Upon Further Review

Nonsense, he was a great player. Hall of Famer. Litgeraly dominated game after game like very few players in history.

By virtue of being one of the most, if not the most dominant NHL players of his era, he get's the nod. Lindros was a unique talent. I never saw anyone else who better combined the physical aspects of the game with an elite skillset. Sure, he faded after being concussed one too many times, but I can't really hold that against him. He dominated the game...for years. To me, he's a hall of famer. Also, I don't know where people come off sahying he's a whiner and bad guy etc. Not saying he's a saint, but whenever I heard/saw him in interviews, he seemed to be a team player, humble, nice, charming etc. His parents were the real culprits in terms of his holding out and playing tough with the organization's he played with...I think people think Eric was complete a hole due to what his parents did...in reality, for the most part I think he's a pretty good guy.

Funny how all of the nay-sayers are from the "great white north." To say that this guy doesnt belong in the hall is a joke..I dont blame the Canadians for hating Lindros. He made it perfectly clear he would do anyhting to play for the Flyers rather than a small time market like Quebec.I will admit that I didnt follow Erics career outside of Philly. All I do know is 6 out of the 8 years as a Flyer he was an NHL All-Star including 4 conference finals and a stanley cup appearence against a Detroit team that would have destroyed ANY club in the league. Not bad for a team that had 29 wins the year before he arrived. If you are going to come at Lindros, please bring your facts rather than your opinions. Here's a question for you...name me one player in NHL history that not only led his time in offense..but led his team in hits..checks and overall beating the crap out of the toughest guys in the league. Talk all you want about how Scott Stevens stretched out Lindros at the end of his career and then right after you do that, go to youtube and watch an 18 year old kid punish tough guy Scott Stevens. Bobbly Clark appeared on ESPN and said there is NO DOUBT that Lindros is a Hall of famer...but I am sure you nitwits know much more than Clarkie. Heart is playing a period and a half with a collapsed lung.

Joe

Eric Lindros is not a hall of famer by any stretch of the imagination. He could have been a hall of famer, but he wasn't.

He had a good career and was a good indiviudal player. His failure as a team player and a leader is especially critical because he wore a C, but never captained his team.

Who would you rather have had: Eric Lindros or Peter Forsberg?

C'mon...what's with you people. First of all - Vegreville or whatever your name is, you just put Bure's name in the same sentence as Gretzky and Lemieux.....you're an IDIOT!

I don't think Lindros should make the HOF. He was a good player, but not "great" by any stretch of the imagination. The HALL is something special and should be very picky on who makes it. The already have a few questionable inductees....

If Lindros makes it, why wouldn't Glen Anderson be in there already? There's many players who deserve it more than concussion-prone Lindros. He had a good career...and now it's over.

No way should Lindros get in. Just look at his stats. Not good enough. PPG is not enough. He didn't play enough games either. Beyond that his intangibles are bad...bad attitude, not a team player, giant baby, giant ego. 0 cups. Why are we even talking about this. He could have been a lot of things, but never was.

Lindros was an overpaid,arrogant and super lazy player that should've been playing soccer instead of hockey ! Hall of Famer ? Ummm...NOT !!!!!!!!

Is this the real Brad Marsh, the slowest skater to survive a millenium in the NHL?

As a former Athlete myself, I find it difficult for this Brad to actually support the induction of a "Eric Lindross" into the Hall? What has he really done? I'm not here to degrade the guy, but he failed to produce the necessary statistics, winning attitude nor have any formal impact on the game.

We need to look at other players who impacted the change in the game- 1. Maurice Richard 2. Gordie Howe 3. Bobby Orr all pre-empted the likes of Wayne Gretz, Billy Smith, Mike Bossy - so how do you compare Eric Lindross to this elite category? There, now we enough evidence that he does not deserve this honorable induction.

Think of all the negatives about his game that overrides the positives. And that is the end of story.

Eric Lindros is NOT a Hall of Famer. He had reasonable success on ice as a player but did not promote and represent the sport well as a role model in his refusals to play in Quebec and Sault St. Marie
As minor hockey coaches we are teaching character through teamwork and cooperation and Eric unfortunately falls short as o many pro athletes in pursuit of the almighty dollar.

The only way Lindros should make the Hall of Fame is if they initiate a "whiners" category!

I would be happy to see the BIG E make it to the Hall. What I like about Eric is that he was a juvenile delinquent with a nasty reputation on and off the ice, who matured into a leader and giving person. Perhaps the hits to the head knocked some sense into him, he grew up tremendously since he played in Oshawa.

However, if gritty Stanley Cup players like Doug Gilmour and Glen Anderson never find a place in the Hall of Fame I wouldn't think it right for Eric to get in. Nobody deserves it more than Dougie, why is he so overlooked?

Simply, no. No scoring title, no Stanley Cup, and no heart or character. Big on cheese and wine is Lindros. In mine own opinion.

Absolutely Eric Lindros should be in the Hall of Fame, he brought everything into the game and climbed the charts in points and was herold for a long run. Controversy is necessary in hockey our game has changed so much that we need players like Lindros to stand up and say that this is our game and will played as the players see fit as who brings the attention who plays the sport? The players or the NHLPA? or NHL? ITS THE PLAYERS!! ERIC LINDROS ALL THE WAY!

I think Lindros is a victim of the hype he, his agent and the media created. He put himself in that position more than anyone else, and as such, people's expectations of success became that much more amplified.

To me, if you put aside all the controversy with the Nordiques, Lindros had barely an above average career; a solid player, but nothing special. To me, Lindros ushered in the era of dull 90s NHL hockey and the concept of the hulking power forward, which has been nothing but a disaster for the quality of the game.

Hall of Fame? I hope not.

Gordon Mclean said it best. Hall of Famers should be role models for ALL young atheletes. When Lindros refused to play for Quebec says it all. It showed what kind of person he really was. To play and get selected to the National Hockey League, the BEST hockey league in the world is an HONOR and A privlege and he didn't want to play in Quebec !!!! What is that telling other future NHL kids or any other athelets for that matter.

No.

Plain and simple. Sure he won a Hart trophey...but so has Jose Theodore and I can't see HIM being elected into the HOF. Lindros was a good player, but a HOFesque player, give me a break.

Keep your head up.

