for the Hart.  This makes Dionne the only multiple Pearson winner never to win a Hart.  This might be true, but Dionne won the Art Ross Trophy this year and he had three more 100 Point years.  Dionne, who originally played with Detroit, finished his career with the New York Rangers in 1989 and retired with 1,307 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

1982:  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  92 Goals, 120 Assists, 212 Points, +80, 19.7 Point Shares.        

92 Goals.  When Phil Esposito lit the lamp 76 times, that record seemed unbreakable, but this year, Gretzky had 92 Goals and hit the 50 Goal mark after only 39 Games! Not only the Gretzky set new records in Goal scoring, he broke his own Assists mark (120), and broke the 200 Point plain with his personal best 212.  Gretzky also for the first time was the NHL leader in Plus/Minus (+80).  This was Gretzky’s second Art Ross and First Team All-Star, but for the first time he won the Lester B. Pearson Award, meaning his peers could no longer deny his talent.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1983 (2):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  71 Goals, 125 Assists, 196 Points, +61, 18.0 Point Shares.  

Gretzky was again an offensive juggernaut, and for the third year in a row, he broke the single-season Assists mark.  He repeated the awards he won last year, with an Art Ross, Hart and First Team All-Star, but this year he led the Oilers to their first Stanley Cup appearance.  They lost to the New York Islanders, but we knew was set to come. Notably, Gretzky became the first player to win the Hart four years in a row.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1984 (3):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  87 Goals, 118 Assists, 205 Points, +78, 19.6 Point Shares.  

Imagine having a season where you score 87 Goals, 118 Assists and 205 Points, and none of those are personal highs.  Gretzky was just that good.  This was Gretzky’s fifth straight Hart (becoming the first to do have five straight), and he also won his fourth Art Ross and First Team All-Star, and he captured his fifth Hart Trophy.  The coup de gras for Gretzky was leading Edmonton to their first Stanley Cup win.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1985 (4):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  73 Goals, 135 Assists, 208 Points, +100, 19.6 Point Shares.  

Gretzky matched his idol’s (Gordie Howe) mark in Hart wins, but unlike Howe, Gretzky did it in six consecutive years.  This would be the fourth straight year the Gretzky led the NHL in Goals, and he also set a career-high in Plus/Minus with +100. In regards to his trophy case, Gretzky repeated as the Art Ross winner, Lester B. Pearson winner and First Team All-Star, but this time he added a new award, the Conn Smythe Trophy, as the Oilers won their second Stanley Cup.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1986:  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  48 Goals, 93 Assists, 131 Points, -8, 10.9 Point Shares.     

Mario Lemieux was only in his second season in the NHL, but he already saved the Pittsburgh Penguins from relocating. Lemieux was a Second Team All-Star behind Gretzky, and he was second to him for the Hart too.  He was the first Pearson winner for the Penguins.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1987 (5):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  62 Goals, 121 Assists, 183 Points, +69, 17.6 Point Shares.  

Gretzky did it again with an unprecedented eighth Hart Trophy, and he did so while collecting yet another First Team All-Star and Art Ross while leading the NHL in Goals for the fifth and final time.  This would also be Gretzky’s fifth and final Lester B. Pearson Award.  Gretzky took the Oilers to their third Stanley Cup win, and did so again the year after.  He was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, and won his ninth Hart there.  After a brief stint with St. Louis in 1996 and three final years with the Rangers, Gretzky retired as the all-time leader in Goals (894), Assists (1,963) and Points (2,857).

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1988 (2):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  70 Goals, 98 Assists, 168 Points, +23, 16.2 Point Shares.  

This year, Mario Lemieux brought the Pittsburgh Penguins their first Hart Trophy winner, and playing at Center, he did the unthinkable by unseating Gretzky as the First Team All-Star.  Lemieux led the NHL in Goals for the first time, and this year he also notched his first Art Ross Trophy.  His peers already knew how magnificent he was, as this was Lemieux’s second Pearson Award.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1989:  Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings, Center.  65 Goals, 90 Assists, 155 Points, +17, 14.4 Point Shares.     

Steve Yzerman never won the Hart, but this season he won the Lindsay on the year he had career-highs in Goals (60), Assists (90) and Points (155).  This was the year that returned the Red Wings to prominence, and Yzerman was the first Red Wing to win the Pearson.  Yzerman led the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups, won a Conn Smythe and had 1,755 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.

1990: Mark Messier, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  45 Goals, 84 Assists, 129 Points, +19, 11.3 Point Shares. 

The Edmonton Oilers traded Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings, which meant that Mark Messier would become the Oilers’ leader. Messier did what Gretzky couldn’t without the other…win the Stanley Cup.  Messier’s 129 Points were a career-high, and he was named a First Team All-Star this year. What Messier this season should be celebrated a lot more than it is, and we say that even though Messier won the Hart that year!

1991: Brett Hull, St. Louis Blues, Right Wing.  86 Goals, 45 Assists, 131 Points, +23, 15.4 Point Shares.  

Brett Hull led the NHL in Goals for three seasons in a row, and in all three of them, he had at least 70.  This was Hull’s highwater mark, and he would also secure the Hart Trophy.  A three-time First Team All-Star, Hull later won a Stanley Cup as a Dallas Star in 1999 and a Detroit Red Wing in 2002.  Retiring in 2006, Hull had 527 career Goals.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

1992 (2):  Mark Messier, New York Rangers, Center.   35 Goals, 72 Assists, 107 Points, +31, 9.9 Point Shares.    

Messier became the first player to win the Pearson with two different teams.  The Center was now the leader of the Rangers, and he was also the winner of the Hart Trophy and a First Team All-Star.  Messier’s leadership would take the Rangers to a 1994 Stanley Cup, and he was so good at that role, that the National Hockey League would create a “Mark Messier Leadership Award”.   When he retired, Messier scored 1,887 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

1993 (3):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  69 Goals, 91 Assists, 160 Points, +55, 16.2 Point Shares.        

Since his second Lester B. Pearson Award, Lemieux went on to win the 1991 and 1992 Stanley Cup, and injuries prevented him from full seasons, which kept the Hart from his grabs.  This year, he only played 60 Games, but he won the Art Ross with 160 Points and led the NHL in Plus/Minus (+55).  Lemieux would also win the Hart, was a First Team All-Star and he was the Bill Masterton Award winner.  Why did he only play 60 Games?  Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, yet came back to finish the season.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1994:  Sergei Fedorov, Detroit Red Wings, Center.  56 Goals, 64 Assists, 120 Points, +48, 13.8 Point Shares.      

Making history as the first non-Canadian and first European to win the Pearson, Sergei Fedorov was in his fourth NHL season and this was best statistical season by far.  Fedorov was a First Team All-Star, Hart Trophy winner and Frank J. Selke winner this year, and he would later win three Stanley Cups for Detroit.  The Russian later won another Selke Trophy and he would later play for Anaheim, Columbus and Washington.  Fedorov scored 1,179 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

1995:  Eric Lindros, Philadelphia Flyers, Center.  29 Goals, 41 Assists, 70 Points, +27, 8.8 Point Shares.   

The Philadelphia Flyers gave an awful lot to get Eric Lindros, and while it might not have been worth it, it was still a Pearson winner.  Lindros was a First Team All-Star this year as well as the coveted Hart Trophy winner in this strike-shortened year.  Lindros also won his only Art Ross this year, and he was a 1.14 PPG player over his 13 NHL Seasons.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

1996 (4):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  69 Goals, 92 Assists, 161 Points, +10, 17.4 Point Shares.

Lemieux also won his third Hart and fifth Art Ross trophy this season, while also earning First Team All-Star honors.  The Center was a First Team All-Star and Art Ross winner the next year, and he retired after that.  He came back in 2000, now as a player/owner albeit on the ice on a reduced role due to his past injuries and fatigue.  He played his last game in 2006, accumulating 1,723 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1997:  Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres, Goalie.   37 Wins, 20 Losses, 10 Ties, 2.27 GAA, .930 Save Percentage, 17.2 Point Shares.          

Dominik Hasek was already considered one of the best Goalies in Hockey, but this year he was elevated to the best player in the world. This season, Hasek won his third Vezina Trophy and earned his third First Team All-Star, and he was also won the Hart.  Hasek was also first in Save Percentage for the fourth year in the row. He also made history as the first Czech player to win the Pearson.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

1998 (2):  Dominik Hasek, Buffalo Sabres, Goalie.   33 Wins, 23 Losses, 13 Ties, 2.09 GAA, .932 Save Percentage, 18.6 Point Shares.     

In terms of accolades, Hasek repeated his efforts of 1997 with a Hart, Lester B. Pearson, a Vezina and a First Team All-Star, and he again led the NHL in Save Percentage.  Hasek would later win two more Vezina Trophies.  In 1999, Hasek took Buffalo on his back and carried them to a Stanley Cup Final.  The Czech Goalie grew frustrated and asked for a trade, which he got when he was sent to Detroit.  He would win two Stanley Cups with Detroit and then played in Europe, retiring in 2011.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

2001:  Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche, Center.  54 Goals, 64 Assists, 118 Points, +45, 15.9 Point Shares.

Sakic was the first Nordiques/Avalanche player to win the Lester B. Pearson, which he did in his 13thseason.  Sakic had a career-high 54 Goals, was the NHL leader in Plus/Minus (+45) and he was also the winner of the Lady Byng and the Hart Trophy.  This year, Sakic and the Avs won the Stanley Cup, which was their second, having won it in 1996.  The Center was also named a First Team All-Star, and would be again in two of the next three years.  Sakic played his entire career with Quebec/Colorado, retiring in 2009 with 1,641 Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

2002:  Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames, Right Wing.  52 Goals, 44 Assists, 96 Points, +27, 14.4 Point Shares.

Iginla was a First Team All-Star for the first of what would be three times, and he was also the Maurice Richard and Art Ross Trophy winner this year.  Iginla did not win the Hart as he was the runner-up to the Montreal Goalie, Jose Theodore.  He played with the Flames until 2013, and would later play for Pittsburgh, Boston, Colorado and Los Angeles, and had an even 1,300 career Points.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

2004:  Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning, Right Wing.  38 Goals, 56 Assists, 94 Points, +35, 13.2 Point Shares.

