Overheard at Hockey Hall of Fame Weekend: Discussion about Class of 2025, NHL expansion and 4 Nations Face-Off events was prevalent.

Playing pretend voter on the Hall’s selection committee and discussing who one would select as new members can be fun, too. “Joe Thornton would top my list,” one GM suggested, as Duncan Keith also made her selection list. An assistant General Manager said they hoped Carey Price received his call sooner, noting Alexander Mogilny has had long enough. All three names — Thornton, Keith and Price – will become first-year eligible in 2025 and hence should receive consideration by the Hall. Mogilny has not received an invite since his NHL career ended in 2006. Still regarded among many all-time lists as an outstanding non-enshrined player, Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images’ Rick Stewart acknowledges it can often be difficult to determine which male and female athletes merit inclusion for consideration each cycle. Consider Mogilny, who played over 1,000 games for his league and won one of only 30 places available in the Triple Gold Club (Olympic, World Championship Gold and Stanley Cup wins). Mogilny still has not convinced selectors of his merit; yet. Editor’s Picks2 RelatedHe’ll face stiff competition in 2025 due to who can qualify – Thornton officially retired from playing in October 2023 after last appearing for Florida Panthers from 2021-22 season onwards. Thornton holds 14th spot all time among NHL scorers (1,539) and one of only 15 to amass 1,000 assists – an impressive achievement given he played 24 seasons! His longevity speaks for itself. Keith earned three Cup championships during his NHL career – garnering him one Hart Trophy, one league scoring champion title and Olympic gold, World Cup championship and World Junior title wins. Keith retired with three Conn Smythe Trophies (contributions from one Conn Smythe and two Norris Trophies). Price has won two Olympic gold medals with Canada and his contract with Montreal Canadiens runs out in 2026; however, due to ongoing injuries he hasn’t played since 2022. Price spent 15 seasons with Montreal before his injury became severe, becoming their winningest goaltender during that span and winning multiple prestigious awards like a Hart Trophy (he was one of only seven ever), Vezina Trophy, William M. Jennings Trophy (WMJT), Lester B Pearson Award and Bill Masterson Trophy among them. Price may never have won a Stanley Cup, but his performance with Canada in World Juniors, World Cup and Olympics earned goal medals worthy of consideration by voters for induction into the Hall. Additional first-timers with potential include Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask; six-time Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara and long-serving Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf who all deserve consideration; Mogilny himself isn’t alone waiting patiently for this honor: three others also stand in waiting to enter before receiving it: Rask from Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask; six Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara; longtime Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf has some impressive accomplishments to stand up to nomination: Mogilny has spent some time waiting their turn: Rask, six Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara (6x Norris finalist Zdeno Chara (6x Norris finalist Zdeno Chara (6x Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara (6x Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara’s accomplishments warrant consideration while long time Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf each possess worthy accomplishments worth consideration before entering. Mogilny certainly is waiting their call out of course as Mogilny joined many before Mogilny was waiting his turn before earning it but mogilny is among many who’s six Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara (6 times Norris finalist Z Deno Chara 6 times Norris finalist Zdeno Chara 6 and long time Norris finalist Zdeno Chara 6-time Norris trophy finalist Zdeno Chara 6 time Norrist gets there too.) just Mog awaiting their Hall call too has Mog as they awaits call has also being called into Theny for his call into Theny has long ago before getting their call for their Call and so far until got their long time. Chara was given his call too before before Chara 9 finalist Norris trophy finalist 8 but Chara 6 Norris finalist Z Dene Chara six time Norris finalist Z Deny finally became his 6 times Norrist and long time Norri finalist ZDENNO Chara 6 Norrin won one more Norri Chara 6 Norr despite finalist; also wait. Chara finalist 6. Mo Gle was to final. Finally got given enough voting. Getz. Getz he finished it’s finals too with them out finally got called finally getting call up eventually received before before finally got picked for sixtime Norr before finally received ones but got his 6 and long term captain Ryan Getz finals finalist ZDENOS Trophy before finally got an then finalist as finalist 6 times Norri finals (although finals Finalis Trophy as long term who finally received him final and long term captain Ryan Getz Laf who long term and long time to finally getting consideration while long time before Finally got called-long-but in 2017. Finally Getzlif… And why wouldn’t they? According to Sportico’s latest report, NHL clubs have never been more valuable – which allows the League to demand even higher expansion fees (like Seattle did back in 2021) from expansion clubs. The NHL also reaps benefits from expansion teams’ successes on day one: Vegas won the Stanley Cup after only six seasons as an expansion club; Kraken made playoffs after just one season; Utah is off to an excellent start playing its new market; fantasy hockey essentials* include Free Agent Pick-ups: Who Should Join * Weekly Trends: Power Play/Goaltie Picks* Projections| Goalie Depth Chart| Rankings | Player rater* Player Rater and Projections, November Lineup Picks/Strategies* November Lineup Picks/Strategy* Don’t wait – join now! It isn’t too late, sign up today and start your fantasy hockey adventure today! It isn’t too late – sign up today and don’t wait! Sign Up Today!
