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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Dec 4, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators former player Daniel Alfredsson (11) takes part in a pre-game ceremony prior to game against the New York Islanders at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Daniel Alfredsson

It’s kind of surprising Daniel Alfredsson didn’t get enshrined this year, but maybe being compared to the great Teemu Selanne hurt him. And this year, people finally realized the great injustice of keeping Mark Recchi from the Hockey Hall of Fame. So Alfredsson is a victim of picking a bad time to retire, and 2018 should be much more promising for him.

Alfredsson will arguably be the second best forward on the ballot. That helps his case. Unlike Roenick, Alfredsson at least has a Calder Trophy on his resume. He is the Ottawa Senators’ career leader in just about every offensive category. Even though they are a fairly young franchise, that should bode well for his chances. Alfredsson’s 1,157 career points are second all-time among Swedish forwards, trailing only the great Mats Sundin. Even though both the Sedin twins are going to pass that number at some point, it’s relevant.

His international career pushes him over the fence. With six medals, including a gold medal for the 2006 Olympics, Alfredsson is one of Sweden’s most decorated players.

Likelihood: 75 percent. Alfredsson isn’t a lock, but looking at the rest of the ballot, he certainly has a good chance of getting in. Maybe voters will be harsh on him because of his lack of awards, but if that’s the case, it’s going to be a mighty small Hall of Fame class.

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