Hockey Hall of Fame announces latest list of players eligible for induction

By Michael Caples –

The Hockey Hall of Fame announced on April 22 the list of players who are now eligible for induction into their hall, and they are expected to reveal their Class of 2014 on Monday.

First-year eligible players of note include Michigan natives Mike Grier, Mike Modano, Brian Rafalski and Doug Weight, along with former Red Wings Chris Osgood, Dominik Hasek, Kris Draper and the late Ruslan Salei.

The list, which the HHOF points out does not include all players available for induction, highlights goaltenders who played in at least 400 regular-season games, won over 200 games, or recorded 25 or more shutouts, and players who played in at least 800 games or recorded a minimum of 300 goals, 400 assists or 700 points.

Others players of note on the list include Peter Forsberg, Chris Drury, Adam Foot, Mark Recchi, Sergei Samsonov, Owen Nolan and Pavol Demitra.

Quick notes on the Michigan natives now eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame:

• Mike Grier – 1,060 games played, 162 goals, 221 assists and 383 points
• Mike Modano – 1,499 games played, 561 goals, 813 assists and 1,374 points (with one World Cup title and one Stanley Cup championship)
• Brian Rafalski – 833 games played, 79 goals, 436 assists and 515 points (with three Stanley Cup championships)
• Doug Weight – 1,238 games played, 278 goals, 755 assists and 1,033 points (with one World Cup title and one Stanley Cup championship)