It was a breakout campaign for St. Louis who was in his sixth season, and fourth in Tampa Bay after playing for Calgary in seasons one and two.  St. Louis became the first Lightning player to win the Pearson, and he also won the Hart, Art Ross, was a First Team All-Star and was the NHL leader in Plus/Minus (+35).  St. Louis led Tampa to the Stanley Cup that year.  After this year, St. Louis was a Second Team All-Star four times, won another Art Ross and would also win three Lady Byng Trophies.  He played until 2015, after a year and a half with the Rangers.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

2011:  Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks, Left Wing.  41 Goals, 63 Assists, 104 Points +30, 14.3 Point Shares

Along with his twin brother, Henrik, Daniel Sedin played his entire 17-year career with the Vancouver Canucks, with his best season coming right in the middle of it.  Sedin was a First Team All-Star this year, and he would also win the Art Ross, the only time in his career he accomplished either of those.  Sedin was second in Hart voting, finishing behind Corey Perry of Anaheim.  Sedin retired with 1,041 career Points. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

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

1981:  Mike Liut, St. Louis Blues, Goalie.  33 Wins, 14 Losses, 13 Ties, 3.35 GAA, .894 Save Percentage, 11.6 Point Shares. 

Mike Liut was named a First Team All-Star and he was the runner-up for the Hart, finishing behind Wayne Gretzky.  Gretzky won his second Hart this year, but his peers named Liut the Pearson winner, making Liut the first Goalie to win the award. Playing until 1992, Liut was a Second Team All-Star in 1986-87 when he was playing with the Hartford Whalers. Liut finished his career with two and a half seasons in Washington, and he had an overall record of 293-271-74.

Eligible since 1995.  Ranked #85 on Notinhalloffame.com.

2003:  Markus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks, Left Wing.  48 Goals, 56 Assists, 104 Points, +6, 13.5 Point Shares.  

Naslund was not only the first Vancouver Canuck to win the Pearson, he was also the first from Sweden to capture the trophy. Naslund was in year two of his three-year run as a First Team All-Star, and he was the runner-up for the Hart to Peter Forsberg of the Colorado Avalanche.  Naslund played in the NHL until 2009, with his last year being as a New York Ranger.  The Swedish Wing had 869 NHL Points.

Eligible since 2012.  Ranked #45 on Notinhalloffame.com.

The following are the players who have won the Ted Lindsay Award 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:

?

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

1999:  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, Right Wing.   44 Goals, 83 Assists, 127 Points, +17, 14.6 Point Shares.  

This was Jagr’s ninth season in the NHL, and they were all spent with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Winning his third Art Ross Trophy, Jagr had career highs in Assists (83) and Points (127), and he was also the Hart Trophy winner, and he previously helped Pittsburgh win two Stanley Cups.

50 Years Old, Playing in Europe.

2000 (2):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, Right Wing.  42 Goals, 54 Assists, 96 Points, +25, 12.2 Point Shares.

Jagr went back-to-back for the Pearson, and this was the third straight year he led the NHL in Assists and it was also his third straight Art Ross and First Team All-Star.  Jagr was second for the Hart this year, and the year after he had his fourth consecutive Art Ross and First Team All-Star.

50 Years Old, Playing in Europe.

2006 (3):  Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers, Right Wing.   54 Goals, 69 Assists, 123 Points, +34, 15.5 Point Shares.

This was a comeback year of sorts for Jagr, who had his first three-digit year in scoring since 2000-01.  This was his last season where he hit at least 100, but he remained a scorer, playing for Philadelphia, Boston, New Jersey, Florida and Calgary. He won the Bill Masterton in 2016-17 and accumulated a colossal 1,921 career Points.

50 Years Old, Playing in Europe.

2007:  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  36 Goals, 84 Assists, 120 Points, +10, 13.3 Point Shares.

“Sid the Kid” did not win the Calder, as that went to his long-time rival, Alex Ovechkin.  Crosby would however beat him to a Lester B. Pearson win, which he collected in his sophomore season.  Crosby would also win his first Art Ross, was named a First Team All-Star, he also won the prestigious Hart Trophy.  There was a lot more to come for Crosby.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2008:  Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Left Wing.  65 Goals, 47 Assists, 112 Points, +28, 17.2 Point Shares.

Ovechkin won his first Lester B. Pearson in his third season, which was also the first by a Washington Capital.  A First Team All-Star in all of his seasons to date, Ovechkin also won the Hart Trophy, the Art Ross Trophy, and the Rocket Richard Award for his 65 Goals.  

37 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Capitals.

2009 (2):  Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Left Wing.  56 Goals, 54 Assists, 110 Points, +8, 14.5 Point Shares.

The Russian Center repeated most of his honors in his back-to-back Pearson win.  Ovechkin repeated as the Rocket Richard winner, and was a First Team All-Star for his fourth consecutive season.  He would also win his second straight Hart.

37 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Capitals.

2010 (3):  Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Left Wing.  50 Goals, 59 Assists, 109 Points, +45, 15.6 Point Shares. 

Ovechkin remained in hickey elite, capturing his third consecutive Lester B. Pearson, which was now renamed the Ted Lindsay Award.  Again, a First Team All-Star, Ovechkin missed out on the Hart, losing to Henrik Sedin of the Vancouver Canucks.

37 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Capitals.

2012:  Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  50 Goals, 59 Assists, 109 Points, +18, 13.4 Point Shares.

The first three seasons for Evgeni Malkin was nothing short of stunning.  Malkin won the Calder in 2006-07, was a First Team All-Star in all three years, and was the Art Ross Winner in 2008-09, while winning the Stanley Cup and the Conn Smythe. Malkin’s two years after was riddled with injuries, but he made up for it in 2011-12 with a second Art Ross, and his first Hart.  Malkin was a First Team All-Star for the fourth time, and he also won the Hart Trophy. He would go on to win two more Cups with Pittsburgh.

34 Years OldPlaying for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2013 (2):  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  15 Goals, 41 Assists, 56 Points, +26, 7.5 Point Shares.

In between his first and second Ted Lindsay Award, Crosby won a Stanley Cup in 2009, was a Second Team All-Star (2010), won a Rocket Richard Trophy (2009) and a Mark Messier Leadership Award (2010).  A First Team All-Star this year, Crosby was second for the Hart to Ovechkin.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2014 (3):  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  36 Goals, 84 Assists, 120 Points, +18, 13.3 Point Shares. 

Crosby went back-to-back in Ted Lindsay wins, and this season he collected another Art Ross, a Hart, and a First Team All-Star Selection.  Crosby later won two more Stanley Cups with the Pens in 2016 and 2017.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2015:  Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens, Goalie.  44 Wins, 16 Losses, 5 Ties, 1.96 GAA, .933 Save Percentage, 16.2 Point Shares.

This was the eighth NHL season for Price, who as of this writing has only played for the Montreal Canadiens.  Price led the NHL in Wins (44), Save Percentage (.933) and Goals Against Average (1.96), and he not only won the Hart, he also captured the Vezina, William M. Jennings, Hart Trophy, and he was also a First Team All-Star. This is the only year that Price was a post-season All-Star.

35 Years OldPlaying for the Montreal Canadiens.

2016:  Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks, Right Wing.  46 Goals, 60 Assists, 106 Points, +17, 15.0 Point Shares.

This was Kane’s ninth season in the NHL and the Chicago Blackhawk had already accomplished so much before his Ted Lindsay win.  Kane won the Calder, and was already a two-time First Team All-Star, and a three-time Stanley Cup winner.  This season, Kane was a First Team All-Star for a third time, and also won his first Art Ross and Hart Trophy.  Kane has been a First Team All-Star for a fourth time and earned a Second Team All-Star.  He is already a member of the 1,000 Point club.

34 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

2017:  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  30 Goals, 70 Assists, 100 Points, +27, 12.8 Point Shares.

McDavid was in his second season, where he not only won the Ted Lindsay, but was the winner of the Art Ross and the Hart.  This season also brought in the first of three straight First Team All-Stars.

26 Years OldPlaying for the Edmonton Oilers.

2018 (2):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  41 Goals, 67 Assists, 108 Points, +20, 13.1 Points Shares.

McDavid won his second straight Ted Lindsay Award, and it coincided with his second Art Ross and First Team All-Star Selection.  The Oiler was only fifth in Hart voting, finishing behind Taylor Hall (winner, New Jersey), Nathan McKinnon (Colorado), Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles) and Claude Giroux (Philadelphia).

26 Years Old.  Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2019:  Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning, Right Wing.  41 Goals, 87 Assists, 128 Points, +24, 14.6 Point Shares.

Kucherov was in his sixth NHL season (all with Tampa) and he would win not only the Hart but his first Art Ross and Hart Trophy.  Kucherov was a First Team All-Star for the Second straight time and the year after he was a Second Team All-Star and led the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2020.

29 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2020:  Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  43 Goals, 67 Assists, 110 Points, -7, 12.8 Point Shares.

Draisaitl’s Ted Lindsay Award win marked the first time that a German player won the most coveted individual award in Hockey. Draisaitl was in his sixth season in hockey (all with Edmonton) and this year he also won the Hart, Art Ross, and was a First Team All-Star.

27 Years OldPlaying for the Edmonton Oilers.

2021 (3):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers, Center.  44 Goals, 79 Assists, 123 Points, +28, 13.0 Points Shares.

McDavid captured his third Ted Lindsay, while adding a second Hart and fourth Art Ross.  There are only a handful of players who accomplished as many awards as McDavid did in such a short period of time. 

26 Years Old.  Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2022:  Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs, Center.  60 Goals, 46 Assists, 106 Points, +20, 13.2 Points Shares.

It took over 40 years before the Maple Leafs had their first Ted Lindsay Award winner, and it took a 60 Goal winner to it.  Matthews also won the Hart Trophy, his first, and beat out Connor McDavid as this year’s First Team All-Star at Center. 

25 Years Old.  Playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As expected, the Ted Lindsay Award is like the Hart Trophy as an excellent indicator for Hall of Fame induction.   

