HHOF Class of 2013: 3 players, 1 female player, 1 builder.

Chris Chelios
Scott Niedermayer
Brendan Shanahan
Geraldine Heaney
Fred Shero!

(I'll edit with the rest)
- dilbert719

dgb

"Brendan Shanahan - Didn't make the cut last year, and can't even begin to tell you how frustrating it is to be a victim of a ridiculous decision from some arbitrary process that nobody even fully understands and isn't even accountable to… um, why is everyone staring at him right now?"

It does suck, but it's also BS. Cam Neeley and Pavel Bure are in, both had short careers and never won the Stanley Cup.

I'm ecstatic for Shero, long overdue, but Lindros should be in, as well.
- Jsaquella

Not on the first vote. Neeley and Bure both had delayed inductions IIRC

I agree. Lindros should absolutely be in imo. Give me the guy that dominated for a short period of time over the guy who compiled over years. That's the way I look at it for any sport.

Also, I don't believe in not winning a championship in a team sport should keep players out of the HOF.
- PLindbergh31

As long as he doesn't have to wait as long as Freddie did.

Thanks!

That seems silly.

Regardless, it underscores my point that the kid does have stuff he can do in juniors.

If he can help the Flyers, then great. Keep him up, whatever. But if he doesn't stand out, it won't kill him to go back to juniors. Probably even helps the franchise, long term.
- johndewar

The question I always ask is, "Whats better for him AND the Flyers"? Should the Flyers give him another shot, and he doesnt look out of place, should they send him back?

Here is my take. The kid is never going to be an offensive powerhouse (ala Towes). He likely wont ever be an above average point scorer (50+). So, letting him play against physically smaller, younger, less matured players, and put up points... Is that going to help him improve?

What about playing 12 minutes a night against the best competition in the world?

I think Hexy should introduce Chelios

A 4th line center making $600k for one season should not be the determining factor in whether or not last year's 1st round picks makes the team or not. If he comes into camp and deserves a spot, I'm sorry but the great Adam Hall may have to be the 13th forward.
- jmatchett383

Its more about fit for me. I dont want Laughton on my 4th line. 3rd line sure.. Our best seasons have always come from when we had a good shut-down 4th line. Not just a goon line, but a shut down hard hitting 4th line. Like Lappy-Betts-Carcillo.

Not on the first vote. Neeley and Bure both had delayed inductions IIRC
- mayorofangrytown

That's the most idiotic rationale possible...Yeah, I think he's a HOFer, but I'm not voting for him this time because he only played 10 years.

I dont want my 4th line thinking about scoring. I want them to grind out minutes, punish the other team physically, and create energy. I think your 3rd line should be more of a line to play some defense and score if you can. I would be happy with a 4th line of Rosehill-Hall-Rinaldo or Talbot-Hall-Rinaldo.
- youarewrong

I agree. The 4th line should be absolved of any offensive responsibilities.

As long as he doesn't have to wait as long as Freddie did.
- Jsaquella

I didn't realize that Shero has been dead almost 23 years now. Also didn't realize he died at 65 years of age. Far too young.

I didn't realize that Shero has been dead almost 23 years now. Also didn't realize he died at 65 years of age. Far too young.
- PLindbergh31

Yeah, I remember when he got sick. I thought for sure there'd be a groundswell of support to get him in before he died. Of course they had the same chance for Pat Burns and pissed it away, too.

The question I always ask is, "Whats better for him AND the Flyers"? Should the Flyers give him another shot, and he doesnt look out of place, should they send him back?

Here is my take. The kid is never going to be an offensive powerhouse (ala Towes). He likely wont ever be an above average point scorer (50+). So, letting him play against physically smaller, younger, less matured players, and put up points... Is that going to help him improve?

What about playing 12 minutes a night against the best competition in the world?
- jak521

I agree. He's supposed to be a shutdown center who can provide some offense. Possibly 40-50 points in his prime. He's never going to light the OHL on fire because he's not a dynamic scorer.

If he shows hes ready to learn to play against best then let him play.

I agree. Lindros should absolutely be in imo. Give me the guy that dominated for a short period of time over the guy who compiled over years. That's the way I look at it for any sport.