Lindros should absolutely get into the Hockey Hall of Fame - unless you can think of three or four dozen other players who dominated the game more than him during his pre-Stevens days.

Should he get into the Hall of Nice People? Well, almost all hockey players should, and I think it was pretty cool of him to
a) Give $5 million dollars to his hospital (How many *years* of his after-tax money is that? All of his earnings for the past four years?),
b) Bring his dominance to Team Canada every time he was asked,
c) Not sign a one-year $5 million deal with Quebec, play 10 games, go home and become a (restricted) free-agent the next year.

I was impressed with how he went back to St. Michael's for autograph sessions after he "made it big", but in the end, it's the Hockey Hall of Fame and you'd be hard pressed to make a serious case for four players who surpassed him between 1996 and 2000, let alone four slots x five years = 20 players.

Hall Of Fame? No way.

There is no question - Eric Lindros' acheivements pass the requirements for induction - however his conduct regarding the Nordiques will and SHOULD impact those charged with the decision.
In my humble opinion, he is NOT deserving.
Thanks
Joe

Comments already posted against Lindros being a HOF candidate I can only add that NO WAY should he be in the Hall of Fame. He really has not done anything, after being listed as the Next Great One, has he done anything to really impress as a Hall of famer. Maybe his whining might win.

It's too bad, in today's watered down 'Hall of Fame' he will likely get in. Cam Neely selection will ensure that. He was a good player, badly managed, but not hall of fame material.

I think he falls short because his period of excellence was just too short. But, he is probably the only player who could have a claim to be the best player in the league at one time who did not have a HOF-worthy career.

Of course he should be in the Hall of Fame...in the builder category. Because he didn't want to play in Quebec, he made the soon-to-be Avalanche a Stanley Cup contender!!

Like him or not, one look at his statistics and it's undeniable that he is Hall of Fame material. Now add to that the countless All-Star appearances, the Hart Trophy, the Lester B. Pearson award and an Olympic Gold Medal. Granted, he didn't reach the level we all thought he should attain, but that's no reason to exclude him.

Eric Lindros was an exceptional talent who was raised to believe he was bigger than the game. To turn his back on the junior and NHL teams that drafted him smelled of too much ego. I don't think his selfish approach to the game warrants a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame

Eric Lindros in the Hockey Hall of Fame? Only if they move it to Quebec City and only in the Builder category! He would look best dressed in a diaper. And of course don't forget the extra strenf-gth Goody's powder.

They would welcome possibly in the Gerber or Hall of Shame too.

Eric Lindros was Mario Lemieux without the backbone.
Possessing loads of talent & strength, but lacking the character of a leader when called upon.
The most memorable Lindros moment(to us, not Eric) was when he got smoked by Scott Stevens in the playoffs and laid unconscious face down on the ice. A picture or film clip of that check by Stevens should be the only inclusion of Eric Lindros in the Hall of Fame.

I sure like the character of Eric Limpdross as this exemplifies his arrogance and aptitude on and off the ice. He does not deserve any recognition nor consideration for the Hall. He radiates failure and no wonder what the Cherry says, he did not do justice to team(s) Canada. He was a throw in on many of our Canadian National teams as all the other superior players were either in the play-offs or prepping for major international competitions. As for the 2002 Olympics in Salt lake, the Great one most likely felt sorry for him, as you know how whiners can react or act.

Anyway, no room for him in the Hall. Make room for Tim Hunter, the pugilist from Calgary who sacrificed his whole career to win a cup for his teammates.

Gawd bliss you , limp-dross

I think that Lindros suffers from having been overated his whole carreer. Any of you who thinks he should be in the hockey hall of fame are mistaking all the hype about him for real talent. He was above average, but not much. Sure, he had his point a game average, but that really doesn't say much when he only played like 50 games a season. He never took his team anywhere and that line he was on, was more made by the other players who both deserve to be in the hall of fame before Lindros. In 50 years, the only time someone will bring up Lindros' name is when talking about the most lopsided trade ever.

What constitutes a Hall of Famer? a)Stanley Cup Championship b)At least one scoring title c)Hart trophy d)overall conduct as an ambassador for the game. No cup, no scoring title,(goals or points), albeit one Hart trophy and last one lousy ambassador. The list of wrongdoings goes on and on with "The Next One". All of which was brought on by himself, minus the concussions. In my opinion he has acted the chump throughout his career in the NHL. Should he be inducted? NO NO NO! Eric's lone milestone will be the whiner who made the HOF, paving the way for others like him. Let us not shame the game.

Lindros in the Hall of Fame? Not if the Hall wants to continue having some credability!! Yes he had talent, but talent has to be mixed with determination,cooperation, and character traits that make a champion - Lindros just did not have what it takes to be a champion and history proves that. For those who think that he cut a path or carried on a tradition that favors the players over the NHL corporation, lets just say I think you're giving him too much credit. I doubt he saw a picture that big, it's likely that his ego and his own personal comfort eclipsed any sense of duty to a team or anyone else. Lindros legacy has been defined: he will be an exellent example of the disruptive force of an individual unable or unwilliing to participate in a team game, both in attitude and action. Perhaps now Lindros can focus on something else, something his parents choose for him.

I don't believe Eric Lindros deserves the same accreditation as a Gretzky, Lemieux or even Shanahan since all he was a big monster of a player with no charisma in the game. I've watched him play and found he did not deserve the recognition everyone is bestowing upon him. He was ordinary at best! Let's face it, every player has a good year at some point in their career, so to consider him a hall of famer, nope!

He won one scoring title, but did he bring winning teams a stanley cup...not that I am aware of. So how can you strategically vote him into the hall of fame, when he didn't put a ring on his fellow teammates nor does his scoring statistics earn him a place in this wonderful hall...

When Eric Limpdross refused to play for Quebec, He should have been punted out of the NHL for being a big Mommys Boy. There are kids out there that would do anything to even watch a game never mind be a part of it. The "Big Limp" threw a huff in Juniors because He had to be too far away from Mommy, then threw a fit when he had to go to Quebec.
It serves Him right that they ( "Big Limp", Mommy and Daddy) never won a Stanley Cup.
Hall of Lame-yes, Wall of Shame-yes, Hall of Fame-no way.
Good ridance

I think Lakota said it best, are you on crack? I think maybe his brother Brett should be inducted into the HOF for having the most concussions as a professional hockey player in the shortest amount of time.