The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is a unique award that does not necessarily reflect on-ice accomplishments.  It was created to honor Bill Masterton of the Minnesota North Stars, who died on January 15, 1968, after sustaining an injury during a game.  The award is given to the player who best exemplifies the quality of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.  Each NHL team nominates one player from their squad for the accolade.

Generally, the player who wins this award often returns from a serious injury or any other ailment that could be career-threatening.  

The results are as follows:

There are currently 42 former Bill Masterton Trophy winners who are Hockey Hall of Fame eligible, with 12 entering, yielding a percentage of 27.3.  

Nothing changes if we go by yearly winners, as there has never been a duplicate winner for the Bill Masterton Memorial Award.  There is no rule stating that you can't be a repeat winner, but the parameters make it difficult to repeat.  

The following are the past players who have won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.

1971:  Jean Ratelle, New York Rangers, Center.  26 Goals, 46 Assists, 72 Points, +27, 7.3 Point Shares.  

Ratelle was one of the cleanest players in hockey and was also one of the classiest.  This win was like a lifetime achievement award, even though his career was only at the mid-way mark, though that was not then known.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.  

1972:  Bobby Clarke, Philadelphia Flyers, Center.  35 Goals, 46 Assists, 81 Points, +24, 9.4 Point Shares.  

In 1972, Clarke was a rising star and had overcome diabetes to play at a high level.  He would become an elite player shortly after and a three-time Hart Trophy winner and two-time Stanley Cup Champion.  Clarke also became the first Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winner who would also win the Hart at one time in his career.  Considering Bobby Clarke was only 22 when he won this, it would not start a trend where young players would win the Masterton.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

1974:  Henri Richard, Montreal Canadiens.  19 Goals, 36 Assists, 55 Points, +7, 4.3 Point Shores.  

Like Rattelle, this win is viewed as a lifetime achievement award for Henri Richard, whose career was nearing the end.  "The Pocket Rocket" would win a whopping 11 Stanley Cups in a career spent entirely with Montreal.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1976:  Rod Gilbert, New York Rangers, Right Wing.  36 Goals, 50 Assists, 86 Points, -8, 7.6 Point Shores.

Gilbert played his entire career with the Rangers, and this was near the end of it.  The forward scored 1,021 Points, and he overcame a back injury early in his career. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.

1979:  Serge Savard, Montreal Canadiens, Defense.  7 Goals, 26 Assists, 33 Points, +47, 8.3 Point Shores.

Serge Savard won his eight Stanley Cups with the Habs and was also a Second Team All-Star this year, the only time he earned this honor.  The Defenseman was the first Bill Masterton Memorial Award winner to be named a post-season NHL All-Star in the same season.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

1983:  Lanny McDonald, Calgary Flames, Right Wing.  66 Goals, 32 Assists, 98 Points, -1, 9.8 Points Shares. 

McDonald was one of the most popular players with fans and teammates alike, and this was his most remarkable season in terms of stats.  McDonald would score 66 Goals and 98 Points, both career-highs, and be named a Second Team All-Star, the first time he earned a post-season All-Star accolade.  In his final NHL campaign, he would win the Stanley Cup with the Flames.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

1984:  Brad Park, Detroit Red Wings, Defense.  5 Goals, 53 Assists, 58 Points, -31, 5.4 Point Shares. 

This was Brad Park's first season in Detroit and his penultimate campaign in the NHL.  He was one the more beloved players in the league and was still a strong performer as he had 58 Points this year.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1993:  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, Center.  69 Goals, 91 Assists, 160 Points, +55, 16.8 Point Shares

Choosing Mario Lemieux had to be the easiest decision in this award's history.  Lemieux returned to hockey after contracting Hodgkin's lymphoma, and despite missing 22 Games, he would win the Hart Trophy, Ted Lindsay Award, and Art Ross Trophy.  No other player who won the Bill Masterton award has a year this good in the same campaign.   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1994:  Cam Neely, Boston Bruins, Right Wing.  50 Goals, 24 Assists, 74 Points, +12, 9.6 Point Shares. 

Cam Neely had injury upon injury pile up, and he only played 22 Games in 1991-92 and 1992-93 combined.  He came during this year and scored 50 Goals while only playing 49 Games, and he would be named a Second Team All-Star.  He would only be able to play 89 Games more in the NHL, and he had to retire at the age of 30.  Neely went down in history as one of the most popular Bruins players ever, which says a lot when you think of all the legends who wore the "B."   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

1995:  Pat LaFontaine, Buffalo Sabres, Center.  12 Goals, 15 Assists, 27 Points, +2, 3.2 Point Shares. 

In the year prior, Pat LaFontaine suffered a severe concussion, and the post-concussion syndrome forced him to miss most of that season and this season.  He returned to play 22 Games and scored 27 Points.  LaFontaine would later suffer more concussions and would be forced to retire in 1998.   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

2003:  Steve Yzerman, Detroit Red Wings, Center.  2 Goals, 6 Assists, 8 Points, +6, 0.8 Point Shares.  

By this point in his career, Steve Yzerman had already won three Stanley Cups, but he suffered a massive knee injury and would have a knee realignment done.  The Red Wings star would come back to play 16 Games this year.  Yzerman would play two more seasons and score 1,755 Points in his Hall of Fame career.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

2006:  Teemu Selanne, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Right Wing.  40 Goals, 50 Assists, 90 Points, +28, 11.4 Point Shares. 

This was a true comeback year for Teemu Selanne in every sense of the word.  Selanne recovered from knee surgery to have a 90 Point campaign, which was the first time he reached that plateau in seven years.  Selanne would have a 94-point year the season after and take the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup.   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.

The following are the players who have won the Bill Masteron Memorial Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

1968:  Claude Provost, Montreal Canadiens, Right Wing.  14 Goals, 30 Assists, 44 Points, +17, 3.8 Point Shares.

The inaugural winner was Claude Provost, one of the best two-way players of his day, and in 1968, he was nearing the end of his career.  This year, Provost had won his eighth of nine Stanley Cups, and he would play two more seasons in the NHL.  

Eligible Since 1973.  Ranked #8 on Notinhalloffame.com.

1969:  Ted Hampson, Oakland Seals, Center.  26 Goals, 49 Assists, 75 Points, -13, 6.7 Point Shares.

After an injury-riddled 1967-68 season, Oakland Seals' Team Captain, Ted Hampson, responded with the best year of his career with a 75 Point outage.  Hampson combined NHL/WHA career would see him accumulate 556 Points.  He would later win the Paul Deneau Award in the WHA as that league's most gentlemanly player.  

Eligible Since 1979.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

1970:  Pit Martin, Chicago Blackhawks, Center.  30 Goals, 33 Assists, 63 Points, +21, 7.1 Point Shares.    

While Pit Martin was not the best player on the Chicago Blackhawks, he was the heartbeat of the team.  Martin helped Chicago go from worst to first that year, and he would score 63 Points as well post his first (of three) 30 Goal seasons.

Eligible Since 1982.  Ranked #148 on Notinhalloffame.com.

1973:  Lowell McDonald, Pittsburgh Penguins, Left Wing.  34 Goals, 41 Assists, 75 Points, +36, 8.0 Point Shares. 

Lowell McDonald only played 10 Games in the year before due to severe cartilage damage to his knees.  The 1972-73 Season campaign saw the Penguin score 75 Points, which was then a record for him.  He would score 390 Points over 506 NHL Games.  

Eligible Since 1981.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1975:  Don Luce, Buffalo Sabres, Center.  33 Goals, 43 Assists, 76 Points, +61, 7.9 Point Shares. 

This was the best season that Don Luce ever had as his 33 Goals, and 76 Points were a career-high.  Luce scored 526 Points over his career and would finish in the top ten in Frank J. Selke Award three times.  This was the only award that Luce would win.  

Eligible Since 1985.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1977:  Ed Westfall, New York Islanders, Right Wing.  14 Goals, 33 Assists, 47 Points, +21, 3.3 Point Shares.

Westfall would win this award for being one of the game's great on-ice leaders, which occurred late in his career.  Westfall won two Stanley Cups earlier with the Boston Bruins and scored 625 Points in total.

Eligible Since 1982.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1978:  Butch Goring, Los Angeles Kings, Center.  37 Goals, 36 Assists, 73 Points, -4, 7.0 Point Shares. 

Goring would win this based on carving out a successful NHL career despite being slight in stature.  Goring would win the Lady Byng Trophy, making him the first Masterton winner to secure a second award in the same year.  He would later join the New York Islanders and win four Stanley Cups.  

Eligible Since 1988.  Ranked #34 on Notinhalloffame.com.

1980:  Al MacAdam, Minnesota North Stars.  42 Goals, 51 Assists, 93 Points, +36, 9.4 Point Shares. 

MacAdam was a gritty player who, in 1979-80, would post his best career numbers.  That year he would 42 Goals, 51 Assists, and 93 Points, all career-highs, as was his +36. 

Eligible Since 1988.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1981:  Blake Dunlop, St. Louis Blues, Center.  20 Goals, 67 Assists, 87 Points, +15, 5.6 Point Shares.

This was Dunlop's best year, where he had 67 Assists and 87 Points, both career-highs.  

Eligible Since 1987.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1982:  Glenn Resch, Colorado Rockies, Goalie.  16 Wins, 31 Losses, 4.04 GAA, .879 Save Percentage, 9.0 Point Shares. 

The Colorado Rockies of the NHL were never any good, but Glenn Resch brought them respectability.  He had previously been a Second Team All-Star twice and a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the New York Islanders.   Resch was also the first Goalie to win the Masterton.

Eligible Since 1990.  Ranked #143 on Notinhalloffame.com

1985:  Anders Hedberg, New York Rangers, Right Wing.  20 Goals, 31 Assists, 51 Points, -14, 3.0 Point Shares.

Anders Hedberg became the first European to win this award, and he was an initial trailblazer in showing the NHL that Swedish players could compete at an elite level in North America.  This was Hedberg's final season in the NHL, and he would score 51 Points and 855 in the NHL and WHA combined.  

Eligible Since 1988.  Ranked #218 on Notinhalloffame.com.

