An integral part of the Montreal Canadians defensive squad of the 1970’s, Serge Savard brought a blended and intelligent game to the Habs’ blue line. Savard did not have the same offensive skills as his team mate, Larry Robinson, but his methodical hardnosed style of play was a perfect complement to the rest of Montreal’s stars. Savard was part of seven Stanley Cup victories (and was the GM for two more in Montreal) and he won the Conn Smythe in 1969. Perhaps his greatest individual accolade was the winning of the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1979 which is given annually to the player who represents perseverance, sportsmanship and an overall dedication to the sport. Sounds like an award meant for Serge Savard.

Over a nineteen year career, Leo Boivin was known throughout the National Hockey League for his toughness. He was a traditional stay at home Defenceman who may have had significant offensive prowess, but rarely allowed attackers to get the best of him. Three times, Boivin would play in the All Star Game in the early 1960’s. His best seasons were with the Boston Bruins, of which he would be their captain for four seasons.   Boivin was a very good player, but he may be an example of the criticism that the Hall often gets for inducting too many Original Six players, as his overall resume just does not seem to be Hall worthy.  

One of the best players of all time for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dave Keon was probably its classiest. The 1961 Calder Trophy winner brought an abundance of skill to the Leafs with his speed, deking ability and a diverse collection of shots. Keon was an expert penalty killer, and even more of an expert staying out of the penalty box himself as shown by his two Lady Byng Trophies (and the two equivalents he won in the WHA).

Bill Hanley was selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame based on his lifetime service to the Ontario Hockey Association. Hanley was well regarded and served in the OHA in multiple capacities for decades. Still, Hanley is one of many administrators with the OHA who have been selected for Toronto, but when the Hockey Hall’s bio’s highlight is that he was a fair arbitrator, it is not exactly a rousing endorsement for induction.