Top 10 Toronto Maple Leafs Not in the Hockey Hall of Fame
Though the Toronto Maple Leafs hold the NHL record for the most alumni inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, there are still many former players worthy of acceptance into the great hall.
A few weeks ago, we saw this year’s inductees take their spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame including players Jarome Iginla, Marián Hossa, Doug Wilson, Kevin Lowe and Kim St-Pierre. They were all great players, but it was a Leafless class.
The latest Toronto Maple Leafs alumni to be inducted were Dave Andreychuk in 2017, Eric Lindros in 2016 and Phil Housley in 2015. The Maple Leafs seem due for more inductees soon.
What defines a Hall-of-Famer is up for debate. It seems to be some combination of winning awards, Stanley Cups, stats, international play, reputation, trailblazing and other criteria.
I’ve compiled this list of the Top 10 Toronto Maple Leafs Not in the Hall of Fame by examining all of these things. My list is up for debate, however. Let me know what you think in the comment section.
Only Hall of Fame eligible players are included. Players must be retired from pro hockey for at least three seasons to be eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Before I get into the Top 10, here are a few honourable mentions:
(All stats from HockeyReference.com)
Toronto Maple Leafs Not in the Hall of Fame Honourable Mentions
John Ross Roach – Goaltender (1921-1935)
1st NHL All-Star Team 1933
Hart Trophy Nominee (3rd in voting) 1933
Stanley Cup Champion 1922
Top 5 in NHL Goals Against Average for 10 seasons
26th in NHL Career Goals Against Average (2.46)
21st in NHL Career Shutouts (59)
Jeff Brown – Defenseman (1985-1998)
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for five seasons
Top 10 in NHL Assists by a Defensemen for four seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for five seasons
37th in NHL Career Goals by a Defensemen (154)
46th in NHL Career Points by a Defensemen (584)
52nd in NHL Career Assists by a Defensemen (430)
Gaye Stewart – Left Wing (1942-1953)
NHL Goal Scoring Leader 1945-46
Calder Trophy Winner 1943
1st NHL All-Star Team 1946
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1948
Hart Trophy Runner-Up 1946
Lady Byng Nominee (3rd in voting) 1946
Two Stanley Cup Championships 1942, 9147
Played in Four NHL All-Star Games
Top 10 in NHL Goals for four seasons
Top 10 in NHL Assists for one season
Top 10 in NHL Points for two seasons
Bill Thoms – Centre (1932-1945)
NHL Goal Scoring Leader 1936
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1936
Hart Trophy Nominee (3rd in voting) 1942
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Nominee (3rd in voting) 1942
Top 10 in NHL Goals for one season
Top 10 in NHL Assists for three seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points for three seasons
Lorne Carr – Right Wing (1933-1946)
1st NHL All-Star Team 1943
1st NHL All-Star Team 1944
5th in Hart trophy voting 1944
4th in Lady Byng Memorial trophy voting 1944
Two Stanley Cup Championships 1942, 1945
Top 10 in NHL Goals for four seasons
Top 10 in NHL Assists for three seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points for four Seasons
Carl Brewer – Defenseman (1957-1980)
1st NHL All-Star Team 1963
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1962
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1965
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1970
Norris Trophy Runner-Up 1963
Norris Trophy Nominee (3rd in voting) 1970
4th in Norris trophy voting 1962
6th in Norris trophy voting 1965
Played in Four NHL All-Star Games
Three Stanley Cup Championships 1962, 1963, 1964
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for one season
Top 10 in NHL Assists by a Defensemen for five seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for five seasons
Gus Mortson – Defenseman (1946-1959)
1st NHL All-Star Team 1950
Played in Eight NHL All-Star Games
Four Stanley Cup Championships 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for six seasons
Top 10 in NHL Assists by a Defensemen for four seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for seven seasons
Fleming Mackell – Centre (1947-1969)
1st NHL All-Star Team 1953
9th in Hart trophy voting 1958
Played in Four NHL All-Star Games
Two Stanley Cup Championships 1949, 1951
Top 10 in NHL Goals for one season
Top 10 in NHL Assists for two seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points for three seasons
Wally Stanowski – Defenseman (1939-1951)
1st NHL All-Star Team 1941
Calder Trophy Runner-Up 1940
Played in 1947 NHL All-Star Game
Four Stanley Cup Championships 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for one season
Top 10 in NHL Assists by a Defensemen for three seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for two seasons
Blaine Stoughton – Right Wing (1973-1984)
NHL Goal Scoring Leader 1979-80
4th in Team All-Star voting 1980
9th in Team All-star voting 1982
Played in 1982 All-Star Game
Top 10 in NHL Goals for two seasons
Top 10 in WHA Goals for one season
Top 10 in NHL Points for one season
Top 10 in WHA Points for one season
Without further adieu, here are your Top 10:
Vincent Damphousse – Centre/Left Wing (1986-2004)
Vincent Damphousse was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round (6th overall) in the 1986 NHL draft. Through 18 NHL seasons, Damphousse played for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks.