Also, I don't believe in not winning a championship in a team sport should keep players out of the HOF.
- PLindbergh31

The question I always ask is, "Whats better for him AND the Flyers"? Should the Flyers give him another shot, and he doesnt look out of place, should they send him back?

Here is my take. The kid is never going to be an offensive powerhouse (ala Towes). He likely wont ever be an above average point scorer (50+). So, letting him play against physically smaller, younger, less matured players, and put up points... Is that going to help him improve?

What about playing 12 minutes a night against the best competition in the world?
- jak521

I'm not sure I buy the argument that it hurts a players development to play on the 4th line. At Laughtons age it doesn't hurt at all to play on the 4th line and get a feel for the game and learn from the other players. If we wait till he's ready to be a top 6 forward, we're going to be waiting a long, long, long, long time.

That's the most idiotic rationale possible...Yeah, I think he's a HOFer, but I'm not voting for him this time because he only played 10 years.
- Jsaquella

It's the way it is though. How many times have you heard the phrase "First Ballot Hall of Famer" ? I'm sure he got votes but there are plenty of people who give weight to that kind of thing. You didn't really expect it this time did you?

Yeah, I remember when he got sick. I thought for sure there'd be a groundswell of support to get him in before he died. Of course they had the same chance for Pat Burns and pissed it away, too.
- Jsaquella

Yup. If a guy gets terminally ill, get him in so he can take that crowning achievement to the grave with him.

Its more about fit for me. I dont want Laughton on my 4th line. 3rd line sure.. Our best seasons have always come from when we had a good shut-down 4th line. Not just a goon line, but a shut down hard hitting 4th line. Like Lappy-Betts-Carcillo.
- youarewrong

The year with Lappy, Carcillo spent a lot of time with Richards. I think Powe was with Lappy & Betts. Speaking of which, Mike Richards started out on the 4th line and turned out okay. I'd have no problem with Laughton starting the same way.

I agree. He's supposed to be a shutdown center who can provide some offense. Possibly 40-50 points in his prime. He's never going to light the OHL on fire because he's not a dynamic scorer.

If he shows hes ready to learn to play against best then let him play.
- PhillySportsGuy

Chances are he will never be a top 6 forward on this team. So let him play on the 4th line and earn some ice time on the 3rd line.

Yeah, I remember when he got sick. I thought for sure there'd be a groundswell of support to get him in before he died. Of course they had the same chance for Pat Burns and pissed it away, too.
- Jsaquella

The HHoF is the most bizarre voting process ever.

That's a steal. Gus is the man.
- stveshdy

Wish he would've signed for 2 or 3 yrs at that number

Certainly agree, read above, Laughton will determine his own fate IMO. That said, it appears the Flyers bought themselves an option plan. You only buy yourself an option plan if you have doubts. Which they should, kid is young and unproven yet.
- coffee junkie

Plus, I like the message it sends-'Your spot must be earned"

It's the way it is though. How many times have you heard the phrase "First Ballot Hall of Famer" ? I'm sure he got votes but there are plenty of people who give weight to that kind of thing. You didn't really expect it this time did you?
- mayorofangrytown

Nope. Hell I didn't expect Shero to get in before Burns, to be honest.

I'm not sure I buy the argument that it hurts a players development to play on the 4th line. At Laughtons age it doesn't hurt at all to play on the 4th line and get a feel for the game and learn from the other players. If we wait till he's ready to be a top 6 forward, we're going to be waiting a long, long, long, long time.
- Flyersgod

It only hurts if the player is supposed to be a top line player. He could be getting valuable PP time and minutes with a Junior team instead of sitting on the bench.

In Laughton's case, he is a defensive agitator already. The 4th line is really the perfect starting point for him. Maybe mix in a little PK time if they feel he's ready.

Nope. Hell I didn't expect Shero to get in before Burns, to be honest.
- Jsaquella

Me either. When they announced a coach had gotten in I was shocked when they said Shero instead of Burns.

Wish he would've signed for 2 or 3 yrs at that number
- Just5

I don't hate Gus, and I like him at 1mil, but I don't see a long term plan for him in Philly.

Wish he would've signed for 2 or 3 yrs at that number
- Just5

I don't hate Gus, and I like him at 1mil, but I don't see a long term plan for him in Philly.