John Vanbiesbrouck’s career may be best described as one of “missing out.” He achieved great success as a New York Ranger, but was outplayed by Mike Richter, who won the starting job, and “Beezer” was shipped out before he could see the Rangers win that elusive Cup. His best work was with the Florida Panthers, where he gave that team “legitimacy” and actually took that team to a Stanley Cup berth, where he again “missed out” on winning. John Vanbiesbrouck seemingly had many very good seasons, but not exactly a great one, or a career-defining moment. His total of 374 career NHL wins is impressive, but he just lacked that intangible that makes it possible for the Hall to keep him out.

During the mid-90s, few goaltenders approached the level of success that Mike Richter did. After a few years of struggles, Richter took over the net in New York and embarked on a magical three year period. In the 1993-94 season, he posted 42 wins (and 16 more in the playoffs) and backstopped the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in forty-five years. Richter’s finest performance may have occurred two years later outside of the NHL when he stood on his head and stopped the Canadian juggernaut in leading the Americans to a World Cup of Hockey victory in 1996, where he was subsequently named the tournament MVP.

A star for the Chicago Blackhawks and the United States National Team, Tony Amonte enjoyed a solid career. His career zenith was as a Blackhawk, where the consistent American Right Winger enjoyed a five-year stretch without missing a game and was among the best players in the Windy City. A five-time All-Star, Amonte was one of the better American-born hockey players of All Time, but without that magical 1,000 points NHL plateau or a dominant season, he may have to settle for the American Hall of Fame instead.

Here is another interesting one.  The always-controversial and outspoken Tim Thomas was quite a story, becoming an elite netminder at the age of 34 and having two spectacular seasons in pro hockey, when most players have hung up their 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.

Honestly, it is difficult to make a Hall of Fame case for Brian Rolston, but we do tip our caps to one of the most versatile players in hockey history. Rolston was comfortable at any forward position and often quarterbacked the power play, a role usually given to defensemen. Rolston does have a Stanley Cup Ring and an All-Star appearance under his belt, so though enshrinement may be out of his grasp, his career has undoubtedly been a rewarding one.

One of the slickest playmakers ever to come out of the United States, Doug Weight reached the magical 1,000 career point mark predominantly with assists. Weight was a consistent offensive threat throughout his career and once reached a 100-point season with the Oilers. He achieved the ultimate in team sports, capturing the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006 and was awarded the King Clancy Award, which is given to the man who exemplifies leadership and humanitarian activities. A good man on the ice and off, Doug Weight may not make the Hall of Fame in Toronto, but we would not be surprised to see him make the version in the United States.

Although Brian Rafalski did not enter the National Hockey League until he was 26, he still managed to achieve a 500-point career, which is a very respectable total for a defenseman. He spent most of his career with the New Jersey Devils, where his powerful shot and defensive skills were an excellent fit for their style of play. After netting two Stanley Cup Rings, he went to Detroit and landed his third ring. Rafalski likely won’t end up in the Hall of Fame in Toronto, but he earned his place in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame for his overall work in the sport.

In the mold of a player he grew up watching (Cam Neely), the Massachusetts-born Keith Tkachuk became the American power forward of his generation.