Carolina Hurricanes: Active Players Who Could Get the HOF Call

The Carolina Hurricanes have several players that can get the HHOF Call

After it’s all said and done and they hang up their skates, calling it a career, which active Carolina Hurricanes player(s) could potentially get inducted in to the Hockey Hall of Fame?

While it is baffling that Rod Brind’amour is somehow still overlooked by the Hockey Hall of Fame you’d got to think he’ll eventually get the call, he was too good of a player not to. But after that happens, who will be the next Carolina Hurricanes’ player inducted?

Right now, based solely on what has happened in their careers thus far Justin Williams is really the only one who would get some consideration. The 38 old year old has put together a fine career that has spanned almost two decades, in which he has played in over 1200 regular season games.

Of course, he has won the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup, not once or twice but three times. The Cup is almost always something that seems to be heavily weighed in determining if someone gets into the hall or not.

Not the only hardware to his name, he’s won Wold Championship Gold in 2004 and 2007, as well as the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2014. More than enough to prove that he’s been a winner over and over again.

Earning his reputation as “Mr. Game Seven” for his elite play in the same name winner take all playoff contest, he is currently tied for the most goals and holds the record of most points in game sevens.

While this is certainly a strong resume is it enough to get into the hall?

I have seen arguments both for and against Justin. On one hand he clearly is a big game player who rises to the occasion in the post season but on the other, his regular season numbers, although solid production, aren’t elite by any means. Averaging only 42 points per season, this could be what keeps him out of the HOF.

If he does get in he won’t be a first ballet guy like Hossa and Iginla were from this year’s class of inductees. I do think however, that he will get the call one day in the future. Possibly playing his final season this year, he could potentially be the next Cane after Brind’amour.

For the next couple of guys it is all going to be dependent on what they do over the rest of their careers but, they all have that potential.

First, Jaccob Slavin is a guy who I think can put together a Hall of Fame Career but, could unfortunately be a fixture on the snubbed list because he flies under the radar a bit around the league still.

Right now the only NHL accomplishment/award his has to his name is his lone All Star appearance this year but hopefully that will change sooner rather than later. In each of the past three seasons he has received votes for a variety of NHL Awards including the Lady Byng and Norris.

As one of the better defensively sound guys in the entire league he certainly has the potential to be one of the best defenseman to ever dawn the Hurricanes’ crest.

While his defensive game is elite, the offensive side is starting to develop and evolve. In the post season last year he had 11 assists in 15 games, production that seemingly came out of nowhere. He has had a hat trick already in his career and I am sure he’ll get a few more from the back end before his career is all said and done.

For him to ever make it into the Hall he is going to have to win at least a Norris or two and the Stanley Cup.

Next, Sebastian Aho already has enough awards and achievements in international play to make him a strong candidate for a potential International Hockey Hall of Fame spot once he calls it a career.

At just 22 years of age he has won a Finnish Elite League Championship, World Junior Gold, Worlds Silver and is an NHL All Star already. Just getting started, there is no reason to believe that he won’t add to his trophy case a few more times.

He finished 10th in voting for the Hart and 12th for the Selke last season so there is reason to believe he will win at least one of those awards in the future.

Should NHL players get to participate in the Olympics again he is a lock to play for the Fins and could easily take home a gold medal. Another strong showing at the World Championships and he’d be 2/3 of the way to joining the triple gold club.

Like Slavin, I believe he is going to go down as one of the greatest Carolina Hurricanes players of all time but, to get in the hall it is all going to come down to winning the Stanley Cup and some additional hardware.

Lastly, Andrei Svechnikov is the guy I believe has the greatest potential to become a Hall of Famer out of all the active Hurricanes’ players.

Similar to Aho, Svech has a wealth of awards and accolades at every level he’s played at already. The former second overall pick is a true threat in the offensive zone and with his creativity could finish his career as the franchise’s points and goals leader. It is a scary thought but he honestly has that ability.

There is no doubt in my mind that he will win atleast one Rocket Trophy and Art Ross but he could possibly the Hart and Ted Lindsey Awards as well. His lacrosse style goals have already begun to give him some league wide attention and his higher ceiling makes him a bit higher than Aho on this list for me.

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I am aware that this is a bold statement to make, as he just completed his sophomore season, but I know he is just beginning to scratch the surface of the player he’s going to become. He clearly is a guy who wants to win and wants to get better and that determination and drive is only going to benefit him in the long run.

But like I said, all three of these guys are going to have to continue to play at a high level and improve to be serious candidates. They are all young players who will be around for a long time.  Their best years are in front of them and there is no reason to believe they won’t be able to win a Stanley Cup or two in Carolina.

For sure, if they keep of their strong play, these guys will all be in the North Carolin Sports Hall of Fame and could have their numbers retired in Raleigh. While only time will tell how the rest of their careers play out, it is possible we’re getting to watch a few Hall of Famers develop before our very eyes.

Question for CC readers: Which current Carolina Hurricanes player has the best chance to become a Hall of Famer in your opinion?