The Hockey Hall of Fame inductees of 2023 are now known, and some observers have already begun conjuring up those they believe have the best chance of immortality in their sport in 2024. In Montreal, one name goes back to the surface: that of Shea Weber.
Considering he last played in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 2020-21, the defenseman could technically get the call from Temple president and CEO Lanny McDonald as soon as next year. In fact, he will have gone three complete seasons without a game at Bettman Circuit or on the international stage, confirming his eligibility to play. That won’t stop the Arizona Coyotes from paying his $7.85 million in annual compensation through 2026 through their long-term injured tally.
The former Montreal Canadiens captain has an interesting record that will see him into the game, even if he has never won the Stanley Cup or the James Norris trophy, which is the NHL’s ultimate goalkeeper. He averaged 589 points in 1,038 regular-season games and excelled with Canada at the Olympics. Weber was named to the tournament’s all-star team at the 2010 games and helped his country to gold. Four years later he also stepped onto the top step of the podium.
The right-hander, known for the power of his slapshot, particularly in skill competitions on the sidelines of the All-Star Classic, scored at least 20 goals in three seasons, all while wearing the Nashville Predators jersey. He competed with the Glorious in his only career finals, the one he lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the summer of 2021.
Other names to remember
There are a few other stars from the past to look forward to joining in 2024, including striker Ilya Kovalchuk. If numbers alone determine the fate that awaits him, the former Canadian flag-bearer will attend the annual ceremony in Toronto in 17 months. With nine consecutive games of the season scoring 30 or more goals, including two from a minimum of 50 goals, a Maurice Richard trophy and two All-Star Game invites, he’s a must on paper. Outside of the Bettman scene, let’s remember his two World Cup titles, Olympic gold medal and three Gagarin Cups in the KHL.
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
However, the political aspect could work against the Russian. Some pundits have already highlighted the non-selection of Alexander Mogilny, a compatriot who also filled opposing nets. Because of the armed conflict in Ukraine, everything that concerns this country remains delicate. And that’s not counting the termination of Kovalchuk’s contract with the New Jersey Devils in 2013, which may have displeased the Temple monks.
Among the other new contenders, Pavel Datsyuk finds himself in a similar situation because of his heritage despite his 918 points in 953 games, three Frank Selke Trophies and two Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings. The former number 13 has also been crowned with gold at Olympics and the World Championships.
Will former goalie Ryan Miller then be able to convince Temple despite not having a Stanley Cup on his resume? The American helped his country win silver at the 2010 Games and collected a vezina awarded to those most deserving of his position. With the Buffalo Sabers, he had 30 or more wins in seven straight seasons, for a total of 391.
Pekka Rinne, Weber’s former gun partner in Nashville, has a good chance of being selected given the arrivals of Mike Vernon and Tom Barrasso this year. With 369 triumphs in his career, he has nothing to envy and just like Miller, he’s gotten his hands on a Vezina but without lifting the silver bowl.
Finally, ex-forward Patrick Marleau likely has enough track record to gain access to the Temple. In addition to his NHL best of 1,779 career games, he hit 566 goals and scored 15 straight 20 goals. Like Weber, he twice helped Canada win Olympic gold.