Damphousse was known as a two-way forward who displayed great sportsmanship and playmaking ability. He could shut down opponents taking few penalties while also adding to the score sheet.
Vincent Damphousse was a member of the 1993 Stanley Cup winning Montreal Canadiens and received a silver medal as a member of Team Canada during the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Besides his cup ring and silver, his lack of hardware may be what has kept him out of the Hall thus far.
The main reason why I included Vincent Damphousse in this list is because of his phenomenal career statistics. With 1205 career NHL points (48th most in NHL history), only Pierre Turgeon, Jeremy Roenick and Bernie Nicholls have earned more career points among eligible players not in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
With 773 career NHL assists (39th most in NHL history), only Pierre Turgeon has more career assists among eligible players not in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honours
4th in Selke trophy voting 1996
9th in Lady Byng Memorial trophy voting 1990
3rd in Team All-Star voting 1990
4th in Team All-Star voting 1992
4th in Team All-Star voting 1994
6th in Team All-Star voting 1993
8th in Team All-Star voting 1991
Played in three NHL All-Star Games
NHL All-Star Game MVP 1991
Stanley Cup Champion 1993
Career Statistical Achievements
39th Most NHL Career Assists (773)
48th Most NHL Career Points (1205)
73rd Most NHL Career Goals (432)
International Play
Team Canada 1996 World Cup of Hockey
Mathieu Schneider – Defenseman (1987-2010)
Mathieu Schneider was drafted in the 3rd round (44th overall) be the Montreal Canadiens in the 1987 NHL Draft.
Through 21 NHL seasons, Schneider played for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Vancouver Canucks and Phoenix Coyotes.
Schneider was known as an offensive defenseman who was defensively reliable. His specialty was scoring goals from the point, and he lead all NHL defenseman in goal scoring during the 2005-06 season as a member of the Detroit Red Wings with 21 goals.
Mathieu Schneider was also a member of the 1993 Stanley Cup winning Montreal Canadiens along with the previously mentioned Vincent Damphousse. Schneider also won the World Cup of Hockey as a member of Team USA in 1996.
The first reason why I believe Mathieu Schneider should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame is because of his career statistics. He’s ranked 16th in NHL Career Goals by a Defenseman (223), 21st in NHL Career Points by a Defenseman (743) and 27th in NHL Career Assists by a Defenseman (520).
The second reason, is his strong international player as Schneider has been invited to represent the USA in the 1988 World Junior Championship, the 1996 World Cup, the 1998 Olympics and the 2006 Olympics.
Being invited to represent his country four times in world class events really says something about his play and has earned Mathieu Schneider a spot in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honours
6th in Norris trophy voting 2006
7th in Norris trophy voting 2004
14th in Norris trophy voting 2008
21st in Norris voting voting 2007
7th in Team All-Star voting 2004
7th in Team All-Star voting 2006
10th in Team All-Star voting 1994
12th in Team All-Star voting 2008
13th in Team All-Star voting 2003
28th in Team All-Star voting 2007
Played in two NHL All-Star Games
Stanley Cup Champion 1993
World Cup of Hockey Champion 1996
United States Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee 2015
International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2014
Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2003
Career Statistical Achievements
16th Most NHL Career Goals by a Defenseman (223)
21st Most NHL Career Points by a Defenseman (743)
27th Most NHL Career Assists by a Defenseman (520)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Defensemen Goals Scoring Leader 2005-06 (21)
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for five seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for four seasons
International Play
Team USA 1988 World Junior Championship
Team USA 1996 World Cup of Hockey
Team USA 1998 Olympics
Team USA 2006 Olympics
Paul Henderson – Left Wing (1962-1980)
Paul Henderson played 13 NHL seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Atlanta Flames. He also played 5 seasons in the WHA with the Toronto Toros/Birmingham Bulls.
