Who Will Enter the Hall of Fame in 2026? A Look at the Top Contenders

Reflecting on a Stellar Career

Patrik Elias reminisces about his time with the New Jersey Devils while preparing for his retirement ceremony.

As we look ahead, the Hockey Hall of Fame is set to welcome an exceptional group of players in 2025, including Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, and Duncan Keith, all of whom are first-ballot inductees. Alexander Mogilny is also finally getting his due, alongside women’s hockey luminaries Jennifer Botterill from Canada and Brianna Decker from the United States.

The 2026 Class Candidates

Who will be the next to don the Hall of Fame jacket in 2026? Here’s a ranking of the most probable male and female players to receive this honor, starting with the former NHL stars eligible for the first time next season.

Men’s Candidates

1. Patrice Bergeron, Center (First Year)

The selection committee has an obvious choice with Bergeron, a six-time Selke Trophy winner as the league’s top defensive forward, establishing a record. Throughout his 19-year journey with the Boston Bruins, he showcased his prowess both in traditional metrics and advanced analytics. Bergeron amassed a staggering 1,040 points, including 427 goals, ranking third all-time for the Bruins.

His contributions led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011, and he endured a grueling 2013 Finals series against Chicago, playing through significant injuries. Bergeron’s accolades also include Olympic gold medals in 2010 and 2014, and a world championship gold in 2004, solidifying his status as a member of the Triple Gold Club.

2. Carey Price, Goalie (Second Year)

Following in the footsteps of legendary Montreal Canadiens goaltenders, Price made his mark over 15 seasons with the franchise, becoming their all-time leader in wins. His standout performance during the 2014-15 season earned him both the Vezina and Hart Trophies, a rare achievement in NHL history.

Price’s Olympic gold contribution in 2014 and his success in the World Cup and world juniors further bolster his Hall candidacy. However, the Hall has traditionally hesitated to induct goaltenders, posing a unique challenge for his induction.

3. Patrick Marleau, Center (Third Year)

Marleau’s record of career games played in the NHL raises questions about his legacy. With 1,779 games and 566 goals, he ranks high in several statistical categories but lacks a Stanley Cup to his name. While he has Olympic gold medals, questions remain about whether his longevity translates to Hall-worthy greatness.

4. Keith Tkachuk, Center (14th Year)

With 538 goals and a solid but unspectacular career, Tkachuk might be the next name fans rally behind after Mogilny’s induction. Despite not clinching a Stanley Cup or NHL awards, his impressive goal tally and contributions to Team USA in international competitions keep him in the conversation.

5. Ryan Getzlaf, Center (Second Year)

Getzlaf spent 17 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, leading them to a Stanley Cup. As their all-time leader in multiple categories, he ranks among the top centers in points during his era, yet his lack of individual accolades raises questions about his Hall fate.

6. Henrik Zetterberg, Center (Fifth Year)

After Pavel Datsyuk’s induction, Zetterberg’s path to the Hall seems more complicated. With a successful career highlighted by significant playoff performances, including a Conn Smythe Trophy, his case remains debated among fans and experts.

7. Patrik Elias, Center/Left Wing (Seventh Year)

Often considered a sleeper pick, Elias holds the Devils’ records for goals, assists, and points. His contributions to two Stanley Cup victories and international success with the Czech Republic bolster his candidacy. Supporters argue that he thrived in a defensive era, suggesting that his offensive output deserves recognition.

Context & Analysis

The Hall of Fame discussion is often as engaging as the games themselves, revealing the complexities of legacy and statistics. As more players become eligible, the debate over who deserves to be immortalized intensifies, reflecting the evolving landscape of hockey.