Eric Lindros in the Hockey HOF...give me a #%&*@" break.

Ken in Ottawa:

Clearly you do not watch much hockey if you describe Bure as nothing more than a one dimensional player. His job was to score goals - which he did better than most in the 90's. Just like Lemieux and Gretzky were offensive players, so was Bure. Would you also describe Lemieux and Gretzky as one dimensional? Cmon Ken - get your head in the game.

Bure at his best could dazzle fans with end to end rushes and consistently was among the top goal scorers for years. He was largely responsible for the Canucks '94 run which put them 1 goal short of the cup. Lindros' best cup run was a pathetic 4 game sweep.

Ken is typifies what is the problem with the Eastern superiority sentiment in Canada. Obviously when Bure was at his best most of his games would have been past Ken's bed time and hence he would not be aware of his impact.

Newsflash to "Rooster".This site asks for peoples opinions.Who gave you the right to tell them what that should be? As Dirty Harry once said:Opinions are like A******s,everybodys got one...evan you.

Maybe if he had a cup ring that might warrent a trip to the hall, but without that his resume is a little skimpy in my opinion even though he did dominate for a few years.

Was he talented? Yes. Was he good when he was healthy? Yes. Did he have anywhere near the talent and passion of Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux? Let's be serious. Mediocrity with a few moments of brilliance isn't Hall of Fame material.

However, in fairness, I don't think you can attack him personally. I once met a gentleman who was a retired player's agent - he'd handled Ken Dryden back in the day, among others. He'd met the Lindros family, and he had nothing but good things to say about the brothers - polite, well-spoken, good kids, both of them. The parents, on the other hand... he said he was incredulous that that two people like that could have produced such well-adjusted offspring. The sad thing is that the Big E still let them call the shots when he was old enough to know better.

Seems to me all he ever did was sit in front of the net all game, and when he did actually move, he was slower than a turtle...oh and lets not forget about the hitting from behind! Classy and talented! wow!

Are you kidding me???? Lindros in the Hall of Fame?? For 2 MVP's no Championships? a couple of scoring titles?? He was a hinderence to Philly, and really hurt himself in the eyes of fans with the Quebec garbage. Lindros does not deserve to be in the Hall, He was just another scorer who dominated a couple of seasons, He never changed the game, or redefined his position. He wasnt even a good leader... my vote if I had one would be absolutly NO.....

Ha ha freakin ha!!! The king of concussions is gonna be inducted in the hall of fame. Scott Stevens should be inducted for that beautiful centre ice hit that took Eric out.I don't care how much talent this guy has or had,his whining ways,lousy attitude and arrogance will probably be his legacy, not his hockey skills.On the ice,yes he was a gifted player,but to be side by side with Gretzky,Messier and Lemieux,well...I don't think so.

Should he be in..absolutely not! Many players before him have had better numbers and played a better game, and have not been inducted. Refusal to play for two teams in his career, like come on, if you are dedicated to the game, and love the game, then you would play where you are drafted to. I think this guy has been nothing but a joke throughout his career and never lived up to all the hype that surrounded him. For too long the blame was on his parents, and that was used as a crutch for to long. At the end of the day, he was a waste of the money that was paid to him, and never worth it.

One more thing - Lindros WAS on the gold medal winning team in Salt Lake City.

Yikes. I read the comments about his kind of talent only coming around every 10 years. What about Scott Neidemeyer drafted the same year. What about the 1993 draft. Kariya averaged over 1 pt per game and is still playing. Pronger, and Gratton were also in 1993. Saku Koivu is in 1993. Needless to mention some of the more recent picks in the NHL. Hall of famer? Not when there are so many others to pick from that were excellent players, excellent ambassadors, and impact players. Not everyone should make it to the hall of fame.

No way is Eric Lindros a Hall of Famer. Setting aside all the baggage that will forever be used to help define his career (concussions, Holdouts in both minors and the National League, parent interference etc.), when it came right down to it, Lindros showed himself hollow in the biggest moments of his career. Leading a favored team in 1997 into the Finals against Detroit he not only vanished on the ice, he snuck out of the dressing room rather than take questions about the ongoing whipping.

The bigger the game, the littler the 'E'

No he should not be admited in the Hall of fame. Only GREAT players can be in not cry babies. I really would like to hear what great players like Wayne , Mario , Gordie , Ted , Mark , and wish the Rocket would be still alive would have to say about this. If Lindros is in the Hall of Fame maybe we shopuld be in as the great hockey Fans ever !

I agree with Dude that he shook up the system. How many haters who have commented here would work for a company, or live in a town where you don't be to work or live? If you have followed the history of the game you know that players have been treated as commodities and earlier had very little say in their careers. I don't know if he should be in or out, but guys like him and Carl Brewer help to ensure that players wouldn't get screwed by people like Alan Eagleson or the former head of the NHLPA (name escapes me) who recently got the axe. Maybe he was a whiner at times, but he was not lacking in courage any time he fought the "sytem".

Lindros is a typical product of the "Me Generation" of the 1980's. And as is so typical of the Elite Crop of Athletes from that generation lindros placed his own self-importance above all & never really matured into a true leader & this where he unfullfilled his promise most.
We saw the talent. He put up numbers, he provide some spectacular play & we all witnessed that combination of size & skill. Then why are we left wondering if he's even good enough to make it into the Hall?
What I'll always remember is that when it mattered most how easy it seemed to marginalize Lindros. Unlike Gretzky, Lemieux, Messier, Phil Esposito ('72 summit) & even Jagr (when he was so dominant for Chzech in Salt Lake)...players who brought their game to another level when it mattered most... Lindros all too often would become a non-factor. As talented as he was Lindros could be removed as a significant threat.
Lindros's biggest dissapointment was as a leader & I think this will be his legacy. He never won a cup in Philly.....no matter how much talent they surrounded him with. The Canada squads he Captained were some of our most dissapointing teams. Yes, he did play on some championship teams,but, he was never their leader. Nor their most valuable player.
I think Lindros should be inducted into the Hall because he the quintessential power forward. Unfortunately, he just never materialized into one of hockey's all time greats.....and this is what he was expected to be.