1986:  Charlie Simmer, Boston Bruins, Left Wing.  36 Goals, 24 Assists, 60 Points, +13, 5.5 Point Shares.

Charlie Simmer scored 60 Points this year and remained a good NHL sniper despite having extensive ligament damage.  He was a former two-time First Team All-Star and would put the puck in the net 342 times over his career.  

Eligible Since 1991.  Ranked #116 on Notinhalloffame.com.

1987:  Doug Jarvis, Hartford Whalers, Center.  9 Goals, 13 Assists, 22 Points, 0, 0.3 Point Shares.

This was a special season where Doug Jarvis would break the record of consecutive games of 915 Games.  He would eventually play 964 Games in a row, a since-broken record.  

Eligible Since 1991.  Ranked #81 on Notinhalloffame.com.

1988:  Bob Bourne, Los Angeles Kings, Center.  7 Goals, 11 Assists, 18 Points, -31, -0.8 Point Shares. 

This was the final season of Bob Bourne’s career and 14th overall.  Bourne had previously won four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and would score 582 Points overall.  

Eligible Since 1991.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

1989:  Tim Kerr, Philadelphia Flyers, Right Wing.  48 Goals, 40 Assists, 88 Points, -4, 8.1 Point Shares. 

From 1983-84 to 1986-87, Tim Kerr was a 50 Goal scorer, but in 1987-88, he could only play eight games due to knee and shoulder issues.  He bounced back this season to score 48 Goals.  

Eligible Since 1996.  Ranked #62 on Notinhalloffame.com

1990:  Gord Kluzak, Boston Bruins, Defense.  0 Goals, 2 Assists, 2 Points, +4, 0.7 Point Shares.

Gord Kluzak was the first overall draft pick in 1982, and for the first few years, the blueliner was the shutdown blueliner they expected him to be.  Sadly, he suffered a knee injury after knee injury, and in 1988-89 he could only play three Games.  This year, he fought back, but knee surgeries held him to only eight games, but the fact that he played at all bordered on miraculous.  He played two more games, and after his tenth knee surgery, he had to call it a career.  

Eligible Since 1994.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

1991:  Dave Taylor, Los Angeles Kings 

Dave Taylor spent all of his 17 years in the National Hockey League with the Los Angeles Kings.  This was year 14.  Taylor was one of the most respected players in hockey, and he also won the King Clancy Award this year, making him the first to win both in the same season.  

Eligible Since 1997.  Ranked #17 on Notinhalloffame.com

1992:  Mark Fitzpatrick, New York Islanders, Goalie.   11 Wins, 13 Losses, 5 Ties, 3.20 GAA, .902 Save Percentage, 6.2 Point Shares.

Mark Fitzpatrick missed most of the previous campaign due to Eosinophilia-myalgia, a potentially fatal neural disease.  He would come back to play 30 games in the net for the Isles this year.  He would play until the 1999-00 Season. 

Eligible Since 2003.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

1996:  Gary Roberts, Calgary Flames, Left Wing.  22 Goals, 22 Assist, 42 Points, +15, 5.3 Point Shares. 

Gary Roberts suffered nerve issues with his neck that caused him to miss most of the 1994-95 season, and he could only play 35 Games this year.  In what could have been a career-ending injury, Roberts continued to play more than a decade more until he was 42.  

Eligible Since 2011.  Ranked #75 on Notinhalloffame.com.

1997:  Tony Granato, San Jose Sharks, Right Wing.  25 Goals, 15 Assists, 40 Points, -7, 4.2 Point Shares.

Tony Granato would have a head injury in a game in January of 1996 that was so bad that he suffered bleeding in the left lobe of his brain.  He would return to hockey after brain surgery, where the Shark would have a 40 Point campaign.  

Eligible Since 2004.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1998:  Jamie McLennan, St. Louis Blues, Goalie.  16 Wins, 8 Losses, 2.17 GAA, .903 Save Percentage, 3.4 Point Shares. 

Jamie McLennan was playing for the New York Islanders, and he suffered from bacterial meningitis that would be life-threatening.  McLennan missed a lot of time, and he would come back to the NHL with St. Louis, where he played 30 Games with a 2.17 GAA.

Eligible Since 2010.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

1999:  John Cullen, Tampa Bay Lightning, Center.  0 Goals, 0 Assists, 0 Points, -2, -0.2 Point Shares. 

The career of John Cullen seemed to end when he contacted non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1997.  The Center had to sit out the 1997-98 season, but he managed to come back to the NHL and was in four Games for the Lightning that year before he retired for good.  

Eligible Since 2002.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

2000:  Ken Daneyko, New Jersey Devils, Defense.  0 Goals, 6 Assists, 6 Points, +13, 3.0 Point Shares.

Ken Daneyko did not come back from an injury, but he did battle alcoholism, which is a potent disease in its own right.  Daneyko had a long career in hockey, with all 20 seasons being served in a New Jersey Devils jersey.  He would win three Stanley Cups over his career.  

Eligible Since 2006.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

2001:  Adam Graves, New York Rangers, Left Wing.  10 Goals, 16 Assists, 26 Points, -16, 0.5 Point Shares. 

We have used the term "Lifetime Achievement Award" concerning this particular accolade, and we will use it again for Adam Graves' 2001 Masterton win.  The Left Wing was a grizzled vet by this time and had previously won the Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1994. 

Eligible Since 2006.  Ranked #67 on Notinhalloffame.com

2002:  Saku Koivu, Montreal Canadiens, Center.  0 Goals, 2 Assists, 2 Points, 0, 0.1 Point Shares. 

Saku Koivu was diagnosed with Burkitt's lymphoma in September before the season, and he was expected to miss the entire year.  Koivu shocked everyone by returning with three games left in the year, and he would also participate in the playoffs.  

Eligible Since 2017.  Ranked #131 on Notinhalloffame.com.

2004:  Bryan Berard, Chicago Blackhawks, Defense.  13 Goals, 34 Assists, 47 Points, -24, 6.1 Point Shares. 

In 1997 Brian Berard was the Calder Trophy winner and would later suffer an injury to his eye.  Berard would be legally blind in one eye, and he won this award due to his perseverance to continue to play.  This season would see Berard score a career-high 47 Points.

Eligible Since 2011.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

2008:  Jason Blake, Toronto Maple Leafs, Left Wing.  15 Goals, 37 Assists, 52 Points, -4, 4.2 Point Shares. 

Jason Blake would be diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia but would play the entire year.  He would have 52 Points this campaign.  

Eligible Since 2015.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

2009:  Steve Sullivan, Nashville Predators, Left Wing.  11 Goals, 21 Assists, 32 Points, +2, 3.3 Point Shares. 

After having a 60 Point year in 2006-07, Steve Sullivan would later have issues that would cause him to miss a year and parts of two others due to fragmented disc and groin issues.  

Eligible Since 2016.  Ranked #225 on Notinhalloffame.com.

2010:  Jose Theodore, Washington Capitals, Goalie.  30 Wins, 7 Losses, 7 Ties, 2.81 GAA, .911 Save Percentage, 8.0 Point Shares.

Jose Theodore was a surprise winner of the Hart Trophy and Vezina in 2002; this was his best year since that campaign.  This year, Theodore had to deal with the death of his young son due to the complications of premature birth.  

Eligible Since 2016.  Ranked #186 on Notinhalloffame.com.

2011:  Ian Laperriere, Philadelphia Flyers, Right Wing.  No Games. 

In the 2010 playoffs, Laperriere blocked a shot with his face, resulting in post-concussion syndrome.  This would make him the first player to win this after his career was technically over.  He would not play this year, and for that matter, ever again.  

Eligible Since 2013.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

2013:  Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild, Goalie.  1 Win, 1 Loss, 3.24 GAA, .863 Save Percentage, 0.0 Point Shares.  

Josh Harding would come back after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the off-season and would manage to play in five regular season games and the playoffs.  Harding played in 29 Games the following season and would lead the NHL in Save Percentage (.933) and Goals Against Average (1.66).  That was the last year for Harding as he had a broken foot to begin the 2014-15 season, and after issues with his MS came up, he never played in the NHL again.  

Eligible Since 2018.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

2014:  Dominic Moore, New York Rangers, Center.  6 Goals, 12 Assists, 18 Points, 0, 1.4 Point Shares.

Moore returned to the NHL after taking 18 months off to tend to his wife, Katie, who was battling a rare form of liver cancer.  She passed away in January 2013.  Moore returned to the league with the New York Rangers playing 73 Games.  

Eligible Since 2021.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

So, who is up next?

The following are the players who have won the NHL Bill Masterton Trophy who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Hockey Hall of Fame: 

2015:  Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota Wild, Goalie.  36 Wins, 14 Losses, 4 Ties, 2.07 GAA, .929 Save Percentage, 12.6 Point Shares.

Devan Dubnyk was carving out a decent career, though it was unremarkable.  He had played 171 Games in the net for the Edmonton Oilers and was traded to the Nashville Predators in 2014 but only played there for two Games.  The Goalie signed with the Arizona Coyotes, where he played for 19 Games, had a 2.72 Goals Against Average and was traded mid-season to the Minnesota Wild.  Dubnyk then went on fire, taking them to the playoffs, where he went 27-9-2 with a 1.78 GAA.  He would be named an All-Star and was a Second Team All-Star that year.  He has since gone to two more All-Star Games with Minnesota.  

Eligible in 2024.

2020:  Bobby Ryan, Ottawa Senators, Left Wing.  5 Goals, 3 Assists, 8 Points, +3, 0.4 Point Shares.

Ryan scored a hat trick on his first game after taking time off to deal with his PTSD and alcohol issues.  He was open about his ailment and could play one more season.    

Eligible in 2024.

The following are the past players who have won the NHL Bill Masterton Trophy and are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame, and are still active.

2007:  Phil Kessel, Boston Bruins, Right Wing.  11 Goals, 18 Assists, 29 Points, -12, 2.0 Point Shares.

Phil Kessel became the first rookie player to win the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.  Kessel contracted testicular cancer and missed 12 Games this year.  He still managed to have a 29 Point year.  Kessel would later win a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh and set the iron-man mark for consecutive games played.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Vegas Golden Knights.

