Hockey Hall of Fame: Steve Larmer in 2015?
This isn’t the first time we’ve banged the drum for one of the Blackhawks’ all-time greats to get into the Hockey Hall of Fame. But hopefully it’s the last.
Steve Larmer should be in the Hall already. Looking ahead 12 months, he might have a chance in 2015.
On Halloween, Ken Campbell at The Hockey News wrote an interesting article about Marian Hossa reaching 1,000 career points. In that piece, he makes a comparison we have for years regarding Hossa; Campbell notes the similarities between Hossa and Larmer, using Larmer to make the case that Hossa might not be one of the all-time greats.
I submit that the argument made by Campbell should only support the reality that Larmer should be in the Hall of Fame already.
When Hossa reached 1,000 points earlier this season, he became only the 24th right wing in league history to hit the benchmark. Only two other active right wings – Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Iginla – have passed 1,000 career regular season points. (Note: Daniel Alfredsson has not yet retired, but isn’t in the league currently.)
Consider, for a moment, the right wings in NHL history who averaged at least one full point per game for more than 1,000 games in their career:
- Gordie Howe – 1,850 points in 1,767 games HOF
- Teemu Selanne – 1,457 points in 1,451 games
- Jari Kurri – 1,398 points in 1,251 games HOF
- Brett Hull – 1,391 points in 1,269 games HOF
- Guy Lafleur – 1,353 points in 1,126 games HOF
- Mike Bossy – 1,126 points in 752 games HOF
- Theo Fleury – 1,088 points in 1,084 games
- Joe Mullen – 1,063 points in 1,062 games HOF
- Alex Mogilny – 1,032 points in 990 games
- Steve Larmer – 1,012 points in 1,006 games
Of the eight players on this list with Larmer who are eligible for the Hall, only Fleury and Mogilny haven’t gone in yet. And in a few short years, Selanne will take his rightful place with the all-time greats without a doubt.
It’s worth noting this weekend that Mike Modano, arguably the greatest American born forward of all-time, averaged 0.92 points per game.
Since the league started tracking short-handed goals, only 12 players have more short-handed goals than Larmer’s 24. Indeed, only six players in league history registered at least 150 power play goals and 20 short-handed goals: Kurri (150 PP – 37 SH), Larmer (162-24), Brendan Shanahan (237-23), Mike Gartner (217-23), Owen Nolan (155-23) and Brett Hull (265-20).
Perhaps the greatest case for Larmer to get into the Hall was the induction of Dino Ciccarelli in 2010. Both right wings, both with more than 1,000 points, it’s easy to make a case that Larmer had the better career.
- Regular season performance
Larmer: 1,012 points in 1,006 games, 24 short-handed goals, +204
Ciccarelli: 1,200 points in 1,232 games, 1 short-handed goal, -2 - Postseason performance
Larmer: 131 points (56 goals, 75 assists), +21 in 140 games
Ciccarelli: 118 points (73 goals, 45 assists), -37 in 141 games - Stanley Cup rings
Larmer: 1
Ciccarelli: 0 - Individual Honors
Larmer: Calder Trophy (1982-83), 2 All Star Games
Ciccarelli: 4 All Star Games
In 2015, the group of players eligible to enter the Hall isn’t as strong as some other recent years.
Niklas Lidstrom is the only no-doubt first ballot Hall of Famer eligible next season. But behind Lidstrom, who else would get in next year?
CBS Sports put together an interesting list. Sergei Federov is certainly a name that deserves to be in the Hall with his former teammate.
But looking at the rest of the list CBS put together, is there anyone there other than Lidstrom or Federov that should be in the Hall ahead of Larmer?
The longevity of Mark Recchi is worthy of enshrinement at some point. Eric Lindros, like Larmer, didn’t have an incredibly long career. Lindros and Jeremy Roenick were two of the more dynamic offensive forces of the 1990s, but both have been on the ballot before and, like Larmer, continue to wait.
One player who may be eligible who would likely get in is Chris Pronger… even though he’s currently on a team’s payroll while working for the league.
There are a lot of great players still waiting to get into the Hockey Hall of Fame. With Dominik Hasek, Mike Modano, Peter Forsberg, Rob Blake and Pat Burns entering the Hall this weekend, we can begin looking ahead to 2015 – the year when Larmer should get in.
28 should definitely be in the Hall.
(no… not Ben Smith…) lol
Larmer was an outstanding defensive player in addition to his offensive vision and skills. He was one of the best getting the puck out of his own zone when playing near the point, especially since he had to pick the puck up off the boards on his off wing.
Nice article; looking at the comparisons there’s a really good case for him being in. The ’94 Cup ring with NYR should help him too.
Also note that #28’s 884 consecutive game streak sets the NHL record for the most consecutive games with the same team and is the third longest consecutive game streak in the ENTIRE HISTORY of the NHL
Looking back, it’s hard to fathom the damage done to this proud franchise by Bill Wirtz and Bob Pulford. Larmer, Chelios, Belfour, and JR should all have ended their careers wearing the Indian Red. And go back a little more and be sickened by #9 in a Winnipeg uniform and #7 in Boston.
Say what your want about SB, but I salute the man for backing up his promise that “Toews and Kane aren’t going anywhere”.
Go Hawks!
seems like a no brainer
Too bad he was over-shadowed by Kurri during those years…
Absolutely deserves/belongs!!
Steve Larmer was every bit as enjoyable to watch in person as 81
When Larmer was a ~Rookie~ he scored 43 goals on only 195 shots.
You gotta look long and hard to find something that beats that in year 1.
Not Selanne’s 76 , Not Mario’s 43, Gretzky’s 51? Nope.
Bossy and his 53? Yes, by only .6 pct. 22.6 vs 22.0 for Larms and his 43.
Steve’s career sh pct ranks around 100th at 15.7% BUT many of those guys never scored 441 goals either. In fact only about 25 of the players ahead of him are in the Hall now.
There is no argument necessary, never has been. I like Ben Smith. He shouldn’t have the option of wearing 28
Larmer should definitely be in the Hall. And, out of respect, Smith should really change his number.
Regin sent down to Rockford
Why we love Pat Foley