Come on now!! Lindros in the Hall? No way! Sure he was dominating for 5 years but are players now getting put into the hall for what could have been. Yea he was a force, yea he was great for team canada, but in my eyes all he ever was was a cry baby if he didnt get his way and a mushroom of a head player who couldnt keep his head up!!! He should have retired 5 years ago! No respect for Lindros at all and loved seeing the big man get dominated by Jovo and Stevens!!!

Lindros in the Hall of Fame is a tough call. Many are still bitter about his decision to not play for Quebec, although he did warn them he wouldn't play. Then the Nordiques wasted an entire season by making him sit for a year.

He was a player that was hyped as the next Gretzky and Lemieux. The Nordiques got 6-7 players for him including Forsberg and $15 million. He was a can't miss kid. At first it appeared he was headed that way then injuries ruined his career.

He didn't appear very charismatic or very bright off the ice in interviews and so on.

Lindros may enter the hall one day, but it won't be in his first opportunity. Players such as Glenn Anderson and Claude Lemieux deserve to be there first.

should get in. my don`t we have a lot of insecure love the establishment comments.if they keep him out, in time he will be in, in both as a player and as a builder .look out bettman.

What criteria determines whether someone is inducted into the HHOF? It sounds like they have very minimal requirements. If he were a baseball player he wouldn't have a chance.

The only Lindros to be inducted should be Carl and Bonnie. In the Builder Category.

I hope you see my point and I hope you're laughing. And I hope there is even more laughter in the room, when or if anyone on the HHOF selection committee ever has the audacity to nominate Eric (don't want to play for Gretzky's Greyhounds) Lindros.

And of all of his ignorant decisions and selfish manoeuvers, the week of November 5 takes the cake. Announcing his retirement on the week of Hall of Fame inductions. How selfish can this guy get?

Am I the only one to catch on to this?

I wonder if any reporters will ask Mr. Messier, " do you think Eric Lindros should be inducted... " as they put his jacket on him at centre ice this weekend.

to put him in the hall of fame based on numbers? no...too many other players with the same... for international talent? no...embarrassed team canada at salt lake, made captain because bobby clarke was running it...for winning the hart? wasn't that during the strike year where only 48 games were played, and what did he do in the playoffs, or any other playoffs...for being an asshole and refusing to play in Quebec... yes bobby clarke said on TV he should be in the HHOF, I'm sure if you were close to him and asked him off camera he'd probably tell you something different...For having a great junior career? ok lets put Daige and Wickeniser and maybe Lawton in.
I'll say Lindros was impressive at times, however he was a big man with soft hands which was unheard of back then, also keep in mind he size made him great in junior playing against boys still not physically developed. No stanley cups. Didn't make others better. Helped Colorado win a few stanley cups(or the goof ball that made that trade did...Forsberg is twice the player lindros is). Lacked respect among fans and players. Why did Tocchet give him a beating in the locker room??? hmm... I think him and his parents drove bobby clarke crazy and thats probably why he's such an oddball. If Lindros had Walter Gretzky as a dad maybe things would of been different for him. Sorry Eric, too much hype your whole career about your abilities and size and your off ice shananigans...you were a good player for a few years but its a waste of time for us even considering you for
the hall of fame...

Talent alone should get him in the hall, all you other whiners are all about personally hating him, and lets face it...your personal feelings on the matter mean nothing. He was better than 95 % of the people who ever played this game, simple as that.

Hockey is a TEAM sport and Eric Lindros was not a team player. He always came across as an arrogant, classless, selfish whiner - not the type of person that I would want young hockey players or young people in general to emmulate. All things considered, a marginal career at best.

Eric Lindros should absolutely be in the HOF. There was nothing like watching that guy play with his phenomenal on-ice gifts. As a journalist, I interviewed him once, about his close relationship with his beloved late coach, Roger Nielsen. knowing his reputation with the media, I was slightly intimidated, and then totally won over. For 45 minutes, he was a delightful interview, warm, funny, and insightful. I wish him all the best in his post-hockey journey, which will no doubt include an induction ceremony.

I can't believe this guy is even being considered for the H0F. Then if he is, I believe Cam Neeley should be too, at least Cam was more of a gentleman than Crybaby Eric ever will be. He never scored 50 goals, no cup. Did he ever play a full season?? Good question. He refused to be drafted by Quebec and then the Nordiques moved to Colorado and went on to win the cup without good'ole Lindros. Too bad so sad. Someone mentioned he was the best player in Nagano.. Did we win the gold in Nagano?? He should have risen and become MVP. Nope.

Clarke said he was close to Wayne and Mario ! HELLO !

The entire Red Army team of the 70’s should be in and baby Lindros should be out

Lindros? In the Hall of Fame? Are you on crack? Even disregarding the attitude and the Quebec City-hating (which people here, like Don Cherry's continued anti-Quebec ranting paid with our taxes, still resent), he's a guy who could never live up to any expectations of performance. He belongs with Alexandre Daigle in the "great could-have-beens" category. Putting him in the Hall of Fame would belittle the merit of the Gretzkys and Lemieux who truly belong there.

At best Lindros is a borderline choice. If it was just a numbers game Glenn Anderson would've been in a long time ago. 498 goals (41st all-time) and 1099 total points (54th overall) and 6 Stanley Cups. Count'em. Six. The fact is that in order to get in you there must be some other criteria involved that the voters consider. There must also be a need to be beyond or mostly beyond the appearance of any impropriety or poor behavior off-ice as well. In short, carrying yourself with even a hint of being a gentleman/mensch would help. Lindros' career was marked by consistently bad press. He did not make friends amongst the NHL brass, press corps, or in some cases, teammates. Was he a dominant player in his prime? Absolutely, but he never lived up to his potential. A classic prima donna who when push came to shove, never delivered. The great ones quietly, gracefully (Yzerman) win or if they do speak up (Messier vs NJD 1994) they deliver. If Lindros hadn't whined (remember the pacifiers thrown on the ice his first game in Quebec City?) and stayed in Quebec he could've played with the likes of Sakic and Sundin. Does anybody question if those two will make it in or not?

In sharp contrast to the previous comment, I don't believe very many people including myself will miss Lindros.

