The Hockey Hall of Fame inductions this week have us thinking about the current players in the NHL and their chances at immortality.

For me, there are four stone-cold locks for the Hall of Fame currently playing in the NHL: Jaromir Jagr, Teemu Selanne, Chris Pronger and Martin Brodeur. First ballot, no questions ask, start planning your sojourns to Toronto to celebrate them.

I’d put Joe Thornton on that list, too, as he’s going to end up with over 1,000 assists in his career, which puts him in Joe Sakic territory. But I’ve read a lot of people who think his lack of a Cup should be a factor in his candidacy, to whom I’d ask if they’re familiar with Adam Oates and his recent new piece of hand jewelry from the Hall?

But what about the rest of the veteran players that are inching toward the finish line? Who’s a Hall of Famer, who is on the bubble, and who is out?

Inspired by our Marek Vs. Wyshynski discussion this week, a look at the potential candidates in coming years:

FORWARDS

Daniel Alfredsson, Detroit Red Wings

Age: 40

Current Credentials: Fourth in active points with 1,121, fifth in active goals with 429, won the Calder Trophy and Olympic gold with Sweden.

The Bubble Verdict: Hall of Famer. He’s got the numbers, he’s at least played for a Cup (if that’s your standard) and no doubt has the respect of the men who will be guarding the gate at the Hall. Maybe not first ballot, but certainly in.

Jarome Iginla, Boston Bruins

Age: 36

Current Credentials: Fifth in active points with 1,117; third in active goals with 534; owns two gold medals for Canada.

The Bubble Verdict: Hall of Famer. While 500 goals isn’t automatic, Iggy is inching closer to Top 20 all-time in the NHL. He’s seen as an ambassador of the game, and again, at least played for a Stanley Cup.

Ray Whitney, Dallas Stars

Age: 41

Current Credentials: Sixth in active points with 1,040; fifth in active assists with 663; Stanley Cup winner with the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Bubble Verdict: Outside The Hall. Has the numbers, has a Cup, but lacks both an NHL Award and an Olympic appearance. His longevity is impressive, no doubt, but he lacks a certain star quality you expect from an immortal. Could be the next Dave Andreychuk as far as the numbers being there but the impact falling short.

Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks

Age: 34

Current Credentials: Seventh in active points with 949; fourth in active goals with 442; multiple Stanley Cup winner and multiple NHL all-star.

The Bubble Verdict: Hall of Famer. He’s got plenty in the tank left and will crack 500 goals. He’s a star player with multiple Cups and without question one of the most lethal goal-scorers of his era.

Patrick Elias, New Jersey Devils

Age: 37

Current Credentials: Eighth in active points with 937; 10th in active goals with 378; multiple Stanley Cup winner.

The Bubble Verdict: Bubble. There may be some that see Elias’ consistency and professionalism and excuse his numbers, which would have likely been higher in another less-constrictive system. But in the end, I think he falls into that “great, not immortal” category, even if he gets to 1,000 points.

Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

Age: 37

Current Credentials: Ninth in active points with 928; 13th in active goals with 347; Stanley Cup winner and multiple award winner.

The Bubble Verdict: Bubble. St. Louis has some impressive hardware – the Stanley Cup, the 2003-04 Hart Trophy, two Art Rosses – and one expects he’s going to crack 1,000 points. He’s one of the most dynamic offensive players of the last 15 years, and the way he plays the game – with tenacity, but with a Lady Byng sportsmanship – should earn him respect in the voting room. He’s very, very close as an MVP winner.

Vincent Lecavalier, Philadelphia Flyers

Age: 33

Current Credentials: Tenth in active points with 882; seventh in active goals with 389; Stanley Cup winner and Rocket Richard winner.

The Bubble Verdict: Out Of The Hall. From 2002-2008, a Hall of Fame player. In the years surrounding it, a very good player with star qualities whose offensive output never really matched his pedigree. He’s become a well-rounded veteran in his later years, and one assumes he’ll still crack 1,000 points. But for a guy that seemed on track for 500 goals, one also assumes he’s not getting there, and that was a magic number for his candidacy.

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