Off the top of my head, players who, before this season or last season, might not have made the Hall of Fame but look to be sure things now.
Teemu Selanne
Has had a lot of productive years in Winnipeg and San Jose, including the most prolific rookie season in NHL history, but until recently, thanks in part to a lackluster season in Colorado, was thought of as not much more than a good scorer with a lucky rookie season. The past two seasons in Anaheim have rekindled his superstar status and, at this level of dominance this late in his career, is once again a strong HoF candidate.
Mats Sundin
The most recent addition to the 500 goal club, Sundin has been the Leafs' posterboy for over a decade and still has a few years left. The biggest hindrance to his case is the fact that he hasn't led Toronto to much playoff success, which raises question about his captaincy abilities. However, his continued popularity and productive success throughout his career make him a strong candidate.
Brendan Shanahan
One of the most successful power forwards in NHL history, Shanahan was considered by many to be the missing puzzle piece of the Red Wings' 90s dynasty. While he may have been a Hall of Fame player already, Shanahan solidified his case with his recent surge in goal production since the lockout and his landmark creation of the NHL rules committee. In addition to his on-ice dominance, Shanahan is heavily involved in charity and is overall a welcome ambassador for the sport of hockey.
Teemu Selanne
Has had a lot of productive years in Winnipeg and San Jose, including the most prolific rookie season in NHL history, but until recently, thanks in part to a lackluster season in Colorado, was thought of as not much more than a good scorer with a lucky rookie season. The past two seasons in Anaheim have rekindled his superstar status and, at this level of dominance this late in his career, is once again a strong HoF candidate.
Mats Sundin
The most recent addition to the 500 goal club, Sundin has been the Leafs' posterboy for over a decade and still has a few years left. The biggest hindrance to his case is the fact that he hasn't led Toronto to much playoff success, which raises question about his captaincy abilities. However, his continued popularity and productive success throughout his career make him a strong candidate.
Brendan Shanahan
One of the most successful power forwards in NHL history, Shanahan was considered by many to be the missing puzzle piece of the Red Wings' 90s dynasty. While he may have been a Hall of Fame player already, Shanahan solidified his case with his recent surge in goal production since the lockout and his landmark creation of the NHL rules committee. In addition to his on-ice dominance, Shanahan is heavily involved in charity and is overall a welcome ambassador for the sport of hockey.