He was over hyped from day one, never lived up to his potential, was not a leader but rather a cancer, and he believed in setting his own rules on running the game. He insulted the people of Quebec, then he wanted to play for Toronto, and when he did, he did not deliver.

The game did not need Eric Lindros, and the last thing the game should do is put him in the Hall of Fame.

In sharp contrast to the previous comment, I don't believe very many people including myself will miss Lindros.

He was over hyped from day one, never lived up to his potential, was not a leader but rather a cancer, and he believed in setting his own rules on running the game. He insulted the people of Quebec, then he wanted to play for Toronto, and when he did, he did not deliver.

The game did not need Eric Lindros, and the last thing the game should do is put him in the Hall of Fame.

Lots of debate about what determines a Hall of Fame career.
- Longevity? MANY have very long and "steady" carrers.
- Scoring goals? Unless you're a Canucks fanatic you'll realize that "One-dimension Bure" is clearly no Hall of Famer.(plleeasse bring me the puck, I can score)
- Meddling Parents ? Shut-up!
- Being a rebel ? Shut-up!
- winning a cup ? Nope! Many non-winners in all sports
- Having the skills to be as dominant as any player ever to play the game ? Yes, that'll do it.

Love him or hate him, at his best(albeit a little short on longevity), Eric Lindros could dominate a game as much as any player ever to play. I witnessed it more than once!

PS...those who can't even use Google to verify his Olympic gold. Shut-up !

Boy are there some ridiculous posters on here. I wonder how (if) some of you were able to comprehend the article. His numbers stack up against and in some cases exceed other Hall of Famers, thus he should be in the hall. That's it, stop whining about his prima donna, selfish attitude. Enough about "what is wrong with today's society" (newsflash- the world has always had a me-first, selfish attitude- ask the native indians). And who compared Lindors to Daigle? Is that a joke? Seriously, there is alot of mis-information stated in these posts, I cant believe these are actual opinions.

Hmm...I wonder if his Mommy and Daddy
will dictate what year he is to be
inducted. He was a fabulous player when
he was younger, but Philly seems to
have a way with Poisoning players. Plus,
there is that hole Brind'Amour wife thing....

Hmm...I wonder if his Mommy and Daddy
will dictate what year he is to be
inducted. He was a fabulous player when
he was younger, but Philly seems to
have a way with Poisoning players. Plus,
there is that hole Brind'Amour wife thing....

Eric Lindros deserves to be in the hall of fame. For 5 years he was the best player in the league. Set aside his idiot father and look at what Eric did as a player. His stats speak for themselves, (although a cup may have solidified his place in the hall) the biggest reason I would put him in the hall is that he made a big impact on what GM's wanted in their players. After Lindros began to dominate GM's changed what they were looking for in players. Big strong players that had decent skills suddenly became first round draft picks. Also, in his prime Eric Lindros was the dominant force in hockey, to get in the hall of fame a player must be better than all the players around him at that point in time and I think Eric definetly falls into that category/ In my opinion the fact that lindros was a prototype for what every gm in the league wanted for the next 10 years gets him in the hall.

Glen Anderson, 5 cups, not in.
Claude Lemieux, 3 cups with 3 different teams, not in.

Eric Lindros, no cup in 4 different teams.
Hall of Fame ? No, definitely NO.
Hall of Shame ? Yes, big YES. Along with his protective parents who never leave him a chance to grown up.

No way, In my mind he does not rate H.O.F. status.

If it's only on ice accomplishments that are to be considered for entry then I have no respect for the Hockey Hall of Fame. Eric did not have any great respect for the game, at least to start, maybe he later appreciated it once he couldn't take it for granted any longer.

I can't wait until we have this debate for Todd Bertuzzi and it's once again the fans lined up against the sports reporters.

Saying Eric deserves inclusion because his numbers are comparable to one player (Neely) who did make the cut is the kind of union logic that leads to run-away wage inflation. How about also comparing him to all the players who *haven't* made the hall? Such as Glenn Anderson, already mentioned, with six Stanley cup rings, the man Gretzky once described as a "human goal scoring machine". Admittedly, Anderson doesn't deserve to be induced into the Hall of Class any more than Lindros. If he had directed as much energy toward avoiding Bobby that's-not-a-concussion Clarke as he did avoiding the Nordiques, he might still have his head attached, and have played enough career games to make this discussion moot. It really comes down to how a person chooses to subdivide Fame into class vs notoriety. Did the other players respect Lindros? Certainly enough to skate with their heads up, if that's the kind of respect we're talking about.

Good player? Yes. Hall of Fame player? No, not by any stretch (legendary status, skill, and everything).

This first time I seen Lindros was when the Generals were playing Sudbury. He was a man among boys. Everybody watching knew they were seeing the next NHL superstar.

He had the complete package - size, vision, soft hands and mean streak. I remember him as a human wrecking ball in the 1991 Canada Cup. He had it all, but then that all fell apart during the draft when he told Quebec not to bother drafting him. I thought he was a punk that felt he was bigger than the game.

During his early career he was an unstoppable force. But, then the injuries and off ice incidents started to pile up. By the time he was in his late 20s he was former shell of himself. By the time the Leafs signed him, he was washed up.

Does he belong in the Hall of Fame - no. I feel he lacked the criteria for admission - no scoring titles, no cups, wasn't a leader and injuries. There are a lot of more deserving players that aren't in the hall.

Regardless of what I might think of his personality, I just don't think he played long enough at a high level to be considered.
As for "Dude" from Toronto, you should try watching NHL hockey not the Leafs. There are at least a dozen players today who are far more talented. Ever heard of guys like Crosby? Heatley? Kolvachuk? Iginla? Now those are impact players.

Only Torontonians could push for his induction. If he is inducted, that will only demonstrate what a joke the HOF is. Today is a great day for ice hockey. Let's have a beer to celebrate the end of his shameful career and leave it at that...

GO HABS!

The Hockey Hall of Fame...NO! The injury Hall of Fame...maybe! But because of his name and all the hype from Junior to the NHL he'll get in...oh and did I mention his dad will probably have something to do with it.

I'm shocked anyone would even consider Lindros for the HOF. He was never a dominant player and his major contribution was getting the Flyers to give up their future to the Nordiques.

