First Ballot Hall Of Famers?

The 2020 NHL Hockey Hall of Fame class possibilities are extensive. It features generational players in their first year of eligibility, but its uncertain whether they should be first ballot Hall of Famers. Will these players be inducted into the HHOF, or will they remain candidates for years to come?


Many of the 2020 Hall of Fame candidates are generational talents who have been eligible for 7-10 years. This includes players such as Keith Tkachuk and Jeremy Roenick. However, there are other players who have recently become eligible that are deserving of serious consideration.

1. Jarome Iginla: 1st Year of Eligibility 

Iginla is one of the most successful NHL players to never win a Stanley Cup. He captained the Calgary Flames for over a decade and finished his 20 year career with 625 goals, 675 assists, and 1300 points. He's won the Art Ross Trophy, the Rocket Richard Trophy twice, and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada in 2002 and 2010. Iggy's only downfall is that he never won a Stanley Cup.

2. Marian Hossa: 1st Year of Eligibility 

The highlight of Hossa's career is not his 525 goals and 609 assists. It's his 3 Stanley Cup Rings and 5 appearances in the finals. He was given the short end of the stick in 2008 and 2009 when he lost with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings, respectively. Hossa redeemed his losses when he hoisted the Stanley Cup in 2010, 2013, and 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks. He's the only player to ever to play in 3 consecutive Stanley Cup Finals with 3 different teams.

3. Daniel Alfredsson: 4th Year of Eligibility 

Alfredsson captained the Ottawa Senators for 14 seasons. He tallied 444 goals and 713 assists, which are incredible career totals. However, Alfie never won a major award nor did he ever win a Stanley Cup. Despite his lack of hardware in the NHL, he has won both a silver and gold medal at the Olympic Games.

4. Theo Fleury: 12th Year of Eligibility 

Fleury's 455 goals and 633 assists are certainly impressive. The fact he accomplished this at 5'6", 182lbs in an era where NHL players were big and tough may be even more impressive. He hoisted the Stanley Cup in 1989 and won a gold medal with Team Canada in 2002. He can be inducted based on his merits alone, but his post-career contribution to the hockey community and mental health awareness should give him further recognition.

Photographer: Bob Frid/Icon Sportswire