Article content

By Lance Hornby

Many people complain about the traffic snarl in the Hockey Hall Of Fame’s veteran player parking lot. But only a few can do something to untangle it, only once a year and only after any deserving first-year eligibles are taken care of.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Teemu Selanne, then who? Only one player is a lock for this year's Hockey Hall of Fame class Back to video

That opportunity to clear a backlogged name or two comes Monday in Toronto, when the 18-member Hall selection committee gathers.

While they can accept suggestions from hockey brethren or receive entreaties from the public throughout the calendar year, only a committee member can put a name forward and then make a case for the 75 per cent vote needed for induction among peers.

In 2016, considered one of the more open fields in past years, there was room after Eric Lindros and Sergei Makarov to add three-time Cup winning goaltender and Canada Cup champion Rogatien Vachon, almost four decades after his retirement. Vachon said he’d just about given up on getting a Hall call, but his inclusion has renewed hope for others.