It’s that time of year again and it’s time for the age old debate. Does Chris Osgood deserve to be selected into the Hockey Hall Of Fame? The easy response is no. It’s been three years since Osgood became eligible and it hasn’t happen yet. I’m here to tell you the correct answer is yes.

Chris Osgood was drafted 54th overall in the third round of the 1991 NHL entry draft. He made his NHL debut during the 1993-1994 season playing 41 games. In the that span Osgood went 23-8-5 recording a 2.86 GAA and a .895 SV%. Chris Osgood’s first true NHL season would come in the 1995-1996. Ozzy played 50 games with a stellar 39-6-5 record. Posting a 2.17 GAA and a .911SV% which would be his third best over the course of his 17 seasons. One would think with those numbers he’d be a lock for the Vezina trophy. Unfortunately that would not happen. Jim Carey of Washington would take home the famed Vezina. Carey went 35-24-9 that season posting a 2.26 GAA .906 SV%. Compare those numbers to Osgood’s above. Who do you think was more deserving? The correct answer starts with a OZ and end with a ZY.

Many people make the argument that Osgood played on stacked teams and it padded his stats. Did he? Yes. In fact, he played on some of the best teams of all time and had some of the best defensemen protecting him for most of his career. Here is why I don’t think this is something that should keep Osgood from the Hall of Fame: Martin Brodeur played for the New Jersey Devils for most of his career and won multiple Vezina Trophies. The Devils in that day and age were known for defense, blocking shots and for having superstar defense men like Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer. Patrick Roy won three Vezina trophies, during that time he had Norris trophy finalist Chris Chelios and another player in Chris Ludwig receiving votes. Having some of the best players in the world certainly helped Osgood put up the numbers he did throughout his career, but none of these goalies have done it by themselves and no one ever will.

Chris Osgood would retire after the 2010-2011 season. He would end his career 10th all time for most wins with 401. He’s currently 8th all time in playoff wins, 4th all time for playoff shutouts, a two time Jennings trophy winner, two time NHL all star, and three time Stanley Cup winner. Oh. He also scored a goal against the Hartford Whalers in 1996.

Should the Wizard of Oz be in the Hockey Hall of Fame? I think, yes.