Henderson may not have had the most outstanding NHL career. He wouldn’t be Hall of Fame worthy based on his NHL play alone, however, there are several players in the Hockey Hall of Fame who haven’t played a single NHL game.
Paul Henderson scored what many consider to be the greatest goal in hockey history. It may at least be the most memorable goal for any Canadian old enough to remember the year 1972.
Paul Henderson scored the series winning goal in the final minute of the final game of the 1972 Canada vs Russia Summit Series. Not only that, Henderson scored three game winning goals in the eight game series and seven goals overall to lead the series in goal scoring.
For anyone who doesn’t know, the 1972 Summit Series was a huge deal. It pitted Canada’s best NHL players against the best Russian players for the first time in history.
Canada was down after the first five games (including four games played in Canada) with a 1-3-1 record, but won the final three games in Russia to take the series.
In Canada, schools shutdown so students could watch the final game together in their gymnasiums and about 50 million people tuned into the game in Russia.
Along with many of the NHL greats, Russian Summit Series stars Valeri Kharlamov, Vladislav Tretiak and Alexander Yakushev have also been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Paul Henderson has already been honoured with inductions into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and was even awarded the Order of Canada. I’m sure a Hockey Hall of Fame induction is in his future.
Awards and Honours
Played in two NHL All-Star Games
International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame Inductee 2013
Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 1995
Order of Canada 2012
Order of Ontario 2014
Career Statistic Achievements
34th Most WHA Career Goals (140)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
Lead 1972 Summit Series in Goal Scoring
Top 10 in NHL Goal Scoring for one season
International Play
Team Canada 1972 Summit Series
Team Canada 1974 Summit Series
Lorne Chabot – Goaltender (1926-1937)
Lorne Chabot played in 18 NHL seasons for the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Maroons and New York Americans.
Chabot won the 1935 Vezina trophy and was the starting goaltender on two Stanley Cup Championship teams: the 1928 New York Rangers and the 1932 Toronto Maple Leafs.
He also has the fourth best career goals against average in NHL history (2.03) and the 12th most career shutouts in NHL history (71).
Though Lorne Chabot has the hardware, the Cups and the career achievements to earn a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame, he’s very unlikely to ever get an induction.
It seems as though the Hockey Hall of Fame is through with inducting players from the Original 6 era and prior. The last player inducted who played primarily in the Original 6 era was Dick Duff in 2006.
Awards and Honours
Vezina Trophy Winner 1935
1st NHL All-Star Team 1935
Two Stanley Cup Championships 1928, 1932
Ranked #84 on The Hockey News’ Top 100 Players of All-Time
Career Statistic Achievements
4th Best NHL Career Goals Against Average (2.03)
12th Most NHL Career Shutouts (71)
91st Most NHL Career Wins (200)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Goals Against Average Leader 1934-35 (1.80)
Top 5 in NHL Goals Against Average for five seasons
15th Best NHL Single Season Goals Against Average (1.51 in 1926-27)
17th Best NHL Single Season Goals Against Average (1.52 in 1928-29)
Curtis Joseph – Goaltender (1989-2009)
Curtis Joseph played in 19 NHL seasons with the St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Phoenix Coyotes and Calgary Flames.
Joseph also represented Canada at the 1996 World Cup of Hockey (receiving the silver medal), the 1996 IIHF World Hockey Championship (receiving the silver medal) and the 2002 Olympic Games (winning the gold medal).
Curtis Joseph was a goalie who always found a way to win games no matter what team he played with. As a result, he is ranked 7th in all-time NHL career wins. He is the winningest eligible goalie in NHL history to not be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The main criticism about Curtis Joseph as far as a Hall of Fame induction seems to be his lack of hardware besides the winning the King Clancy trophy in 2001 while with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Joseph never won a Stanley Cup or a Vezina trophy, but he played in the same era as Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek and Ed Belfour and still managed to be nominated for the Vezina twice. He was also fourth in Hart trophy voting in 1999 while with the Toronto Maple Leafs and lead the NHL in save percentage during the 1992-93 season.
Curtis Joseph was inducted into the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame in 2015, and a Hockey Hall of Fame induction should be in his future.
