Three former Detroit Red Wings deserving an induction in the Hall of Fame of the NHL
With the Hockey Hall of Fame process always sparking debate, it's a perfect time to review past Detroit Red Wings players who could be future Hall of Famers.
The Hall skipped the 2021 selection due to the pandemic, which extended the wait for some prominent Red Wings.
Chris Osgood's Case
Chris Osgood, eligible since 2014, has been a highly debated candidate. Many argue that his career stats are worthy of the Hall, but critics claim he benefited from Detroit's powerhouse teams. However, Osgood's resume is impressive: 401 wins (13th all-time), three Stanley Cups, two William M. Jennings Trophies, and a near Conn Smythe win in 2009. He played 744 career games and ranks 32nd with 50 career shutouts. His postseason numbers highlight his value, with a .916 save percentage and 2.09 GAA across 129 playoff games. Comparisons to other inductees like Grant Fuhr, who played on similarly dominant Oilers teams, show that Osgood belongs among the NHL's elite.
Henrik Zetterberg's Hall of Fame Journey
Henrik Zetterberg became eligible in 2021 but had to wait an additional year. Zetterberg was a staple in Detroit, scoring 337 goals and adding 623 assists across 1,082 games. He captained the team for six seasons, won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2008, and earned the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2015. Despite these accolades, his lack of individual trophies makes him a borderline candidate, meaning he could wait a few more years before his Hall of Fame induction.
Niklas Kronwall's Memorable Career
Niklas Kronwall, eligible in 2022, is beloved by Red Wings fans for his 15-season career filled with bone-crushing hits. He played 953 games, consistently finishing in the top-15 for Norris Trophy voting during his prime years. While his play was notable, he didn't accumulate enough personal accolades to make the Hall of Fame cut, but his legacy remains strong in Detroit.
Pavel Datsyuk: A Likely Inductee
Still playing in Russia, Pavel Datsyuk remains an eligible candidate when he retires. Known for his unparalleled two-way play, Datsyuk scored 314 goals and 604 assists while winning four Lady Byngs, three Selkes, and two Stanley Cups. His trophy case and reputation as one of the NHL's best defensive forwards make him a strong Hall of Fame candidate when his career ends.
More former Red Wings will be eligible for the Hall of Fame as time passes. Regardless of the results, these players left an indelible mark on Detroit and the hockey world, solidifying their legacy with countless moments and championships.
| POLL | ||
Do you think these three former Detroit Red Wings players deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? | ||
| Yes | 32 | 88.9 % |
| No | 4 | 11.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