The sad part is that the powers to be will put him into the hall of fame because it's what they want and not what the public want. The REALY SAD thing is that Lindros had all the skills, size and stregth to be a great player and role model of our national game...Did he do this, did he lay it all on the line and play the game to his fullest everytime...NO. a hall of fame player is the best of the best not just a player who played like the best when he felt like it or when it was in his best interest.

I'm interested in who the Hall would open its doors for first; Lindros, his me-first attitude and his 865 points, as a first-line center and power-play specialist,and no Stanley Cups. Or, Claude Provost, his team-first attitude, his 589 points primarily as a defensive specialist and his 9 Stanley Cups.

I don't know about whether or not he deserves to be in the HHOF. However I do remember seeing a survey in 1994 where they polled the current GM's. They overwhelmingly voted Eric Lindros as "the cornerstone player to build a franchise around".

Should Eric Lindros be in the Hockey Hall of Fame? You have to ask the question: based on what? And how does that compare to others who are not as of yet in the HHOF.
Based on exceptional skills in peak years: YES
Based on accumulative stats: NO
Based on character: NO (insulted many people)
Based on being an ambassador to the game of hockey: NO (did much harm)
Based on supporting good causes: NO (did he ever give anything back?)
Based on being an impact player: NO (often faded when it counted)
Based on longevity: NO (‘nough said)
Given all those criteria, I would give my vote to numerous no-name no-nonsense defensemen such as Craig Muni before I would give it to Lindros. If there weren’t Canadian character craftsmen such as Sakic, Messier, Gretzky, Yzerman and uncountable others around I would have tuned out long ago. But Lindros in the HHOF? On balance, no way. You may as well close the HHOF, unless, of course, they have a special room for the HHOShame…

No way. Lindros will go down in history as a whiner & a trouble maker. He fought every system in place all along the way. The potential was there maybe, but it was never realized. HHOF should be a special place for special players. It is already getting watered down. Adding Lindros would just make this worse. Besides, if he ever was elected, he would probably refuse to join. He's done this sort of thing before remember. Not exactly what you'd call a team player when it comes to such things.

How could anyone possibly consider Eric Lindros over Paul Henderson? In my books, if Henderson supposedly isn't good enough for the HHOF, Lindros is waaaaaay down there at the bottom of the list.

Give it to Henderson & then hope Lindros just goes away quietly!

People, Lindros did win the Gold Medal in Salt Lake City. All you have to do is go on the internet and find out about it. Nobody made it up, it really happen!

Nothing like putting an intolerant player into the Hall of Fame! After the Sault Ste. Marie and then the Nordiques fiasco it was obvious, that this kind of career would be looked at as a shame. None of this would have been possible without the help, of course, of his parents who no doubt steered him the wrong way. I have no clue how this kind of guy with this kind of character could be looked at as challenging the status quo. If that is the case, why didn't we see any holding out or any of the arrogance from the likes of Crosby or any of the new talent today? Keep him out of the Hall.

If Lindros makes it in there's no reason Pavel Bure should not make it in either. I don't think either of them should but since Lindros was once a Leaf he probably will since this is about the only thing Toronto fans have to look forward to every year.

Eric Lindros? Hall of Famer? I think not. He has not even been an ambassador for the game...I recall he spat beer in a woman's face in Whitby one time and was charged by police. He was way overrated. He had a bad attitude when he was drafted and refused to go to Quebec and should have been gratefull. He will be remembered by me as an arrogant player. He was also injury plagued. If he makes it to the Hall of Fame, as impossible as that is, his memorial should be the clip of Stevens from NJ labelling him and knocking him out at Centre Ice.

Why exactly did I just start typing...Oh yes, something about admitting some no name player to the Hall of Fame...sorry, I've got to take the trash its more important.

No way HOF, not even close. People are crazy for even putting him in that class. He had a few good years BUT he never scored 50, never won a cup, he didn't even combine for 50 goals in his last 4 years. How many guys in the 500 goal club can't even get in the hall. Look at Glenn Anderson, I can't stand the guy but he had 498 goals won 5 cups and was an absolute killer come playoff time with almost another 100 goals and he's not in.

My oh my, what a collection of opinions! Maybe the ability to polarize fans and generate vitriol should be a qualifier for induction into the Hall?

Look, his public character has no bearing on this issue. After all, his fellow players seem to respect him, based on his increasingly high profile in the NHLPA. Quebec was a long time ago, let alone those that bring up the Soo. And yes, his parents are quite possibly certifiably insane. With the exception of my kids, whose aren't? (Well, the jury is still out on my ex-wife!)

Let some time pass and then judge him on his record as a player. I'm not saying he belongs...or that he doesn't. I think he's on the bubble. On one side, you have his achievements, and on the other you have his failures. A few years, and the opinion of a few people that know more about both hockey and Eric himself will decide where his place in hockey history lies.

its like this...anyone who thinks he should not go in is just a hater...im not a fan but at the end of the day when honesty kicks in i tell u this guy had one of the most dominating jr. careers ever..mem cups, jr gold, canada cup and yes olympic gold in salt lake!..someone tried to say he didnt...he graciously played his role there...he was also our best player in Nagano hands down...so yes he should and will be in there and i also felt for him cause he was the first to have to face the modern media our players face today as a jr star.

Lindros: over-rated, underperformed and was too influenced by his parents direction to take one of his own. Hall of Fame? If averaging a point a game and performing at the junior and international level gets you into the Hall of Fame we better open the flood gates to a whole bunch of other, as you put it, "Lindros types".

Michael Graham:

Lindros never won no gold medal in Salt Lake. Why are you making up statistics for your 'so-called' Hall of Famer??

Nothing but a washed up Joke!!! This guy never had the talent from day one. It was just his size that got him through junior. HOF!!! are ya kidding. If he's in it, I SHOULD BE ALSO!!!!
I watched him play live lots and it was nothing but a disappointment.
Put his career six feet under and forget about him.

His NHL career falls well short of HOF status, particularly given his failure as a captain. And name of the Hall notwithstanding, for modern era players the NHL career is what counts. The HHOF needs to set the bar higher than this for induction.

Any player that refuses to play for the team he was drafted by has no business being in the Hall of Fame

Isn't there supposed to be a waiting period in order to enter the HOF? And since we're on the subject...Why not put Eric Lindros' mother on the ballot too? If it wasn't for her...maybe Eric would have won the Stanley Cup with Colorado.