2012:  Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens, Left Wing.  33 Goals, 32 Assists, 65 Points, +2, 9.0 Point Shares. 

In the 2010-11 season, Max Pacioretty was knocked out of a game with a concussion and a fractured vertebra.  He returned with his first 65 Point season.  

34 Years Old, Playing for the Carolina Hurricanes.

2016:  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins, Right Wing.  27 Goals, 39 Assists, 66 Points, +23, 9.2 Point Shares.

How was Jaromir Jagr still playing in the NHL and at a level where he scored 66 Points.  How is that not showing off a dedication to hockey?  

50 Years Old, Playing for HC Kladno in the Czech League.

2017:  Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators, Goalie.  25 Wins, 11 Losses, 4 Ties, 2.28 GAA, .926 Save Percentage, 9.2 Point Shares.

Anderson had a rough personal year as he had taken some time off mid-season, where he had to tend to his wife, who was diagnosed with cancer.  He returned and took the Senators to a surprise conference Final.  

41 Years Old, Playing for the Buffalo Sabres.

2018:  Brian Boyle, New Jersey Devils, Center.  13 Goals, 10 Assists, 23 Points, -9, 2.0 Point Shares.

Brian Boyle was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia in training camp, which caused him to miss the start of the season.  Boyle returned in November and had a 23 Point season.  

38 Years Old, Free Agent.

2019:  Robin Lehner, New York Islanders, Goalie.  25 Wins, 13 Losses, 5 Ties, 2.13 GAA, .930 Save Percentage, 10.2 Point Shares.

Robin Lehner went public in the off-season about his battles with alcoholism and bipolar disorder.  He came back with a career-high 2.13 Goals Against Average over 46 Games.  He would also win the William M. Jennings Award, making him the first to win the Jennings and Masterton in the same year.  

31 Years Old, Playing for the Vegas Golden Knights.

2021:  Oskar Lindblom, Philadelphia Flyers, Left Wing.  8 Goals, 6 Assists, 14 Points, -9, 0.7 Point Shares.  

Lindblom was diagnosed during the previous season with Ewing's Sarcoma but was able to return for Philadelphia's post-season.  He had a full and healthy year in 2020/21.

25 Years Old, Playing for the Philadelphia Flyers.

2022:  Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens, Goalie.  1 Win, 4 Losses, 3.63 GAA, 8.78 Save Percentage, 0.4 Point Shares.  

Price, who won the 2015 Hart and Vezina, had to overcome severe knee issues and a battle with substance abuse.  It was incredible that he played at all this year.

35 Years Old, Playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

The Bill Masterton Trophy has been historically awarded to the man who overcame the most to keep playing and failing that, acting as a de facto lifetime achievement award.  It will never reflect greatness on the ice, but mostly the battle to get on to it.  As prestigious as this accolade is, it has little, if any, impact on Hockey Hall of Fame induction.

Named after Hockey Hall of Fame player, coach, and general manager, Art Ross, the award began in 1947-48 and is awarded to the player who accumulates the most Points in the regular season.  Unlike most awards, it is not arbitrary, as it is based purely on one statistic.  Notably, if players tie in Points, the tie-breaker goes to the player with the most Goals.  Generally, if you are the highest scorer in any sport in a season, you can expect this to generate multiple Hall of Fame inductees.

The results are as follows:

There are currently 20 former Art Ross winners who are Hockey Hall of Fame eligible with all 20 entering, yielding a percentage of 100.0.  

This covered 58 years of Hall-eligible winners, which obviously comes in at 100.0%.

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

1948:  Elmer Lach, Montreal Canadiens, 30 Goals, 31 Assists, 61 Points, 7.5 Point Shares.

How fitting is it that a Montreal player won this award first?  Elmer Lach has already won two Stanley Cups for Montreal, and he won the coveted Hart Trophy in 1944-45.  He won his only Art Ross Trophy this season, narrowly beating New York's Buddy O'Connor by one Point.  Lach would finish third in Hart Trophy voting and was a First Team All-Star this season.  Lach played for the Habs until 1954, winning another Stanley Cup and earning another First Team All-Star before retiring.  He would have 623 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1949:  Roy Conacher, Chicago Blackhawks, 26 Goals, 42 Assists, 68 Points, 7.4 Points Shares.      

This season was by far the best season of Roy Conacher's career.  As a rookie with the Boston Bruins, he would lead the NHL in Goals (26) and win the Stanley Cup.  He won his second two years later, but individually this was his best year, where he had a career-high 68 Points, and the then Blackhawk winger would finish third in Hart Trophy voting and was a First Team All-Star for the first and only time.  Conacher played three more years and retired with 427 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

1950:  Ted Lindsay, Detroit Red Wings, 22 Goals, 55 Assists, 78 Points, 9.0 Point Shares.

This would be Ted Lindsay's only Art Ross win, with him earning the second First Team All-Star of what would be eight over his career.  Finishing seventh in Hart Trophy voting this season, Lindsay would win his first Stanley Cup and three more in the 1950s.  Lindsay played until 1960, with another season in 1964-65.  He had 851 Points overall in his career. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966.

1951:  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings.  43 Goals, 43 Assists, 86 Points, 12.1 Point Shares.  

Gordie Howe had already established himself as a star in the NHL after having been named a Second Team All-Star the last two seasons, but this year he destroyed everyone in the race for the Art Ross.  His 86 Points were 20 more than the second-place finisher (Rocket Richard), and he was third in Hart Trophy voting.  This win was just the beginning of Howe's association with the Art Ross. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1952 (2):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, 47 Goals, 39 Assists, 86 Points, 13.1 Point Shares.      

Gordie Howe became the first player to repeat as the Art Ross Trophy winner and the first to win the Hart Trophy in the same season.  Howe helped the Red Wings the Stanley Cup, which was second, as he helped them win in 1950.  Notably, Howe's closest competitor was his teammate, Ted Lindsay, who was 17 Points behind.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1953 (3):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, 47 Goals, 39 Assists, 86 Points, 15.5 Point Shares

Howe made history again as the first three-time winner, which he accomplished in three straight seasons.  Howe again would see his teammate, Ted Lindsay, and this time he led his closest competitor by 24 Points.  Howe repeated as the Hart Trophy winner. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1954 (4):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings.  33 Goals, 48 Assists, 81 Points, 11.6 Point Shares.      

Another year and another Art Ross Trophy for Howe, who made it four in a row.  Howe again led the Red Wings to another Stanley Cup, and he was again more than ten Points ahead of his nearest competitor, who this year was Rocket Richard, who had 67 Points.  Howe finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1955:  Bernie Geoffrion, Montreal Canadiens.  38 Goals, 37 Assists, 75 Points, 10.3 Point Shares.

In the province of Quebec, this is the most controversial Art Ross Trophy winner, even though a member of the Montreal Canadiens won it.  Bernie Geoffrion beat his teammate, Rocket Richard, by one Point, which he accomplished when the league suspended Richard for striking an official.  Richard was so popular that they booed Geoffrion for winning the scoring title, and it was Richard who was named a First Team All-Star, and not Geoffrion, who was named to the Second Team.  Geoffrion's win marked the first time an Art Ross winner would not be a First Team All-Star. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1956:  Jean Beliveau, Montreal Canadiens, 47 Goals, 41 Assists, 88 Points, 13.0 Point Shares.           

Playing his entire career with the Montreal Canadiens, Jean Beliveau won the Art Ross and the Hart Trophy this year.  This might have been Beliveau’s only Art Ross, but this was the second First Team All-Star of what would be six.  Beliveau would also win the Hart again in 1963-64, and this season he captured the first of his ten Stanley Cups.  The Quebecer played until 1971 and retired with 1,219 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1957 (5):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings, 44 Goals, 45 Assists, 89 Points, 11.8 Point Shares.      

Howe would help the Red Wings win another Stanley Cup in 1955, and this season not only did he win his fifth Art Ross Trophy, but he also won his third Hart Trophy.  Howe's closest competitor was again his teammate, Ted Lindsay, who was only four Points behind.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1958:  Dickie Moore, Montreal Canadiens, 36 Goals, 48 Assists, 84 Points, 9.7 Point Shares.

Dickie Moore would also win his only Goal Scoring Title this season, and he was eighth in Hart Trophy voting.  Moore also helped Montreal win the Stanley Cup this year.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1959 (2):  Dickie Moore, Montreal Canadiens, 41 Goals, 55 Assists, 96 Points, 11.0 Point Shares.

Moore went back-to-back with Art Ross Trophies, and this was also his second (and final) First Team All-Star Selection.  Moore again won the Stanley Cup, this being the fourth of what would be six total.  Moore played until 1968, where he accumulated 607 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1960:  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks, 39 Goals, 42 Assists, 81 Points, +27, 9.2 Point Shares. 

Bobby Hull narrowly defeated Bronco Horvath of the Boston Bruins by one Point to win his first Art Ross Trophy.  "The Golden Jet" was a First Team All-Star for the first time, and he also won his first Goal Scoring Title and finished second in Hart Trophy voting.  He would help Chicago win the Stanley Cup this season.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1961:  Bernie Geoffrion, Montreal, 50 Goals, 45 Assists, 95 Points, +3, 11.6 Point Shares

This was Geoffrion’s second and last Art Ross, and considering the drama he dealt with in his first one in 1955, this had to feel so much better.  Geoffrion did finish ahead of another teammate, Jean Beliveau, by five Points, but Habs fans were ok this time.  This season, Geoffrion was a First Team All-Star for the only time, and he also captured the Hart Trophy.  While Montreal did not win the Stanley Cup this year, he helped them win the previous five.  Geoffrion played for Montreal until 1966 and had two final seasons with the New York Rangers.  He retired with 822 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1962 (2):  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks.  39 Goals, 42 Assists, 91 Points, +10, 10.0 Points Shares.

There was a tie in the Points standings for the first time, but Hull had 50 Goals to Andy Bathgate's 28, thus giving the Blackhawk his second Art Ross trophy.  Hull was third in Hart Trophy voting this season.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1963 (6):  Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings.  38 Goals., 48 Assists, 86 Points, +23, 9.5 Point Shares.

