Predicting every NHL team’s future Hall of Famers

Los Angeles Kings – Anze Kopitar

Anze Kopitar’s career is probably heading downwards at this point. That said, I think he’s done enough to be a Hall of Famer.

First of all, Kopitar’s by far the most prominent Slovenian hockey player of all-time. Yes, there are only two, but Kopitar’s going to get to 1,000 games played, 700 assists, and 1,000 points. He’ll finish his career with at least two Stanley Cups, at least two Selke Trophies, and at least one Lady Byng Trophy. For me, that adds up to a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Los Angeles Kings – Drew Doughty

Drew Doughty’s career, much like Kopitar’s, is trending in the wrong direction. But even if he does nothing else in his career, Doughty has an iron-clad HOF case. He has a Norris Trophy (2016) and nearly won another one in 2015. Also, he’s a member of the Triple Gold Club, plus he has a World Cup of Hockey gold medal.

Honorable mention: Jonathan Quick’s case isn’t nearly as strong as it was about two years ago. Still, he could retire with over 400 wins, which would put him in the top 15 among goalies. Those two Stanley Cups are going to help his case significantly, though his lack of a Vezina Trophy will hurt. If he can get to 400 wins, he’s got a good shot of making it. But honestly, I don’t know if he will get to that point.

Dean Lombardi is going to get some consideration because he was the general manager for two Stanley Cup-winning teams. The same goes for Darryl Sutter, but he was the coach. Sutter also nearly led the Calgary Flames to a Stanley Cup, but they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightnin in seven games.