I know he belongs in the Hall of Fame he was a talent that only comes along about every 10 years however he knows that he will never be considered a great player because they are the individuals who have a ring on their finger and put the team ahead of themselves...HE DIDN"T.....and the real players are the ones that settle for nothing less then that....

To be inducted one must have excelled. Eric didn't. That's not to take away from his accomplishments, but he isn't even in the Iginla, Sakic, or Smyth category. Let him ride off into the sunset...not appear on the stage at the HHOF.

Let's see ... Lindros never played a complete season without suffering some kind of injury ... he never led a team to a Stanley Cup victory and made it to the final series just once ... I think he did win one NHL scoring title ... and if you argue the Hall of Fame is not the NHL Hall of Fame, but the Hockey Hall of Fame, then we better start putting more stuff in there about midget hockey players, the guy who invented the Zamboni, smalltown hockey scorekeepers, and don't forget to include Paul Newman for starring in the movie SLAPSHOT
If inclusion in the Hall DOES go beyond the NHL and includes international competition, why the HELL is Paul Henderson not in the Hall? It seems to me he is the central character in what could be viewed as the most pivotal event of hockey, the 1972 Summit Series.
Lindros in the Hall of Fame? I don't think so. He just did not do anything of any real noteworthiness, other than create a furor during the NHL draft. That is his legacy and what he will be most remembered for, in my mind.

I know he belongs in the Hall of Fame he was a talent that only comes along about every 10 years however he knows that he will never be considered a great player because they are the individuals who have a ring on their finger and put the team ahead of themselves...HE DIDN"T.....and the real players are the ones that settle for nothing less then that....

Sure glad I don't have to listen to this guy's radio show.Haven't read all the comments,but so far,I completely agree with the postings by Joe,Rob and the Canuck.To Clarence from Moncton:loved to have read your first posting...If Lindross gets into the Hall,they may as well put in TEDDY,The Wonder Lizard.

Lindros never won no gold medal in Salt Lake City...Don't be adding stats that ever existed.

Lindros had talent and for a period of time(w/ the Flyers) he showed he was a force to be reckoned with. He was a stand out with the National Team(juniors included). Should he be in....if compared to Cam Neely definetly. Neely was a result of players he played with, those who played with Lindros were better for it.

The hit he pasted Schel Samuelson with, while maintaining possession of the puck, as he crossed Team Sweden's blue line in the last Canada Cup is enough for me to see him in The Hall!

I was watching TSN last night and they had a round table discussion so to speak. Needless to say I was floored when they asked Bobby Clarke if Lindros should be inducted into the hall of fame, and he said yes. The person who we would assume liked Eric the least was for inducting him into the HoF.

I don't know, it's one fo those things, when you see some guy who gives another a hard time his whole career, yet gives him kudos for what he did. Let's face it, he is and always will be a Hart Trophy winner - that says quite a bit.

It's too bad he never kept his chin up in teh big leagues, learned the hard way he couldn't always dominate on the ice. I will say though, when Lindros did step on the ice, you knew it. A few concussions later, the mood changed. Really a sad story when he had so much potential.

Lindros is a baby and forget the stats he is like a Ty Cobb in my eyes. Good player but ALL ABOUT ERIC.

Hall of Fame? When will you stop hyping this guy?

Love him or hate him???

I absolutely 100% hate him.

While I don't believe he should be in, I think he will be simply because of the rules of the hall of fame. Unlike other sports, baseball is the one that immediately comes to mind, the Hockey Hall of Fame is required to induct X number of people a year. While the Hockey Hall of Fame inducts four (I think) people per year, the baseball hall in Cooperstown isn't required to induct anyone annually just becuase they can. Instead, the hall is treated as something truly special and unique as oppsoed to a place where people get in simply because they have to let in someone. I'll make an exception for this year becuase the four players going to the hockey hall this year really do deserve it.

From 1993 to 1997 his points per game were over 1.5 which is amazingly high. No player has ever combined skill, offensive ability, size and being a power forward in such a dominant fashion.

The only element missing is longevity which I don't know will be enough to keep him out of the Hall of Fame.

Lindros could have been, would have been and perhaps should have been a 'hall of famer' had he played a little longer and put up a little more in the way of NHL points.

By the end of this season, he'll likely be out of the NHL's Top 100 point leaders, passed by the likes of Alex Kovalev and Markus Naslund. Lindros didn't reach the 500 goal plateau; he didn't get 1000 points; nor did he play in 1000 NHL games. He only netted 100 points once in his career, although 70 points during a lock-out shortened 1994-1995 season wasn't too shabby.

Although Lindros was the “first” in the long line gritty but talented power forward types who got drafted in the early '90s it doesn't make him the best - see Peter Forsberg. Oddly enough Lindros and Forsberg will forever be linked together. From being drafted in the same year and subsequently traded for each other, to retiring in the same year (pending Forsberg's wonky ankle). Even further still, by way of Lindros' holding out and forcing the Nordiques to deal him to the Flyers, it loaded up a Quebec/Colorado franchise with Forsberg and friends allowing Peter to have his name engraved on the beautiful trophy that Eric was never able to win - The Stanley Cup.

Lindros certainly had the talent to put up NHL points and make it into the all the fame however, it was his style of play and believing he was physically indestructible which let to his down fall, with injuries limiting his career and playing time. Lindros' potential went unfulfilled in the NHL and although it's unfortunate, it’s how it is.

If he had won a Stanley Cup with the Flyers instead of getting swept in four games, maybe. If he had a few more productive years definitely. His career, however, was too short not only in terms of seasons but games played as well. Lindros often brought to mind a passage from Ken Dryden's "The Game" in which he described Guy Lafleur's passion for practice and unintended training of muscle memory and development of creativity and compared it to the overstructured and overmanaged childhoods of more recent generations of players. In many ways Lindros typified the lack of heart and lack of creativity or flare for the game. He brought size, and attitude as much as skill but the attitude transcended his talents off and on the ice. If he wants into the HHOF he can buy a ticket like the rest of us.

