In a surprising development, former Detroit Red Wings power forward Brendan Shanahan was not elected into the Hockey Hall of fame today, during his first year of eligibility.

Former Red Wings center Adam Oates was elected, along with Pavel Bure, Joe Sakic and Mats Sundin.

Oates was hired as head coach by the Washington Capitals today.

Many analysts thought Shanahan was a shoo-in this year.

Shanahan, with his combination of size and scoring ability, was the key ingredient the Red Wings needed to transform from playoff underachievers to champions. He was acquired on Oct. 9, 1996, from the Hartford Whalers for Keith Primeau, Paul Coffey and a first-round pick and helped Detroit win three Cups.

Shanahan, 43, had 656 goals (13th all-time) and 1,354 points in 1,524 games over 21 seasons. He won the Olympic gold medal for Canada in 2002 and is the only player with more than 600 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes (2,489).

Shanahan is certain to eventually get into the Hall of Fame. Maybe next year.

Oates, a tremendous passer who set up many of Brett Hull's goals in St. Louis, collected 1,420 points (341 goals, 1,079 assists) in 1,337 games with Detroit, St. Louis, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Anaheim, and Edmonton.

Oates, 49, had 54 goals and 145 assists in four seasons with the Red Wings. He was traded, along with Paul MacLean, to St. Louis in 1989, for Bernie Federko and Tony McKegney, one of the worst trades in Red Wings history.

He played in five NHL All-Star Games during his 19-season career.

Check back later today for more reaction to the Hall-of-Fame selections.

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