Him ditching New Jersey for the KHL for whatever reason (people have said Lamoriello knew about it and "gave his blessing" or whatever since it would fix a lot of cap space problems for the Devils but that's just a rumor) is certainly going to sour things with the voting committee but ignoring that, and ignoring whether or not he comes back to the NHL next season, do you think Kovalchuk is a HOF'er?
Even without a Cup, does Kovalchuk have what it takes to make the HHOF?
Started by 90Style10Skill, Mar 16 2018 01:08 PM
13 replies to this topic
#2
Posted 16 March 2018 - 01:15 PM
Absolutely. A point per game player with 816 points in as many games in the NHL. Over 400 goals. Over 1k points if you combine the KHL and over a point per game combines as well. Granted him leaving may sour some, but you can't deny how amazing of a player he is. IMO he's a first ballot HOFer. You have to remember, it's the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL HOF.
#3
Posted 16 March 2018 - 01:26 PM
Considering the HHOF isn’t really the very best of the best of the sport (unlike Cooperstown or NFL), anything is possible.
#4
Posted 16 March 2018 - 04:59 PM
Absolutely. A point per game player with 816 points in as many games in the NHL. Over 400 goals. Over 1k points if you combine the KHL and over a point per game combines as well. Granted him leaving may sour some, but you can't deny how amazing of a player he is. IMO he's a first ballot HOFer. You have to remember, it's the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL HOF.
You're out to lunch my friend. Is Patrick Marleau a first ballot HOFer? Hell no. Neither is Kovalchuk. It's that simple.
#5
Posted 16 March 2018 - 09:54 PM
You're out to lunch my friend. Is Patrick Marleau a first ballot HOFer? Hell no. Neither is Kovalchuk. It's that simple.
There may be some personal bias in there, as he is still one of my all time favorite players. I concede that he isn't likely at all a first ballot...
#6
Posted 17 March 2018 - 08:23 AM
He was one of my favourites too until he jumped ship mid-contract 
#7
Posted 19 March 2018 - 01:42 PM
You're out to lunch my friend. Is Patrick Marleau a first ballot HOFer? Hell no. Neither is Kovalchuk. It's that simple.
Marleau isn't a point per game career player. how is it "that simple" when they're not comparable players
#8
Posted 19 March 2018 - 02:32 PM
PPG is never used for HHOF admittance obviously, unless it's an extreme outlier (Bossy etc). I suppose you could argue Kariya, but he is considered a weak induction as it is. Look at goals and point totals and explain to me how Kovalchuk has a better case than Marleau, and Marleau ain't getting in. KHL points obviously mean nothing as well. And I WANT Kovy in, don't think it happens due to his leaving in his prime.
#9
Posted 19 March 2018 - 06:28 PM
He also has an olympic gold, multiple IIHF world golds, and multiple Gagarin cups...IMO he's an HHOFer
#10
Posted 19 March 2018 - 06:38 PM
IIHF golds and Gagarin cups means absolutely zilch to the HHOF. Absolutely nothing. I don't think he is, but it's close. He was an unreal goalscorer....and....that's it?
#11
Posted 19 March 2018 - 06:50 PM
IIHF golds and Gagarin cups means absolutely zilch to the HHOF. Absolutely nothing. I don't think he is, but it's close. He was an unreal goalscorer....and....that's it?
Maybe on their own mean nothing, but tied in with his goal and point production in the NHL will help bolster the case for him
#12
Posted 19 March 2018 - 08:15 PM
If you think Kovy is a HHOF’er you either really love Ilya Kovalchuk or you really really love him
#13
Posted 20 March 2018 - 01:17 PM
What argument would you make for Kariya being a HOFer but not Kovi?
#14
Posted 20 March 2018 - 02:43 PM
For what it's worth, I don't think Kariya should be in either. The hall has a couple of players that probably shouldnt be in there. I would say if Kovy never left for the KHL, he would be in, same as Kariya. This type of stuff isn't easily forgotten by the people who vote on it.