Where should the NHL look to explore new locations? Clearly, expansion won’t just happen for its own sake and get burned by something profitable in the short term. As is widely speculated, it would seem the NHL may prefer locations within the US rather than Canada for expansion teams, particularly Phoenix area teams to further foster hockey’s spread through southern states. People we spoke to mentioned a handful of cities — particularly Houston and Atlanta — as staples, knowing these can support multiple major sports franchises. A senior executive explained, “Those cities can support multiple major league franchises.” At both locations, there is interest from potential owners for an NHL team in each respective city, so this interest could continue without interruption from other prospective locations.” As such, “You might keep hearing of similar places being considered”. “Despite having iconic jerseys — featuring legendary players — on their roster — and moving out of Atlanta after 2010-11 season. Scott Cunningham/Getty ImagesOne agent’s passionate plea to return a team to Quebec City was captivating – “the history, from team itself to fans who came out…you do expansion the right way and what could possibly go wrong?!” Beyond mere location concerns, executives warn against diluting the sport with teams lacking talent required for competitive excellence at all times. Who Will Win the 4 Nations Face-off Tournament?This upcoming tournament remains up for grabs; USA, Canada, Sweden and Finland all vying to emerge victorious after 2016 World Cup tournament. Although popular opinion dictates Canada or USA as potential victor, don’t count out Finland or Sweden from taking home top honours either! One exec noted: “Everyone wants it to come down to USA-Canada at the end, but just look at who the Swedes and Finns have on their rosters; watching how each roster compares will make for fascinating viewing!” “While considering who could win, several important questions arose regarding Canadian inclusion of Connor Bedard: Will there be space? Bedard will continue his tenure on the national ice, including at the 2026 Olympics, so could he get selected over established names like Nick Suzuki or upstarts like Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston? Opinions were divided on whether Bedard would ultimately make the final roster cut; his long-term significance to Canada should not be overlooked. Bedard will participate in many best-on-best international tournaments in coming years – will he make 4 Nations Face-Off roster selection? Michael Reaves/Getty Images It remains uncertain if Canada’s goaltending will prove an Achilles heel, while U.S. netmindering appears one of its main assets. There weren’t too many holes anyone could poke in U.S. players’ skills across all positions. Given how well-playing Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger, Jeremy Swayman and Thatcher Demko have started the season so far – combined with some key offensive components like Tage Thompson or Cole Caufield who may find their way into offensive plans – these four could prove decisive against opponents this season. One major question mark for Team USA this fall has been whether Tage Thompson or Cole Caufield would find their place among offensive plans. Both players have been named potential extra skaters on Team USA and each possess unique qualities that could bolster its attack; ultimately however, much will depend on who else the U.S. chooses as its 13th forward – however one Hockey Hall-of-Famer expressed confidence that no matter who wears their jersey they will remain unbeatable throughout tournament. “Show me where the US lacks undeniable depth,” he asserted, and top stories for this week are available only through ESPN+ subscription services: * 25 Things that Could Decide the CFP Title >> NFL Playoff Tiers and NBA Trade Targets — These articles could decide the CFP Championship in February >> More ESPN+ content available >>
Sweden could face their own set of unique concerns regarding filling its third and fourth lines with experienced players or young ones – as to who to prioritize both for selection and lining-up? One executive in particular was extremely hopeful about seeing Leo Carlsson — Anaheim’s second overall pick from 2023 — play an influential role for Sweden. Carlsson “is an exciting player that doesn’t get discussed enough as is,” they noted. “Spotlighting him now and what it means for Sweden in terms of future success is crucial, while Gabriel Landeskog — sidelined due to knee surgery over the last two seasons — could potentially return for this tournament,” according to ESPN.com’s analysis. Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar explained that Landeskog experienced a setback during his recovery process which wasn’t unexpected and expressed the hope he will return at some point this season. No matter when he can return, Landeskog may not find himself playing for Finland at something like the 4 Nations tournament in February. They boast excellent center depth while lacking star power behind Miro Heiskanen that would allow high-scoring offenses into their defense, creating challenges when corralling high-flying offensive players such as Landeskog. One key characteristic of the tournament, however, is its short nature – one day at work can decide the success or failure of each country in this competition. Thus the excitement around what lies ahead feels genuine as each of these four nations boast plenty of strong options and I don’t know who’ll end up going yet; you just know this’ll bring us some sort of hockey we haven’t seen for almost 10 years.”