Awards and Honours
King Clancy Trophy Winner 2001
Vezina Trophy Runner-Up 1999
Vezina Trophy Nominee (3rd in voting) 1993
4th in Hart trophy voting 1999
11th in Hart trophy voting 2000
20th in Hart trophy voting 1998
4th in Vezina trophy voting 1994
5th in Vezina trophy voting 1997
7th in Vezina trophy voting 1995
8th in Vezina trophy voting 2001
10th in Vezina trophy voting 2002
11th in Vezina trophy voting 1995
4th in Team All-Star voting 1993
4th in Team All-Star voting 1999
5th in Team All-Star voting 2000
7th in Team All-Star voting 1992
8th in Team All-Star voting 1994
8th in Team All-Star voting 1997
Played in two NHL All-Star Games
Olympic Gold Medal 2002
St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2015
Career Statistic Achievements
7th Most NHL Career Wins (454)
28th Most NHL Career Shutouts (51)
78th Best NHL Career Save Percentage (.906)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Save Percentage Leader 1992-93 (.911)
Top 10 in NHL Save Percentage for five seasons
Top 10 in NHL Goals Against Average for two seasons
International Play
Team Canada 1996 IIHF World Hockey Championship
Team Canada 1996 World Cup
Team Canada 2002 Olympics
Tom Barrasso – Goaltender (1983-2003)
Tom Barrasso was drafted in the first round (5th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Through 19 NHL seasons, Barrasso played for the Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricane, Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues.
Tom Barrasso has won his share of NHL hardware: the Vezina trophy, the Calder Memorial trophy, the William M. Jennings trophy and back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1991 and 1992. Including his single win, he has been nominated for the Vezina five times.
Barrasso has also represented the USA in five major international tournaments: the 1983 World Junior Championship, the 1985 Canada Cup, the 1986 Ice Hockey World Championships, the 1988 Canada Cup and the 2002 Olympics Games.
Tom Barrasso was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009 and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
With all these accolades, how is Tom Barrasso not in the Hockey Hall of Fame? It really feels like goaltenders are under represented in the Hall of Fame. Out of 289 players in the HHoF, only 36 of them are goaltenders.
Since the Vezina trophy began being awarded by vote in 1982, there are now 10 eligible goaltenders to win the award who are not in the Hall of Fame: Pete Peters, Pelle Lindbergh, John Vanbiesbrouck, Ron Hextall, Jim Carey, Olaf Kolzig, Jose Theodore, Miikka Kiprusoff, Tim Thomas and Tom Barrasso.
Since the Art Ross trophy was introduced in 1946, every eligible Art Ross trophy winner has been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. All by one eligible Norris trophy winner has also been inducted into the HHoF since the award was introduced in 1954.
Why is the Hockey Hall of Fame so stingy on inducting goaltenders?
Awards and Honours
Vezina Trophy Winner 1984
Calder Memorial Trophy Winner 1984
William M. Jennings Trophy Winner 1985
1st NHL All-Star Team 1984
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1985
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1993
NHL All-Rookie Team 1984
Vezina Trophy Runner-Up 1985
Vezina Trophy Runner-Up 1988
Vezina Trophy Runner-Up 1993
Vezina Trophy Nominee (3rd in voting) 1998
6th in Hart trophy voting 1988
8th in Hart trophy voting 1985
9th in Hart trophy voting 1984
18th in Hart trophy voting 1998
7th in Vezina trophy voting 1989
9th in Vezina trophy voting 1986
Played in 1985 NHL All-Star Game
Two Stanley Cup Championships 1991, 1992
U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee 2009
National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2007
Career Statistic Achievements
19th Most NHL Career Wins (369)
47th Most NHL Career Shutouts (38)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Goals Against Average Leader 1984-85 (2.67)
Top 10 in NHL Save Percentage for six seasons
Top 10 in NHL Goals Against Average for four seasons
International Play
Team USA 1983 World Junior Championship
Team USA 1985 Canada Cup
Team USA 1986 Ice Hockey World Championships
Team USA 1988 Canada Cup
Team USA 2002 Olympics
Alexander Mogilny – Right Wing (1989-2006)
Alexander Mogilny was drafted in the 5th round (89th overall) by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. Through 16 NHL seasons, Mogilny played with the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Alexander Mogilny was known as a prolific goal scorer who ranks 54th in the most career goals scored in NHL history (473) and 80th in NHL career points (1032).
Mogilny’s greatest accomplishment came during the 1992-93 season when he scored 76 goals to lead the NHL. This 76 goal season is the fifth highest single season goal total in NHL history. Only Hall of Famers, Wayne Gretzky, Brett Hull and Mario Lemieux have scored more goals in a single season.
Alexander Mogilny was also a trailblazer for Russian NHL players as he was the first player to defect from the Soviet Union. Though tensions were high between the NHL and Russian hockey at first, Russia began allowing players to leave for the NHL more freely as a result.
