Former Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame this week.

It was a deserving accolade after an outstanding career for the Flint, Mich., native. But there’s a bigger question that should be considered: Does Thomas belong in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto?

Before you rush to judgment, remember, induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame embodies a person’s entire career and not only what he accomplished in the NHL.

Despite a relatively brief NHL career — he started only 305 regular-season games — Thomas deserves a Hall of Fame nod because of his incredible accomplishments during that span.

Let’s look at Thomas’ overall career, beginning in college.

During four seasons at the University of Vermont, Thomas posted an 81-43-15 record, a 2.70 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage in 140 games. He guided Vermont to the program’s first-ever berth in the NCAA Frozen Four in 1996. That season, he led the nation with a .924 save percentage. A two-time All-America selection, Thomas remains Vermont’s all-time career leader in games played, wins and saves (3,950).

After his collegiate career, Thomas played for HIFK Helsinki of the Finnish Elite League and earned the Urop Ylonen Award as the league’s top goalie. HIFK also won the league championship. During the NHL’s lockout in 2004-05, Thomas played with Jokerit, leading the Finnish Elite League with 34 wins, a 1.58 GAA and 15 shutouts. He posted a 34-13-7 record in 54 games and was named the league’s MVP.

On the international stage for Team USA, Thomas won a silver medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. He also participated in seven world championships for the U.S.

That’s all on top of his NHL accolades. During Thomas’ nine seasons with the Bruins, his compete level was off the charts. Along with the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe, he also won the Vezina Trophy twice, was a two-time All-Star and won the William M. Jennings Trophy. He finished his NHL career with 214 wins and a .920 save percentage in 426 games.

Opinions on Thomas’ candidacy for the Hall vary. Consider some of these reactions from some anonymous, accomplished NHL minds:

“He did well in his career, but not convinced he is a Hockey Hall of Famer.” — Current NHL coach

“He has the major awards, and how he did it, to me he’s definitely a Hall of Famer.” — Recent Hockey Hall of Fame inductee

“He is a (Hall of Famer) in my eyes, but I don’t think he’ll get in.” — Another recent Hall of Famer

“Yes, he’s a Hall of Famer for me. For a stretch of five seasons, he was the best goalie in the NHL. He backstopped a Stanley Cup champion team and was the MVP of the playoffs. For a starting goalie, I think that puts you in the Hall of Fame. He was good for a long time and elite for a long stretch. He helped resurrect an Original Six organization and produced in a demanding market.” — Former Team USA and NHL coach

“The lack of longevity in the NHL would be the only thing that would keep him out. But, he has a playoff MVP, a Cup, and two Vezinas, to go along with some scary numbers.” — Former NHL coach

Thomas’ legacy with the Bruins is impressive. Early in his career, he was considered an afterthought as the organization turned to the likes of Andrew Raycroft, Hannu Toivonen, Manny Fernandez and even Tuukka Rask to start over Thomas.

He continued to prove people wrong.

At age 37, Thomas became the oldest player to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy after he helped guide the Bruins to the 2011 Stanley Cup.

Here’s a comparison: Ed Belfour is in the Hall of Fame as a goalie. On his résumé: He won a Stanley Cup in 1999 a Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1991, was a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, won the Jennings Trophy four times and was a three-time All-Star. He also played 17 seasons and in 963 games.

Thomas last played in 2014. So the waiting period for his candidacy has already passed, and he is eligible to be considered by the Hall of Fame.

In the eyes of many, Thomas tarnished his image when he decided to skip the team’s invitation to the White House in January 2012 to celebrate the Bruins’ Cup championship. His political decisions should not affect his accomplishments on the ice and his impact on the game.

“When you sort through all that, he’s still a Hall of Famer,” said another former NHL coach.

(Photo: Brian Babineau / NHLI via Getty Images)