Eric Lindros belongs in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
He’s now been snubbed five times since becoming eligible in 2011, and each time (one, two, three, four, five) we’ve written about how ridiculous that is. The core of the argument comes in this 2012 story that we trot out every time we talk about this:
88 is the only Hart Trophy winner since Bobby Clarke won the thing in 1975 (37 years ago!) yet to earn induction into the Hall of Fame. When it comes to the all-time leaders in points per game, Lindros is 19th all-time. And if injury hadn’t stolen his greatness in the latter years of his career, his rank on this second chart would be even more impressive. Remove the years following the infamous Scott Stevens hit in 2000 and Lindros would rank sixth all-time in points per game.
Sixth all time! The only players ranked higher than him would be Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Mike Bossy, Sidney Crosby and Bobby Orr. Quite the list.
At times in these last five years, it feels like us Flyers-focused writers have been screaming this argument into a black hole. But over the course of the month of June — from the first until the 27th, when the Hockey Hall of Fame will decide its 2016 class — one hero over at TSN in Canada made the case.
Here’s the argument in full:
To come are 27 daily tweets leading up to June 27 Hall of Fame selection meeting. Each tweet will speak to Eric Lindros’ candidacy. #88HHOF
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 1, 2016
It would be fitting for Lindros to be elected to Hockey Hall of Fame on 25th anniversary of being picked No. 1 in 1991. #88HHOF (1/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 1, 2016
Lindros ranked 3rd in points per game (1.31) to legends Lemieux (1.99) and Jagr (1.42) during decade of dominance (1992-02). #88HHOF (2/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 2, 2016
Two players who trailed Lindros (1.31) in points per game during decade of dominance (1992-02): Sakic & Forsberg (1.24) #88HHOF (3/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 3, 2016
If Cam Neely (395-299-694 in 726 GP) belongs in Hall of Fame – and he DOES – so does Eric Lindros (372-493-865 in 760 GP) #88HHOF (4/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 5, 2016
Hall of Fame should honour greats of game; player shouldn’t be penalized if regarded – by some – as one of grates as well. #88HHOF (5/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 5, 2016
The NHL had not seen a player combining brute force and finesse like Eric Lindros. He was the ultimate power forward. #88HHOF (6/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 6, 2016
Like game-changers Morenz & Lafleur before him, Lindros’ incandescence was brilliant, if briefer, than would’ve been hoped. #88HHOF (7/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 7, 2016
Lindros didn’t report to 2 teams picking him No. 1. He didn’t just have courage on ice, he had courage of conviction off it. #88HHOF (8/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 8, 2016
27 Hall of Fame-eligible forwards & defencemen have won Hart Trophy since 1945. 26 are in Hall of Fame. One isn’t: Lindros. #88HHOF (9/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 9, 2016
As extraordinary as Lindros was, he was not without flaws as player or teammate. That would not make him unique in Hall. #88HHOF (10/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 10, 2016
Gordie Howe is original power forward & measuring stick for all who followed in his legendary skateprints. None have equaled. #Power (11/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 11, 2016
2016 Hockey Hall of Fame candidate Lindros had 6 Gordie Howe Hat-Tricks. #88HHOF (12/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 12, 2016
That there are Hall of Famers whose impact pales in comparison is irrelevant. Lindros should be judged on own merits. #88HHOF (13/27).
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 13, 2016
Longevity major measuring stick, but not only one. Dryden, Forsberg, Neely in Hall with fewer games played than Lindros. #88HHOF (14/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 14, 2016
This is no reason to elect Lindros to Hall … but this year’s class is wide open. No locks. Other than Lindros. #88HHOF (15/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 16, 2016
Among leading 2016 Hall of Fame candidates are Makarov, Barrasso … and Lindros. New inductees voted on June 27. #88HHOF (16/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 16, 2016
A reminder it’s the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL Hall of Fame. #88HHOF (17/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 17, 2016
Lindros played in 1991 Canada Cup as 18-year-old and had seismic impact for only unbeaten team in tournament history. #88HHOF (18/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 18, 2016
In 3-year span, Lindros was all-star at World Jr. Championship (1991), Olympics (1992) & World Championship (1993). #88HHOF (19/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 19, 2016
Lindros & Fleury only 2 eligible players averaging point/game in regular season (700 GP) & playoffs (50 GP) not in Hall. #88HHOF (21/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 21, 2016
Lindros was selected No. 1 overall 25 years ago today: June 22, 1991. Seven 1st overall picks are in Hall. It should be 8. #88HHOF (22/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 22, 2016
Of top 27 points/game leaders in NHL history (min. 700 GP), only one isn’t in Hall or headed there: No. 16 Lindros (1.14). #88HHOF (23/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 23, 2016
Lindros needs votes from at least 14 of 18 members of Hall of Fame selection committee Monday to earn induction. #88HHOF (24/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 24, 2016
Lindros has been passed over 6 times in voting by the HHOF Selection Committee. Will that change Monday? Finally. #88HHOF (25/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 25, 2016
Ultimate measure of HHOF-worthiness is impact. Lindros had profound on-ice impact in virtually all corners of hockey world. #88HHOF (26/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 26, 2016
The Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee votes on the Class of 2016 today. #88HHOF (27/27)
— TSNquizmaster (@TSNquizmaster) June 27, 2016