This was the last Art Ross of Gordie Howe's career, and it was also his final Hart Trophy, which coincidentally was also his sixth.  Howe defeated Andy Bathgate by five Points for this honor.  Overall, he was a 12-time First Team All-Star and retired in 1971.  He would return to hockey in the WHA in 1973, first with the Houston Aeros, then the New England Whalers, who became the Hartford Whalers of the NHL in 1979.  Howe stayed with the team for their first year in the NHL.  He retired with 2,358 combined Points in the NHL/WHA. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.

1964:  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks.   39 Goals, 50 Assists, 89 Points, +21, 10.7 Point Shares.

Stan Mikita was a First Team All-Star for the third straight year and fifth in Hart Trophy voting in his first Art Ross-winning season.  While this would not be Mikita's proverbial breakout season, he was cemented as an elite player.  Mikita won the scoring title by two points over Bobby Hull, his long-time teammate. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1965 (2):  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks.  28 Goals, 59 Assists, 87 Points, +29, 9.2 Point Shares.

Mikita went back-to-back in Art Ross Trophy wins, but he was not named a First Team All-Star, as that would go to Norm Ullman, who finished second in scoring to him.   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1966:  Bobby Hull, Chicago Blackhawks.  39 Goals, 42 Assists, 91 Points, +19, 11.8 Point Shares. 

Bobby Hull won his third and final Art Ross Trophy and did so the season after he secured his first Hart and only Lady Byng Trophy.  This year would see Hull win his second straight Hart.  Hull stayed in the NHL until 1972 (and would return in 1980 with the Jets); he was a nine-time First Team All-Star.  Hull would join the Winnipeg Jets in 1972, where he stayed during the NHL/WHA merger, and he played nine final games in pro hockey with the Hartford Whalers before retiring.  His combined NHL/WHA Points totaled 1,808.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

1967 (3):  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks, 28 Goals, 59 Assists, +40, 87 Points, 10.2 Point Shares

Mikita returned as the scoring leader after Bobby Hull had it the year before, and he was 17 Points ahead of the nearest skater, which was Hull.  Mikita swept the major regular season awards with the Art Ross, the Hart Trophy, and the Lady Byng.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1968 (4):  Stan Mikita, Chicago Blackhawks, 28 Goals, 59 Assists, 87 Points, 0+-, 10.0 Point Shares.

This was Mikita's fourth and final Art Ross and the second back-to-back for the star.  Mikita's win also marked five consecutive Blackhawks winning the Art Ross.  Like the season before, Mikita also won the Hart and Lady Byng.  Mikita played until 1980, in a career that was spent entirely with Chicago.  He finished his career with 1,467 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.

1969:  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 49 Goals, 77 Assists, 126 Points, +55, 15.1 Point Shares. 

As expansion diluted the talent pool, it was only a matter of time before there was a 100 Point Scorer.  This season there were three, with Gordie Howe (103), Bobby Hull (107), and this season's Art Ross Trophy winner, Phil Esposito (126).  The Boston Bruin would win his first Hart Trophy and make his First Team All-Star debut.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1970:  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 33 Goals, 87 Assists, 120 Points, +54, 19.5 Point Shares.       

What Bobby Orr accomplished this year was unprecedented.  This season, Orr became the first and, to date, only Defenseman to win the Art Ross Trophy.  It was such a phenomenal year that Orr would lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup Championship, and he won the Conn Smythe Award as the playoff MVP.  Orr would also win the Norris Trophy and the Hart Trophy this year.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1971 (2):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 76 Goals, 76 Assists, 156 Points, +69, 18.5 Point Shares. 

The season before, Esposito, Orr, and company took Boston to a Stanley Cup win.  They did not win this season, but Esposito shattered the single-season Goal record and his own Points record.  Amazingly, he was not the Hart Trophy winner, as that went to Orr (who had 139 Points). 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1972 (3):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 66 Goals, 67 Assists, 133 Points, +54, 16.7 Point Shares.

The Bruins won the Stanley Cup again, with Esposito having a lot to do with their success.  Orr repeated as the runner-up (117), and he was again the Hart Trophy winner, with Esposito coming in at third.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1973 (4):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 55 Goals, 75 Assists, 130 Points, +17, 13.1 Point Shares. 

Esposito’s 130 Points were 26 more than Bobby Clarke of Philadelphia, his nearest competitor, and he repeated as the runner-up to the Hart, losing to Clarke.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1974 (5):  Phil Esposito, Boston Bruins, 68 Goals, 77 Assists, 145 Points, +51, 17.0 Point Shares.

Esposito became the second player to earn five Art Ross Trophies and the second to have four straight wins.  This would be his last Art Ross, and he would also secure his second (and last) Hart Trophy.  Esposito would also have his sixth straight and final First Team All-Star this year.  He would be traded to the New York Rangers in 1975, and he retired after the 1980-81 Season, ending his career with 1,590 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

1975 (2):  Bobby Orr, Boston Bruins, 33 Goals, 87 Assists, 120 Points, +80, 21.5 Point Shares. 

It took Esposito's teammate, Bobby Orr, to break his Art Ross streak, and while it did end Esposito's run, this was the seventh year in a row where a Boston Bruin won the Art Ross.  In between his first and second Art Ross Trophy, Orr won another Stanley Cup, another Conn Smythe Trophy, four Norris Trophies, and two Hart Trophies.  This season, he would win his eighth and final Norris Trophy, and he was already cemented as the greatest Defenseman that ever lived, a mantle he still holds today.  Orr played until 1979 and was fast-tracked into the Hockey Hall that year.  He retired at the age of 30, as back issues forced him out of the game, and Orr would have 915 Points in only 657 career Games. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

1976:  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 56 Goals, 69 Assists, 125 Points, +89, 13.8 Point Shares.         

For the first time in the 1970s, a non-Boston Bruin won the Art Ross Trophy, and it went back to Montreal with Guy Lafleur, who had six more Points than Bobby Clarke of Philadelphia.  Lafleur, who had a Stanley Cup in 1973, would win his second this year.  He was third in Hart Trophy voting this year.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1977 (2):  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 56 Goals, 80 Assists, 136 Points, +89, 15.7 Point Shares. 

Two touchdowns of points ahead of Marcel Dionne, Lafleur again won a Stanley Cup Ring with the Canadiens, this time winning the Conn Smythe Trophy.  The Quebecois superstar also won the Hart Trophy for the first time.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1978 (3):  Guy Lafleur, Montreal Canadiens, 60 Goals, 72 Assists, 132 Points, +73, 15.8 Point Shares.  

Lafleur won his third straight Art Ross, his final time winning the coveted award.  This year also was his second and last Hart Trophy win, but it was year four of six straight First Team All-Star selections.  Montreal again won the Stanley Cup and captured another the year after making it four straight.  He played until 1985 and retired.  That would be short-lived, as he returned as a New York Ranger in 1988 and played two more years later with the Quebec Nordiques.  Lafleur would have 1,353 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

1979:  Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders, 47 Goals, 87 Assists, 134 Points, +76, 13.6 Point Shares. 

It took a dozen years, but Bryan Trottier became the first player from an expansion team to win the Art Ross Trophy.  Trottier beat Marcel Dionne by four Points for the Award, and the Islander would also win the Hart Trophy.  Following this win, Trottier would lead New York to four consecutive Stanley Cups.  Trottier became a two-time First Team and two-time Second Team All-Star, and he later played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, earning two more Stanley Cups.  He retired in 1994 with 1,425 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1980:  Marcel Dionne, Los Angeles Kings.  53 Goals, 84 Assists, 137 Points, +34, 13.5 Point Shares. 

Marcel Dionne tied Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers in Points, but Dionne got the nod for the Art Ross over "The Great One ." Dionne became the first King to win this award and was the runner-up for the Hart.  Over his career that spanned from 1971 to 1989, Dionne played for Detroit, L.A., and the New York Rangers, and he would have 1,307 Points. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1981:  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers.  55 Goals, 109 Assists, 164 Points, +41, 14.3 Point Shares.      

Wayne Gretzky tied Marcel Dionne in Points the year before but lost out on the Art Ross due to a goal differential of two.  Gretzky did not have to worry about Dionne, who was second with 135 Points, but that was 29 behind the number of the Edmonton Oiler, who set the new benchmark for Points in a season.  Gretzky would win his second straight Hart Trophy this season.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1982 (2):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers.  92 Goals, 120 Assists, 212 Points, +80, 19.7 Point Shares. 

Wayne Gretzky broke so many records this year.  First, he shattered his own record with 212 Points, making him the first player to elevate the single-season Points record two years in a row in the Art Ross era.  Second, Gretzky set the single-season Goal mark with 92.  Third, he was the first player to have a 200 Point season.  Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders was the closest competitor with 212 Points.  Gretzky would again win the Hart, his third in a row.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1983 (3):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 80 Goals, 71 Assists, 196 Points, +61, 18.0 Point Shares.

Gretzky did it again, destroying any competitor for the Art Ross.  His nearest competitor was Peter Stastny, the Nordiques star from Czechoslovakia, who “only” had 124.  Gretzky again won the Hart Trophy, but this time his Oilers reached the Stanley Cup Finals, a harbinger of what was to come.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1984 (4):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 87 Goals, 118 Assists, 205 Points, +78, 19.6 Point Shares.

Gretzky again reached the 200 Point threshold, and his teammate, Paul Coffey, at 126 Points, was the closest.  This year the Oilers broke through by winning the Stanley Cup, and Gretzky again captured the Hart Trophy.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1985:  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 87 Goals, 118 Assists, 205 Points, +100, 19.6 Point Shares. 

Gretzky repeated as a Stanley Cup Champion, but he would win the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP this year.  By winning his fifth straight Art Ross Trophy, Gretzky broke the record that Gordie Howe and Phil Esposito shared regarding consecutive Art Ross winners.  Gretzky again destroyed his nearest competitor, Jari Kurri, who was also an Oiler.  Not surprisingly, he won his sixth consecutive Hart Trophy.   

