Is Joe Thornton a Hall of Famer?

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Craig2

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This is a question a friend of mine mentioned the other day, and it seems to come up a lot around playoff time given the lack of a Cup on his résumé. Besides the lack of a Cup, is there an argument to not voting him in?

- One Art Ross and one Hart
- Behind only Crosby and Ovie in points post-lockout
- Likely to finish top-20 in career points
- Gold at WJC, World Cup and Olympics

Is he a lock, or does anyone have a strong argument against him?
 
I do not see how he would not be in. He has been doing it and doing it well or nearly 20 years now. I hope he can add a Cup but I would hope that would not keep him out.
 
I say he's a lock due to his longevity. He's been consistent over a long period of time. Just shy of a point a game player, likely top 20 scorer when his career is over. There is no way that he's not.
 
I'm pretty certain that anyone inside the top-50 all time scorers is either in the HOF, or stll active. Don't see anyway he wouldn't get in.
 
In my opinion when I look at Thornton, I see Adam Oates. It's crazy how similar they are in every aspect of the game. So yes, I think Thornton should and will end up in the HHOF just like Oates.

I think his partner in crime also from the '97 draft deserves to be there as well, but that's a much longer/deeper conversation.
 
Wonder what John Tortorella's answer would be? In any case, if you're going to put Dick Duff, Bernie Federko, Dino Ciccarelli et al in the Hall you better put Jumbo in too.

Dave.
 
If he plays for another 2 or 3 years he should wind up top 15 all-time in NHL scoring. An absolute lock, tho' a cup ring would certainly help clear up any doubts.
 
Not sure. I'm angling Thornton into the same boat as Pierre Turgeon and Mark Recchi. Both of those guys are Hall of Famers in my opinion but are still waiting for the call.
 
He has my vote. But more importantly. Who is he up against over the next few years? (Assuming he retired somewhere in that time frame)
 
With some of the addition in the past 10 years I say he will get in. I think he was a borderline guy but now yes.
 
He might be one of the most underrated guys of the last 15 years, especially since he went to San Jose.
 
First ballot? Probably not, unless he wins a Cup this year.

Eventually? Absolutely, maybe a year or two wait depending on what the classes look like.

One way or the other I'd say he's getting in, but a Cup win would decide how soon.
 


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