Before his defection, Alexander Mogilny represented the USSR at three World Junior tournaments, the 1988 Olympic Games and 1989 Ice Hockey World Championships. His USSR teams have won the Olympic gold medal, World Championship gold medal, and a gold and silver medal at the World Juniors.
During the 1988 World Juniors, Mogilny was voted the tournaments Best Forward and received a spot on the tournament All-Star Team. He also represented Russia at the 1996 World Cup of hockey.
As far as NHL hardware, Alexander Mogilny won the Lady Byng Memorial trophy in 2003 while with the Toronto Maple Leafs and won a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils in the year 2000.
Having won an Olympic gold medal, a World Championship and a Stanley Cup, Alexander Mogilny is a member of the Triple Gold Club which is an elite group of only 29 players. The IIHF considers those awards “the three most important championships available to the sport.”
With a legendary goal scoring title, a Stanley Cup, international success and a history as a trailblazer, there’s no reason why Alexander Mogilny should not be immediately inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Alexander Mogilny was inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Awards and Honours
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy Winner 2003
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1993
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1996
18th in Hart trophy voting 1996
4th in Lady Byng Memorial trophy voting 1996
8th in Lady Byng Memorial trophy voting 1993
25th in Lady Byng Memorial trophy voting 2001
7th in Team All-Star voting 1992
10th in Team All-Star voting 2001
10th in Team All-Star voting 2003
Played in four NHL All-Star Games
Stanley Cup Champion 2000
World Junior All-Star Team 1988
World Junior Best Forward 1988
Olympic Gold Medal 1988
World Juniors Champion 1989
World Championships Gold Medal 1989
Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame Inductee 2011
Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2016
Career Statistical Achievements
54th Most NHL Career Goals (473)
80th Most NHL Career Points (1032)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Goal Scoring Leader 1992-93 (76)
Top 10 in NHL Goals for three seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points for two seasons
5th Highest NHL Single Season Goal Scoring Total (76 in 1992-93)
International Play
USSR 1987 World Junior Championship
USSR 1988 World Junior Championship
USSR 1988 Olympic Games
USSR 1989 World Junior Championship
USSR 1989 Ice Hockey World Championships
Russia 1996 World Cup of Hockey
Randy Carlyle – Defenseman (1976-1993)
Randy Carlyle was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2nd round (30th overall) in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft. Over 17 NHL seasons, Carlyle played with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets.
Younger fans may only remember Randy Carlyle as the former coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs (2012-2015), but he had a Hall of Fame worthy career as a player as well.
With the induction of Doug Wilson into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year, every eligible defenseman to win the Norris trophy has been inducted except for Randy Carlyle. It really only seems like a matter of time before Carlyle receives his call to the Hall.
I feel that if you were at one time the best player at your position, even if it was just for a season, you should be in the Hall of Fame. Randy Carlyle was voted best defenseman in 1981 while playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins after leading all defenseman in assists (67) and points (83).
Randy Carlyle has great career numbers as well. He’s ranked 31st in most career points by a defenseman (647), 31st in most career assists by a defenseman (499) and 44th in most career goals by a defenseman (148).
Carlyle also represented Canada in the 1989 World Championships, won a Stanley Cup as coach of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and is an “Honoured Member” of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honours
Norris Trophy Winner 1981
1st NHL All-Star Team 1981
11th in Hart trophy voting 1981
7th in Norris trophy voting 1985
13th in Norris trophy voting 1982
7th in Team All-Star voting 1985
12th in Team All-Star voting 1979
12th in Team All-Star voting 1982
13th in Team All-Star voting 1986
17th in Team All-Star voting 1988
Played in four NHL All-Star Games
“Honoured Member” of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame
Career Statistical Achievements
31st Most NHL Career Points by a Defenseman (647)
31st Most NHL Career Assists by a Defenseman (499)
44th Most NHL Career Goals by a Defenseman (148)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Assist Leader 1981-82 (64)
NHL Defensemen Point Leader 1980-81 (83)
NHL Defensemen Assist Leader 1980-81 (67)
NHL Defensemen Assist Leader 1981-82 (64)
Top 10 in NHL Assists by a Defensemen for three seasons
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for two seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for two seasons
International Play
Team Canada 1989 Ice Hockey World Championships
Flash Hollett – Defenseman (1933-1946)
Flash Hollett played in 13 NHL season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Boston Bruins and Detroit Red Wings.
