FissionFire
Registered User
He's widely disliked in one city that he played in for one year. The rest of his "dislike" is bitter fans wishing he was on their teams. If cap was not a concern Edmonton most likely be the only team that would not want him on their team and there is not a team he would not be an integral part of(barring injury of course). That speaks wonders about how good of a player he is.
When it comes down to brass tacks Both he and Niedermayer have the hardware and the consistancy in their careers to be in the HoF. Lidstrom will not be the only D-man from their era to go into the hall and these two are obviously top of the pack.
In a "down" era for defenseman, has Pronger really done enough to get into the HHOF? I doubt it. Aside from his Hart/Norris/1st team AS trifecta in 2000, his only individual awards are three 2nd team AS spots (1998, 2004, 2007). So in a "down" era for defenseman, he was viewed as a top 4 defender in the league only 4 times during his career to date (and top 2 only once)? Even during the season his team won the Cup he was far from the teams best player with 2 suspensions and some pretty crappy play in the WCF and SCF. That doesn't scream HHOF to me. Pronger has alot of work to secure a spot IMO.
Niedermayer is likely in on the strength of his overall body of work. He's got a 2nd team AS in 1998 and a trifecta of 1st teams mostly post lockout (2004, 2006, 2007). He's got a Conn Smythe a slew of Cups. Even his actions last season tarnishing some of his luster couldn't keep him out I think. Heck, his resume blows Pronger away. Pronger has most of his awards from one huge season, but aside from that he's been far from a dominant defenseman of the era.