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1986 (6):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 52 Goals, 163 Assists, 215 Points, +71, 17.0 Point Shares 

It was a bittersweet year for Gretzky as he broke his own mark by three Points, and his 215 Points have set a since unbreakable number.  He won the Hart Trophy again, but in the playoffs, the Oilers were upset in the divisional round, and he did not win a Stanley Cup.  Gretzky was again much further ahead than his nearest rival, but this year it was the up-and-coming Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins who had 141 Points.  This win would also tie Gordie Howe for the most Art Ross Trophies.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1987 (7):  Wayne Gretzky, Edmonton Oilers, 62 Goals, 121 Assists, 183 Points, +69, 17.6 Point Shares. 

The Edmonton Oilers were back on track, and they won their third Stanley Cup in four years, with Gretzky winning the Conn Smythe.  Gretzky set Art Ross Trophy history as he broke Howe's record of six Art Ross trophies, and he did it in seven straight years, also a record.  "The Great One" also secured his eighth consecutive Hart Trophy.  Once again, nobody was near Gretzky, as Jari Kurri, who was second, had 108 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1988:  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 62 Goals, 121 Assists, 183 Points, +23, 16.2 Point Shares. 

Gretzky had 149 Points this year, but his Art Ross trophy streak ended at seven when Mario Lemieux bet his total by 19.  Lemieux became the first Penguin to win the Art Ross, and this year he also was the first Penguin to win the Hart.  As you will see, Lemieux was just getting started!  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1989 (2):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 62 Goals, 121 Assists, 183 Points, +41, 19.6 Point Shares.     

Lemieux was one Point shy of 200, and his 199 would be a career-high, as he went back-to-back in Art Ross Trophy wins.  Despite his 199 Points, Gretzky's 168 Points for his new team, Los Angeles, was enough to earn him the Hart. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1990 (8):  Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings, 40 Goals, 102 Assists, 142 Points, +8, 11.3 Point Shares.

After two years of not winning the Art Ross, Gretzky returned to the top of the scoring table, but this time it was as a Los Angeles King.  Gretzky, who won the Hart Trophy as a King the year before, finished fourth this year behind Mark Messier, his former teammate who led his former team, Edmonton, to their fifth Stanley Cup.  Messier was second in scoring to Gretzky, 13 behind.  As for Lemieux, he had 129 Points in only 59 Games. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1991 (9):  Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings.  41 Goals, 122 Assists, 163 Points, +30, 14.5 Point Shares

Gretzky went back-to-back again, and he was incredible this season.  While he did not win the Hart, he was 32 Points ahead of the one who did win it (and was second), Brett Hull.  Hull would, however, have 86 Goals, well more than twice as much as Gretzky.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1992 (3):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins, 44 Goals, 87 Assists, 131 Points, +27, 12.4 Point Shares. 

Mario Lemieux may have only finished fifth in Hart voting, but he won the scoring title only with 64 Games.  More importantly, he led the Penguins to their second straight Stanley Cup win.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1993 (4):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins.   69 Goals, 91 Assists, 160 Points, +55, 16.8 Point Shares. 

Lemieux's 160 Points was a dozen more than his nearest competitor, Pat Lafontaine, but Lemieux had his Points in only 60 Games!  Despite only playing 60 Games, what he did was so impressive that the Hart Trophy voters could not help but vote for him.  Lemieux would also win the Bill Masterton Trophy this season.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1994 (10):  Wayne Gretzky, Los Angeles Kings.  38 Goals, 92 Assists, 130 Points, -25, 11.1 Point Shares. 

Arguably, his was the end of an era, as this was Gretzky's tenth and last Art Ross Trophy.  Nobody has won this more than the native of Brantford, Ontario, and it is likely that nobody will ever.  Gretzky did not win the Hart, as that went to Sergei Fedorov, who he beat by 10 Points to win Art Ross.  Gretzky never received any Hart votes, but he did have nine, which is more than any other player.  This season also saw Gretzky win his fourth of five Lady Byng Trophies, though notably, his -25 is the worst of any Art Ross winner.  He was an eight-time First Team All-Star and a seven-time Second Team All-Star, and he retired with 2,857 Points, well more than any other player.  As expected, the Hockey Hall relaxed their three-year wait, and he was inducted immediately.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

1996 (5):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins.  69 Goals, 92 Assists, 161 Points, +10, 17.4 Point Shares.        

Mario Lemieux sat out the entire 1994-95 season due to Hodgkin's lymphoma.  He returned the year after with a vengeance, winning his fifth Art Ross, beating his teammate, Jaromir Jagr, by 12 Points.  Lemieux would win the Hart Trophy for the third and final time.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

1997 (6):  Mario Lemieux, Pittsburgh Penguins.  50 Goals, 72 Assists, 122 Points, +27, 14.5 Point Shares.       

This win was the last Art Ross Trophy for Mario Lemieux, and he completed it with three two-year runs.  His 122 Points was his lowest Point win, but he was still 13 Points higher than Teemu Selanne, who was second.  Lemieux retired after this year but came back three years later, but this time as a player/owner, as he bought the team in 1999.  He continued to play until 2006 and retired with 1,723 Points. 

2002:  Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames.  52 Goals, 44 Assists, 96 Points, +27, 14.4 Point Shares. 

This would be the lone Art Ross for Jarome Iginla, and while he never had a 100 Point season, he would not need to in this era.  Iginla played most of his career with the Calgary Flames, and he would have 1,095 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020.

2003:  Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche.  29 Goals, 77 Assists, 106 Points, +52, 13.6 Point Shares.

Peter Forsberg became the first player in Colorado Avalanche franchise history and the first Swedish player to win the Art Ross.  To win the award, he eked out another Swede, Markus Naslund, by two Points.  Forsberg, who had already won two Stanley Cups with the Avalanche, won the Hart Trophy this season.  Forsberg played until 2011 and retired with 885 Points in 708 Games.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

2004:  Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning.  38 Goals, 56 Assists, 94 Points, +35, 13.2 Point Shares.

After two unremarkable seasons with the Calgary Flames, Martin St. Louis became a surprise star with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  In the 2003-04 Season, Martin St. Louis won the Art Ross and also won the Hart Trophy.  St. Louis also took the Lightning to their first Stanley Cup this season.  He was a First Team All-Star this year and would be a Second Team All-Star four more times. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

2010:  Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks.  52 Goals, 44 Assists, 96 Points, +35, 13.5 Point Shares.

Henrik Sedin was the first Vancouver Canuck to win the Art Ross, which he won by besting both Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin by three Points.  Sedin would also win the Hart Trophy this year, and he was a First Team All-Star this season and the one after.  Sedin played until 2018, all with Vancouver, and he would retire with 1,070 career Points. 

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

2011:  Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks.  41 Goals, 63 Assists, 104 Points, +30, 14.3 Point Shares. 

There have been players who have won the Art Ross in back-to-back years.  There have been different teammates who have won this accolade in two straight years.  This is the first time, and we think it is likely the only time we will have twins capture the Art Ross in two years.  Like his brother, Henrik, Daniel Sedin played his entire career with the Canucks, but he did not win the Hart like his brother, as he would finish second to Corey Perry.  Sedin played until 2018 and would have 1,041 career Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.

2013 (2):  Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning.  17 Goals, 43 Assists, 60 Points, 0+-, 6.3 Point Shares.     

In the strike-shortened 48-game season, Martin St. Louis's 60 Points were the lowest for an Art Ross winner.  St. Louis would only finish ninth in Art Ross voting, but he did win his third Lady Byng this season.  St. Louis played until 2015, with two final years in the New York Rangers.  He retired with 1,033 Points.  

Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.

 

The following are the players who have won the Art Ross Trophy who are eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame and have not been selected:

None.

The following are the players who have won the Art Ross 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:

The following are the 

players who have 

won the Art Ros

s Trophy who are still active.

1995:  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.   32 Goals, 38 Assists, 70 Points, +23, 12.6 Point Shares. 

This was Jagr's first Art Ross, and he narrowly beat Eric Lindros to get it.  Both stars had 70 Points in this strike-shortened year, but Jagr had three more Goals than Lindros.  Lindros would, however, edge out Jagr for the Hart Trophy.  Jagr was a First Team All-Star for the first time and had already won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh.  Historically, this is the first time a non-Canadian would win the Art Ross.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

1998 (2):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.  32 Goals, 38 Assists, 70 Points, +17, 12.6 Point Shares.  

Jagr would also lead the NHL in Assists for the first time this season.  The Czech star was a First Team and Second Team All-Star in the two prior years; this year, Peter Forsberg of Colorado was his closest competitor with 91 Points, and he was second to Dominik Hasek of Buffalo for the Hart.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

1999 (3):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.   44 Goals, 83 Assists, 127 Points,  +25, 14.6 Point Shares. 

Jagr became the second Penguin to win consecutive Art Ross Trophies, besting Teemu Selanne by 20 Points.  Jagr’s 127 Points would be a career-high, and for the first time in his career, he would win the Hart Trophy.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

2000 (4):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.  42 Goals, 54 Assists, 96 Points, +19, 12.2 Point Shares. 

The Czech star made it three in a row, and for the first time in an entire season in decades, we have an Art Ross Trophy winner under 100 Points.  Jagr narrowly beat Pavel Bure by two Points, though St. Louis Defenseman, Chris Pronger, beat them both for the Hart.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

2001 (5):  Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Penguins.   52 Goals, 69 Assists, 121 Points, +19, 14.1 Point Shares. 

2000-01 would be Jagr's last Art Ross Trophy, and he joined the four-in-a-row club.  Jagr was third in Hart voting, behind his teammate (and boss), Mario Lemieux, and Joe Sakic, who won the award and was only three Points behind Jagr.  This would be Jagr's last season with the Penguins, as he was traded to the Washington Capitals in the offseason.  Jagr later played for the New York Rangers, Avangard Omsk of the KHL, Philadelphia, Dallas, Boston, New Jersey, Florida, Calgary, and then the Czech League.  In the NHL, Jagr had 1,921 career Points.  

50 Years Old, Playing in the Czech League.

2006:  Joe Thornton, Boston Bruins & San Jose Sharks.  52 Goals, 69 Assists, 121 Points, +31, 13.3 Point Shares. 

