The last survivor of the Original Six, Wayne Cashman made the most of what he had. Cashman was not considered a gifted skill player but he was an adept grinder and the last guy you wanted to fight for a puck in the corners. He was also known as one of the game’s best fighters and though he was not known for his scoring, he did finish in the top five in point during the 1973-74 season. A seventeen-year veteran of the Boston Bruins, Cashman remains one of the most beloved figures in Beantown. He will likely receive no such love from the Hall in Toronto.

Although the bulk of the early era players are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, a case could be made for the talented Lorne Chabot. The Montreal native was successful everywhere he went, posting winning records and winning two Stanley Cups. Chabot’s career saw him get 201 over eleven seasons but as he played with six different teams he got labeled a journeyman despite the successful performances he showed.

Before his record was broken by Doug Jarvis, Garry Unger was considered the NHL’s Iron Man. Unger played in 914 consecutive games which was a phenomenal accomplishment, considering the rough nature of Professional Hockey. Unger did not just play in those games; he was a seven-time All-Star who was able to acquire 804 career points. Because Unger was dependable, he was not considered flashy. The latter might be what has caused people to forget about the first true “Iron Man” of the NHL.

Considering that Steve Thomas went undrafted, the fact that he made the NHL is an impressive feat. Throw in that he lasted 19 seasons and that feat is extraordinary. Steve Thomas became a solid goal scorer and a dependable player on both ends. He managed to get over 900 points in his long career and though he had a high career point total, he was never an All-Star. Without at least one major season to his credit, it may be difficult for Thomas to crack the Hall.