Here is another interesting one.  The always controversial and outspoken Tim Thomas was quite a story becoming an elite netminder at age 34 and having two spectacular seasons in pro hockey when most players have hung up the pads.  Thomas is one of the rare players to win two Vezina Trophies and backstopped the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup win, however, the reality is that his run at the top was too brief to cement a Hall of Fame spot…though stranger things have happened.

The “Finnish Flash” had one of the most spectacular rookie seasons in NHL history. Teemu Selanne scored a whopping 76 goals and 132 points for the Winnipeg Jets and became an instant sensation. Statistically, Selanne did not reach those heights again, although he would have three more seasons where he hit the century mark in points. Selanne remained a star into his 40’s and was putting pucks in the net at an age where many people struggle to get off of the couch

A long time player for the Phoenix Coyotes, Shane Doan starred in the desert for what seemed like an eternity. He is a good scorer, but what he is mostly known for in Phoenix is his long term leadership for the franchise. Doan was never in the top ten in scoring, but he was selected anyway to multiple National teams for Canada and scored the game-winning goal against Finland to win the 2004 World Cup. Doan has long been considered a player you want in your dressing room, though this might not necessarily translate into a Hall of Fame career though does make him the best Arizona Coyote ever.

With a devastating wrist shot and smooth skating skills, Sergei Gonchar has quietly put together a very good career in professional hockey. Gonchar is a four-time All-Star and had eight seasons of fifty points plus which is very good for a defenseman. With over twenty campaigns in the National Hockey League, Gonchar had a great career, but without that elusive Norris Trophy, the Russian may not be considered for the Hall despite being a two time Second Team All-Star. Perhaps his four All-Star Appearances and international play with Russia will assist his chances.