The Art Ross Trophy winner's year was split between two teams for the first time in history.  In the season prior, Joe Thornton was the Bruins top star, but management questioned his leadership, and the Boston fan base began to turn on him.  Furthermore, Thornton was frustrated with the fate of the Bruins, and he needed a change of scenery, which he got 23 games into this season.  Thornton's Art Ross winning 121 Points, was split with 33 in Boston and 92 in San Jose.  Thornton was only two Points ahead of Jaromir Jagr, who he also edged out for the Hart Trophy this year.   Thornton, who was a First Team All-Star, would go on to have two more Second Team All-Stars.  

43 Years Old, Free Agent.

2007:  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins.  36 Goals, 84 Assists, 120 Points, +10, 13.3 Point Shares 

Sidney Crosby became the third Pittsburgh Penguin to win the Art Ross Trophy, and he did so with a six-Point lead over the previous winner, Joe Thornton.  "Sid, the Kid" was just that, as he was only 19 when the year started, and he was in his second year in the NHL.  Crosby also won the Hart Trophy and was a First Team All-Star for the first time in his career.  Two years later, he would hoist the Stanley Cup.  

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2008:  Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals.  65 Goals, 47 Assists, 112 Points, +28, 17.2 Point Shares.

Ovechkin became the first Washington Capital and the first Russian to win the Art Ross this year.  This was Ovechkin's third season in hockey and his third consecutive First Team All-Star, and it was Ovechkin who defeated Sidney Crosby for the Calder.  Ovechkin also won the Hart Trophy this year.  Since that win, he went to three more First Team All-Stars, won two more Hart Trophies, and led the Capitals to the Stanley Cup in 2018. 

37 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2009:  Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins.  35 Goals, 78 Assists, 113 Points, +17, 12.6 Point Shares. 

Malkin's win allowed Russian-born players to go back-to-back in Art Ross wins, and he became the fourth Penguin to win the trophy.  Malkin was only three points ahead of Ovechkin for the Art Ross but was second for the Hart to Ovechkin.  Ovechkin, Crosby, and the Penguins would win the Stanley Cup this season.  

36 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2012 (2):  Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins.  50 Goals, 59 Assists, 109 Points, +18, 15.7 Point Shares. 

This season, Malkin won his second Art Ross, but he would win the Hart Trophy this season.  Malkin would lead the Penguins to win the 2016 and 2017 Stanley Cups.  

36 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2014 (2):  Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins.  36 Goals, 68 Assists, 104 Points, +18, 13.5 Point Shares.

In between Crosby's first Art Ross and this one, he won a Stanley Cup and was a Second Team and First Team All-Star.  This season, he was again a First Team All-Star and a Hart Trophy winner.  Crosby and the Penguins would win the Stanley Cup for the next two seasons. 

35 Years Old, Playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

2015:  Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars.  36 Goals, 68 Assists, 104 Points, +1, 10.7 Point Shares.

Jamie Benn won the Art Ross by only one Point (edging out John Tavares), which was done in a season that bookended First Team All-Stars.  Benn was a Second Team All-Star this year and was only 12th in Hart Trophy voting, but he was an Art Ross winner.  This would be the first time a Minnesota North Star/Dallas Star player won the Art Ross. 

33 Years Old, Playing for the Dallas Stars.

2016:  Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks.  46 Goals, 60 Assists, 106 Points, +17, 15.0 Point Shares (2016)

Patrick Kane had already won three Stanley Cups with Chicago and was 16 Points ahead of last year's winner, Jamie Benn.  Kane would be a First Team All-Star for the second time, and this season he won the Hart Trophy.  

34 Years Old, Playing for the Chicago Blackhawks.

2017:  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  30 Goals, 70 Assists, 100 Points, +27, 12.8 Point Shares. 

Connor McDavid was one of the most highly touted NHL prospects in years, and in his second year, he would win not only the Art Ross but the Hart Trophy as well.  He was 11 Points ahead of Sidney Crosby, who was also second in Hart Trophy voting.  

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2018 (2):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  41 Goals, 67 Assists, 108 Points, +20, 13.1 Point Shares. 

McDavid won his second straight Art Ross, this time with a six-point lead over Claude Giroux.  The Oiler was fifth in Hart voting but did win the Lester B. Pearson Award, which was also his second in a row.  

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2019:  Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay Lightning.  41 Goals, 87 Assists, 128 Points, +24, 14.6 Point Shares. 

Connor McDavid could not make it three straight, as he was second, 12 Points behind Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov also won the Hart Trophy, and this was his second consecutive year as a First Team All-Star.  

29 Years Old, Playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2020:  Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers.  43 Goals, 67 Assists, 110 Points, -7, 12.8 Point Shares. 

Germany boasted their first Art Ross winner in Leon Draisaitl, who also led the league in Assists and Game-Winning Goals (10).  The Oiler also secured his first First Team All-Star and the Hart and Ted Lindsay Award.  

27 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2021 (3):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  33 Goals, 72 Assists, 105 Points, +21, 13.0 Point Shares. 

McDavid won his third Art Ross, and don't the Oilers love this award?  He also led the NHL in Assists for the second time and captured his second Hart and Ted Lindsay Award.  

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

2022 (4):  Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers.  44 Goals, 79 Assists, 123 Points, +28, 14.0 Point Shares. 

This was the fourth win for McDavid, who did not win the Goal or Assists Title this year.  McDavid did not win the Hart or Ted Lindsay, as they went to Toronto's Auston Matthews.  He also was a Second Team All-Star behind McDavid.

25 Years Old, Playing for the Edmonton Oilers.

100 Percent.  It does not get better than that, so the only question is can this stay perfect?

Placing Jaromir Jagr only at number three seems so strange considering all that he accomplished there, but don’t think of this as a slight on Jagr. We ask you to view it as a testament to what Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby accomplished over their careers, and Jagr was only with Pittsburgh for roughly half of his career.  But what a half it was!

A surefire first ballot Hall of Famer, we thought that when Jaromir Jagr was traded from New Jersey during the 2014-15, season, that this would be where he finished his NHL career.  That would not be the case, but the ageless one proved in Florida that he still had a lot of hockey despite being into his 40’s,

Jagr remained a healthy offensive contributor to the team and could still rise in this rank.  He would win the Bill Masterton Trophy in the 2015-16 Season, his first full year as a Panther, where he scored 66 Points and was seventh in Hart voting.  Jagr had another good year with the Panthers (46 Points), and would play one more year in the NHL with Calgary.  With the Panthers, Jagr had 130 Points in 181 Games.
The Hockey Hall of Fame works a little faster than other North American sports hall doesn’t it?

With only a three year waiting period after retirement from the game (playing in Europe still counts as being active), we have decided some time ago that active players over the age of thirty-five would be profiled and made available for your vote.

Rather than only mention the new entries, we are listing all of the “TBD” players who are currently in that section.

The players listed are as follows:


Alex Tanguay, a member of the 2001 Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche and an All Star in 2004.

Andrei Markov, a two time All Star and member of the 2011 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Champions.

Brad Richards, a key member of the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup winners and past winner of the Conn Smythe and Lady Byng Trophies.

Brian Campbell, a member of Chicago’s 2010 Stanley Cup Champs and was once a Second Team All Star and Lady Byng winner.

Dan Boyle, a two time All Star Defenceman and member of the 2004 Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup Champions.

Eric Brewer, a traditional Defenceman who won Olympic and World Cup Gold with Canada.

Jarome Iginla, a former Art Ross Trophy Winner, two time Goal Scoring Champion, two time Olympic Gold Medalist and three time First Team All Star.

Jaromir Jagr, a scoring machine who has won two Stanley Cups, an Olympic Gold Medal, a Hart Trophy, and has appeared in nine All Star Games.

Joe Thornton, a former Hart Trophy winner and multi-time All Star with both the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks.

Lubomir Visnovsky, an All Star in 2007 and four time representative for Slovakia in the Olympics.

Marian Hossa, a three time Stanley Cup Champion with the Chicago Blackhawks and one time Second Team All Star.

Mark Streit, a four time Olympian with Switzerland and one time NHL All Star.

Mike Ribeiro, a one time All Star known for his shooting accuracy.

Niklas Backstrom, a Finnish Goalie who has played his NHL career thus far with Minnesota Wild.

Olli Jokinen, a multi time Finnish Olympian who was an All Star in 2003.

Patrik Elias, a ling time player for the New Jersey Devils with two Stanley Cup Rings and three All Star nods. 

Patrick Marleau, a longtime San Jose Shark with two Olympic Gold Medals and three NHL All Star Games.

Pavel Datsyuk, a Russian who won two Stanley Cup Rings (Detroit), the Lady Byng four times and the Frank J. Selke Award three times.

Roberto Luongo, a two time Gold Medalist with Canada and three time NHL All Star.

Scott Gomez, the Alaska born forward who won two Stanley Cups with New Jersey and was the Calder Trophy Winner in 2000.

Sergei Gonchar, a smooth Russian who is a four time Al Star.

Shane Doan, who spent most of his career with the Coyotes and is a two time NHL All Star.

Shawn Horcoff, who was a one time NHL All Star. 

Simon Gagne, who is a former Olympic Gold Medalist and Stanley Cup Champion.

Stephane Robidas, a one time All Star Defenceman.

Vincent LeCavalier, a four time All Star, Stanley Cup Champion with Tampa Bay and a former Rocket Richard Award winner.

Zdeno Chara, a former Norris Trophy winner, six time post season All Star and Stanley Cup Champion with the Boston Bruins

I think you know what we are looking for you to do!

When your time permits, take a look at this group and let us know if their Hall of Fame inductions are justified!

Jaromir Jagr

Easily the most talented player in the history of Europe, Jaromir Jagr continues to add to his list of his accomplishments. Once he is eligible for the Hall of Fame, there should be NO reason to keep him out in his first year of eligibility. He won the Hart Trophy, The Art Ross five times, the Stanley Cup twice, the Olympic Gold and the Ted Lindsay Award three times; and that is just the tip of the iceberg. Jagr’s career totals are also very high (2nd in points as of this writing) and had he not spent four years in the Russian leagues, his tallies would be higher. If there is a reason to keep him out of Toronto, we can’t think of one.