5 Hockey Hall of Fame candidates for 2018

Nov 16, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur (30) makes a save during the third period of their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Penguins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

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CHICAGO – DECEMBER 07: Jeremy Roenick #97 of the Phoenix Coyotes shoots the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL game on December 7, 2006 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Coyotes won 2-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

The Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2018 could be an impressive one. Here’s a look at the top five candidates.

The NHL has released the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2017. It features Teemu Selanne, along with longtime hopefuls Mark Recchi and Dave Andreychuk. As deep as the 2017 class is, the 2018 class has the potential to be even better.

Let’s take a quick look at the class. In addition to players such as Daniel Alfredsson and Peter Bondra, there will be some excellent players joining them. The class will be led by one of the greatest goalies of all time and arguably the most successful Russian goaltender in NHL history. It also features one of the most consistent forwards in league history and one of the most underrated defensemen ever.

Here’s a quick look at the top five candidates from the NHL to join the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018.

5. Jeremy Roenick

Next year might finally be the year that Jeremy Roenick makes the Hockey Hall of Fame. While he never won a major award, it’s worth noting several players enshrined in Toronto didn’t either. Among American players, Roenick ranks fourth in career points. He’s third among forwards. Roenick also ranks ninth in points per game.

As mentioned earlier, the biggest issue with his candidacy is his lack of awards. In fact, Roenick only placed in the Hart Trophy voting twice in his career. He also didn’t win any Stanley Cups, which doesn’t help his case. But the fact remains that Roenick is easily one of the best American forwards of all time.

Likelihood: 10 percent. If this class was weaker, Roenick might have a chance. But with four players who are clearly better than him on the ballot, he’ll probably have to wait another year. However, Roenick should get in one day. Maybe his buddy Charles Barkley can induct him.

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