seanlinden
Registered User
- Apr 28, 2009
- 25,445
- 1,864
Marchand brings a lot of things Kucherov and Selanne wish they could bring.
To be fair, I don't think the HHOF has ever really considered being a "pest" as a quality or attribute making somebody more or less deserving of induction ot the Hall. It honestly, may be a detractor, simply because some of the "old school" guys who make these decisions, not being a huge fan of the way he plays.
Teemu Selanne had a 1451 game NHL career, and averaged over a point per game through his career. He scored 76 goals as a rookie -- a mark likely never to be touched again.
Ultimately, you look at Marchand, and he still has games to tack on, but they're not likely going to be at a point per game level.
I think the most reasonable comparable might be a guy like Martin St. Louis... who has kind of similar production, especially if you adjust for "era".
However St. Louis at least did win major individual hardware including the Art Ross (x2), Hart, Lindsay, Lady Bing (x3) and was a 5-time All-Star Team Honour. Marchand's got 4 All-Star team honours, but no major awards, and they're probably not going to be forthcoming either.
You've kind of gotta ask yourself... what is the "compelling" reason he should be in?
Is it peak performance? not really... him at his peak was good when he put up 100 points, but there were 10 guys in the league that year who had 95 or more.
Is it longevity? not really... bit of a later bloomer from an offensive standpoint.. and is seemingly beginning to tail off.