Hollett never won a Norris trophy because the trophy was awarded for the first time in 1954 which was eight years after Hollett retired. If the Norris trophy were around during his playing days, he may have won a few.
Flash Hollett led NHL defenseman in goal scoring for six season and led NHL defensemen in points for four seasons. He was also fourth in Hart trophy voting after the 1944-45 season and won two Stanley Cups with the Boston Bruins in 1939 and 1941.
While playing with the Detroit Red Wings during the 1944-45 season, Flash Hollett set an NHL record by scoring 20 goals in a season as a defenseman which beat his previous record of 19 goals that he set during the 1941-42 season and tied during the 1942-43 season.
Flash Hollett’s defenseman goal scoring record wasn’t broken until Bobby Orr scored 21 goals in 1968-69. Hollett’s record lasted 24 seasons.
Despite only playing in 560 NHL games, Flash Hollett still ranks 58th in NHL career goals by a defenseman. He has the eighth highest career goals per game among defensemen trailing Hall-of-Famers Bobby Orr, Denis Potvin, Paul Coffey, Ray Bourque and Al MacInnis.
As I had mentioned with Lorne Chabot, it’s unlikely that we’ll ever see Flash Hollett’s name in the Hockey Hockey of Fame as the Hall seems to be done inducting players who played before or during the Original 6 era.
Awards and Honours
1st NHL All-Star Team 1945
2nd NHL All-Star Team 1943
4th in Hart trophy voting 1945
Two Stanley Cup Championships 1939, 1941
Career Statistical Achievements
58th Most NHL Career Goals by a Defenseman (132)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Defensemen Goal Scoring Leader for six seasons
NHL Defensemen Assist Leader for one season
NHL Defensemen Point Leader for four seasons
Top 10 in NHL Goals for one season
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for 10 seasons
Top 10 in NHL Assists by a Defensemen for nine seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for nine seasons
Al Rollins – Goaltender (1949-1960)
Al Rollins played 9 NHL seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers.
Rollins is one of only three eligible players in NHL history to win the Hart Memorial trophy and not be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The other two are Tommy Anderson and Jose Theodore.
Along with his Hart trophy win in 1954, Al Rollins was also runner-up for the Hart trophy in 1953 and was eighth in Hart voting in 1961. He also won the Vezina trophy and was a Stanley Cup Champion with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1951.
There are a few things keeping Rollins out of the Hockey Hall of Fame. As I’ve mentioned before, the HHoF isn’t really inducting players from the Original six era or before, and the Hall is pretty stingy when it comes to inducting goalies.
During his playing days, he was regarded as one of the best players in the league despite playing for terrible Chicago Blackhawks teams that finished in last place four out of the five seasons that Rollins was with the team. Chicago also finished fourth out of six teams during Rollins’ first season with the club.
Though Rollins was praised and rewarded with a Hart trophy, Hart nomination, and All-Star Game appearance while on the losing Blackhawks teams, historians can’t seem to look passed those losing records and give Al Rollins the credit he deserves.
As I’ve said, every single eligible Art Ross trophy winner is in the Hall of Fame and every eligible Norris trophy winner except for Randy Carlyle is in the Hall of Fame. I’m my opinion, every Hart trophy winner should also be in the Hockey Hall of Fame and there should be a lot more Vezina trophy winners inducted too.
Though it seems unlikely, perhaps Al Rollins can beat the odds and one day land his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honours
Hart Trophy Winner 1954
Vezina Trophy Winner 1951
Hart Trophy Runner-Up 1953
Calder Trophy Runner-Up 1951
8th in Hart trophy voting 1951
Played in 1954 NHL All-Star Game
Stanley Cup Champion 1951
Career Statistical Achievements
99th Best NHL Career Goals Against Average (2.77)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Goals Against Average Leader 1950-51 (1.77)
Top 5 in NHL Goals Against Average for four seasons
Top 5 in NHL Save Percentage for one season
Next. Rick Vaive's #22 should be Raised to the Rafters. dark
All the players I’ve mentioned will have a tough time earning their spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame next year with many great newly eligible players like Roberto Luongo, Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Zetterberg and Rick Nash.
There are also other legendary stars that have been passed by over the years like Bernie Nicholls, Jeremy Roenick, Pierre Turgeon, Daniel Alfredsson, Theo Fleury, John LeClair, John Vanbiesbrouck, Rick Martin, Dave Taylor, Rod Brind’Amour and more.