The Left Wing Lock

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When the Hockey Hall of Fame inducts it’s 2011 class, Eddy “The Eagle” Belfour may be the only the only member in his first year of eligibility. Belfour, who led the Dallas Stars to a Stanley Cup Championship in 1999, has the credentials with nearly 1,200 NHL games, a Stanley Cup Championship, and two World Cup titles. Although “Crazy Eddie’s” career was sometimes marred by his arrest record and occasional angry on-ice outbursts, Belfour’s career should still justify his selection to the Hall.

The other first year eligible players are highlighted by Trevor Linden, Glen Murray, and former Red Wing Dallas Drake. Linden, who played nearly 1,400 NHL games while racking up 867 points, has the best chance among the skaters, but he is competing with an extensive list of previously passed over players which include:

• Dave Andreychuk – a big power forward who’s best years were with the Buffalo Sabres. The 6-foot-4, 220 pound winger captained the Tampa Bay Lightning to a Stanley Cup Championship while also becoming the second highest scoring right wing in NHL history.
• Doug Gilmour – An defensive forward who could also chip in timely points. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound forward was one of the most intense players in the NHL. He finished his career with 1,414 points, a Stanley Cup Championship, and a Canada Cup Championship. Gilmour also won the Selke trophy in 1992-93 which is awarded to the league’s best defensive forward.
• Joe Nieuwendyk – A gifted pivot who became a defensive standout late in his career with Dallas. Nieuwendyk, who is currently the Stars General Manager, racked up over 1200 career points, won three Stanley Cup rings, and was named the Conn Smythe playoff MVP winner in 1999.
• Pavel Bure – The Russian Rocket saw his career cut short by multiple knee injuries at the age of 32. Bure, who piled up 779 points including 437 goals, also won the Calder trophy for best rookie and twice won the Rocket Richard Trophy.
• Eric Lindros – Dubbed “the Next One” as a kid, Lindros’s never quite lived up to his billing. The big power forward’s physical style caused him to spend a lot of time on the injury reserve after suffeing a reported four major concussions. Lindros, who is often remembered for his trade demand shortly after being drafted by the Quebec Nordiques, finished his career with 865 points in 760 NHL games. He also won the Hart and Pearson Trophies in 1995.

Other Possible Candidates

• Phil Housley
• Tom Barasso
• Adam Oates
• Vincent Damphousse
• Ray Ferraro
• John LeClair
• Pierre Turgeon
• Alexander Mogilny
• Tony Amonte
• Pat Verbeek

The complete list of eligible 2011 Hockey Hall of Fame Candidate is available here.