16. Bernie Nicholls

Bernie Nicholls was already a productive member of the Los Angeles Kings, but when the legendary Wayne Gretzky went Hollywood, Nicholls’ statistics reached the stratosphere. With attention paid toward the other star center, Nicholls set personal records. To this day, Bernie Nicholls is one of eight players to score 70 goals in a season and one of five to have scored over 150 points in a single season. Yet even with those accomplishments, it seems that Bernie Nicholls racked up his 1,200 + career NHL points quietly. He wasn’t flashy, he wasn’t gritty and he was not the darling of any fan base or media outlet. Still, with 1,200 career points, he has earned more than a healthy look for Hall consideration.

Should Bernie Nicholls be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 69.9%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 10.5%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.8%

No opinion. - 0.6%

No way! - 12.8%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Haliburton, Ontario, Canada
Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 2002
Position: Center
Games Played: 1127
Notable Statistics:
475 Goals
734 Assists
1,209 Points
-39 Plus/Minus
1,292 PIM
N/A Blocked Shots*
N/A Hits*
N.A Takeaways*
N/A Giveaways*
96.8 Point Shares

118 Playoff Games
42 Goals
72 Assists
114 Points
-13 Plus/Minus
164 PIM
N/A Blocked Shots*
N/A Hits*
N/A Takeaways*
N/A Giveaways*

*These stats were first implemented in the 2007/08 Season.
Played For: Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks
Non-NHL Teams: Team Canada (World Hockey Championship, 1985)
Kingston (OHL)
Major Accolades and Awards: Stanley Cup Rings (None)
NHL All-Star (3) (1984, 1989 & 1990)
World Hockey Championship Silver Medal (1) (Canada, 1985)
Notable Top Ten Finishes: 2 Top Ten Goals Finishes
2 Top Ten Assists Finishes
2 Top Ten Points Finishes
1 Top Ten Even Strength Goal Finish
3 Top Ten Power Play Goal Finishes
4 Top Ten Short-Handed Goals
1 Top Ten Game-Winning Goal Finish
3 Top Ten Shots Finishes
2 Top Ten Offensive Point Shares Finishes
1 Top Ten Point Share Finishes
Rankings: 29. Short-Handed Goals: 28
40. Points Per Game: 1.07
46. Assists Per Game: 0.65
50. Points: 1,209
52. Power Play Goals: 152
53. Assists: 734
58. Goals: 475
81. Even Strength Goals: 298
85. Goals Per Game: 0.42
88. Offensive Point Shares: 84.3
97. Shots: 3,231

These Rankings are as of the end of the 2024-25 Season.