Does Kent Nilsson deserve to be in the HHoF?

[BigBadBruins7708]

Like I said a couple years ago in this thread, if you're trying to make The Hall with only 550 games you better have an overflowing trophy case or been other worldly, for example...be Bobby Orr

Nilsson was none of the above, zero individual trophies and only 1 season where he makes the Top 10 in anything of note. That's not a HOF'er with a full career, nevermind in only 550 games. For reference, we talk about Orr having such a short career, well he played nearly 400 more games than Nilsson.

No one ever got into the Hall on potential, and Nilsson is in no way, shape or form the one to break that barrier.

 

[Staniowski]

There's no chance - or, at least, very little chance - that Kent will ever be inducted. But I think I would vote him in if I had a vote.

He was a big scorer in the NHL, the WHA, in Sweden, and for Team Sweden (where he led the team in scoring all 3 times he played in the WC, and in the '84 CC - where he scored 4 points in a game against Team Canada).

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I just noticed that Nik Ehlers' dad scored about the same number of points as Kent in the Swedish league in '89.

 

[wetcoast]

Do you guys think that Kent Nilsson is like the Alexei Kovalev of his generation? A sick talent when he was on, but with disappearance acts...

In a way sure but he was more skilled IMO.

He wasn't called the magic man for nothing.

 

[19781999]

Yes. We need more Oilers Cup winners in the Hall! Kent Nilsson, Andy Moog, Esa Tikkanen, Charlie Huddy, Craig MacTavish, and Adam Graves, and that's where it stops.

 

[19781999]

Kent Nilsson was good when he wanted to be good.

 

[19781999]

 

[Hobnobs]

Like I said a couple years ago in this thread, if you're trying to make The Hall with only 550 games you better have an overflowing trophy case or been other worldly, for example...be Bobby Orr

Nilsson was none of the above, zero individual trophies and only 1 season where he makes the Top 10 in anything of note. That's not a HOF'er with a full career, nevermind in only 550 games. For reference, we talk about Orr having such a short career, well he played nearly 400 more games than Nilsson.

No one ever got into the Hall on potential, and Nilsson is in no way, shape or form the one to break that barrier.

Not saying Kent should be in but to ignore everything outside of his NHL career is wrong imo.

 

[Stephen]

Feels like Kent Nilsson's "claim to fame" would be more based on stylistic points and early career trajectory than the career he actually had. Points wise, he's sort of the 80s answer to Ziggy Palffy, and in terms of what could have been, he's the Alexei Kovalev forerunner in terms of skill/flash to achievement ratio.

 

[Danny46]

Not saying Kent should be in but to ignore everything outside of his NHL career is wrong imo.

That's why he deserves to me, he was good in a lot of leagues and competitions...

 

[Hobnobs]

That's why he deserves to me, he was good in a lot of leagues and competitions...

No he doesnt deserve to be in. He was lazy and constantly could do so much more. When a coach has to put Steen and Loob on your line just to get you to work harder then you shouldnt be in HoF. Loob and Steen are more deserving imo.

 

[Danny46]

No he doesnt deserve to be in. He was lazy and constantly could do so much more. When a coach has to put Steen and Loob on your line just to get you to work harder then you shouldnt be in HoF. Loob and Steen are more deserving imo.

To me he deserves, he was great in a lot of places, and he is the poster of "play with head up"...

 

[Danny46]

The Sedin brothers will probably be in the Hall of Fame one day, Kent Nilsson was way better than both...

 

[BigBadBruins7708]

Not saying Kent should be in but to ignore everything outside of his NHL career is wrong imo.

What did he do of note? 2 100 pt seasons in a watered down WHA and produced in less than elite European leagues?

Why should European leagues matter for him when they don't for anyone else?

If Euro leagues mattered then Tim Thomas would be a HOF'er. He has a far better NHL case with 2 Vezinas and a Smythe. As well as an MVP and championships in a strong SM-Liiga

 

[Albatros]

Why should European leagues matter for him when they don't for anyone else?

It's supposed to be the Hockey Hall of Fame, not the NHL Hall of Fame. Of course there are many more names that should be included before it could be taken seriously.

 

[johan f]

There is actually possible to admire and herald players even if they are not HOF worthy. There is never something in middle on these boards. Even if now Nilsson is not material for HOF one must be able to note he was heck of a skilled and entertaining player. He is also a cool person, laid back as someone mentioned earlier on here.

He had a great shot and aiming, good hockey iq, smooth operator with one of the best hands. Let’s just appreciate that!

 

[sdf]

He is often mentioned on this site in conversation about best stickhandling, but i hadn't seen him in team canada, and there is no highlights, what is this a enigma