Makarov was the best Soviet player in the 80's. He was the Russian version of Gretzky. Lets not forget the Soviet league only counted primary assists, he was by far the best player since 17 and only Fetisov was on the same level.
His international play and play in NHL sponsored tournaments is more then enough to get him into the HHOF. His Gold medals and World Championships are fantastic.
Once you put in those "token" Soviet players, thats it. Game over. He will be in eventually. His NHL play means little at the end of the day. He was old, broken and a shadow of himself when he came over.
Meanwhile you have Soviet players with ZERO NHL experience. Sorry, the pandora's box is open. He will get in, he should be in regardless. Soviets or not. He deserves to be there probably more then the others in there.
For people who still don't get it.
Once they put in Cam Neely, they opened the door for Lindros and Bure. They changed the rules and expectations for entry. Token Soviets did the exact same thing. So its pointless to argue.
I'd take Makarov over Neely's induction by far. I never agreed with Neely being in, but there he is, deserving or not.
The whole KLM line should have its own private wing in the HHOF. Its a crime Makarov isn't in already, but he will be eventually.
Canada Cup 87 is some of the most magical hockey I ever witnessed.
His international play and play in NHL sponsored tournaments is more then enough to get him into the HHOF. His Gold medals and World Championships are fantastic.
Once you put in those "token" Soviet players, thats it. Game over. He will be in eventually. His NHL play means little at the end of the day. He was old, broken and a shadow of himself when he came over.
Meanwhile you have Soviet players with ZERO NHL experience. Sorry, the pandora's box is open. He will get in, he should be in regardless. Soviets or not. He deserves to be there probably more then the others in there.
For people who still don't get it.
Once they put in Cam Neely, they opened the door for Lindros and Bure. They changed the rules and expectations for entry. Token Soviets did the exact same thing. So its pointless to argue.
I'd take Makarov over Neely's induction by far. I never agreed with Neely being in, but there he is, deserving or not.
The whole KLM line should have its own private wing in the HHOF. Its a crime Makarov isn't in already, but he will be eventually.
Canada Cup 87 is some of the most magical hockey I ever witnessed.