Since when does a players demeanor have anything to do with his merits to enter the hall? Lindros did have some great years untill the rest of the league discovered that he always skates with his head down. There are many currnet non hof'ers that deserve to be inducted before him. If there is a weak year of inductees in the next five to ten years I could see him making it in, but I dont think he deserves it. How long did Cam Neely wait?

Cam brought more good to his team then lindros ever did. Sure Lindros had a few more points per game but does that make him better or just as warranted to be in the hall? Absolutely not...you get in the hall for being a complete player, a scorer, and a person who sets an example off the ice. That was cam neely. Lindros was only a good scorer and he wasnt even that great of a scorer. His injuries/concussions were in large his own fault, he constantly got caught with clean (one or 2 not so clean) body checks which he never saw coming because he was watching himself stick handle with his head down....we all no what happens when you skate with your head down - every minor hockey league player knows that - he never got it and got pumped out of the rest of his career. His character was sketchy, from junior ranks, to draft day, to demanding to be traded, constantly whining about his "choice" comparing playing hockey to the choice of the free market enterprise of the real world...I said it back then, you dont like the NHL works? Go play in Europe... As for the hall, I would love to hear him cry one more time about not getting in, because thats what he deserves. Period.

To all those comparing Lindros and Neely:The game of hockey lost something when Cam Neely retired. Today, the game of hockey lost nothing when Lindros retired. That is why he (Lindros) should not be in the HHOF.

I feel sorry for Lindros in that he was clearly misguided by over-bearing parents at such a young age. However, induction into the HHOF requires more than sympathy. It is not his fault that he was voted in and Im sure all the negative comments as to why he should not be in will weigh heavily upon him the rest of his life. He knows as well as anyone else that his play (and especially his "potential" play)does not meausre up to the standards.
Hopefully, a couple of lessons can be learned here 1) NOBODY should be allowed to buck the established and successful establishment of the NHL until he has proved himself to be "all that" in the league. 2)Admission to the HHOF needs to be based upon true accomplishment, not what might have been
Nice try Hockey Politians...the public knows the truth...I'll bet you could make quite the omellette with all the collective eggs on your faces!

Sorry, not for me.
Lindros is the most talented player to never learn to cross the blue line with his head UP. Something that he would have learned in the juniors hed he not be so much bigger than all the other kids.

If you chose to put all the unfulfilled talents who ended up having just okay careers in the hall of fame, You'll have to build an extension to the building.

Yes, he fought to change things, but off the ice, not on it. Did holding out for so long improve anything? Did his well known off-ice adventures show outstanding character? Did Lindros really have an impact on the game at all? Did he change how the game is played? Did he make you hold your breath? Did he ever make you stop and wonder just how he pulled a move, or got a shot off?
Nope... He was a big, fast guy who skated like a brute and had a decent shot.
Take most decent players today, make them 245lbs of power...and there you have it. Lindros...

I think the comparisons to Daigle are unfair, Lindros accomplished far more than Daigle ever did, and he didn't ever retire to decide if his heart was in it. He had injury problems and feuds with the various organizations that he was a part of, but this wasn't from a lack of his heart being in the game (and yes, a number of these issues were of his own making, so this isn't an attempt to divert blame from him).

Having said all of that, I think it's dangerous to argue on his behalf by using his injury problems in his favour. Obviously, one extreme of this argument would say that Dan Blackburn would have had a Hall-of-Fame-worthy career had he not suffered a back injury which forced him into early retirement (after all, he was one of the rare breed of young goaltenders to make his team as a teenager, and one could assume that had he not been forced to retire then he would have been the Rangers' starter for at least four eyars already). This entire mode of argument relies on a balance between one's actual accomplishments and one's potential accomplishments had injury not stepped in.

In Blackburn's case, obviously the former do not support the consideration of the latter, but if you want to include the latter to support the Hall-of-Fame worthiness of the actual accomplishments of Lindros then that seems to argue that there is a dividing line somewhere between Blackburn and Lindros in terms of injuries being an argument in favour of one's accomplishments. Specifically, that if one accomplishes enough in a short period of time and suffers enough injuries over a longer period of time, then the injuries are actually an asset to that player's chances of induction. That seems counterintuitive to me, I'm not sure how one would support that argument.

Lindros was a great player. Other then his initial refusal to go to Quebec, I don't think he generated or created much passion among fans. I personnaly viewed this snub similar to that of Elway's snub of the Colts when he threatened to paly baseball insted of playing for the then lowly Baltimore Colts. Lindros always seemed to leave hockey fans with a series of "what ifs" since he never fully realized his potential due to injuries. At his peak, he was one of the best players in the game and could change the momentum of a game either by using his skill, speed or strength. There are players in the Hall of Fame who did less in the careers or that had less of an impact during their time in the league then Lindros. Many of those players are there and thought of more highly because they fully realized their potential whereas Lindros did not rise to the level of a mega star such as was anticipated, like Gretzky or Lemieux. If Lindros is not voted in to the Hall it may be more because he failed to live up the expectation of being the "next one" then for what he actually accomplished.

The only halls Lindros should be in are the halls of shame, blame and not in your life. His play was no where near anyone who should go in, he made a mockery of the draft system and spent more time whining and "woe is me" than any good Canadian should. The only good thing he did was join the Maple Laffs. He fit right in!

On the basis of his hockey career outside the NHL being pulled in for consideration, I would say that he is in. However, in terms of his accomplishments in the NHL - largely he was a failure. One can argue that injury took away from what might have been a spectacular career - but still, his career was far from spectacular. I don't see how you can allow him in and not allow say, Pavel Bure in - he has equal large accomplishments outside the NHL, was closer to a cup win than Lindros ever was and was perhaps the most feared sniper of the 90's. Bottom line - there are other players worthy of admission to the Hall before the Big E gets in.

Lindros was, without doubt, the quintisential power forward. Part Howe, part Neely and part Gretzky, there are few players that have ever played the game that were as powerful as Lindros. Hockey Hall of Fame material? Absolutely. We'll miss you Eric.

Will he be inducted in the Builder category?
His stubborness ultimately DID contribute to the Colorado Avalanche mini-dynasty there.

These are the days of hype... the media wants to brand superstars who are still in junior, and proclaim "dynasty" status on teams who have won only one cup.. but have a great nucleus. Such it has been with Eric Lindros.
When he entered the NHL everyone was told he was the next this or that (a very annoying habit as well which still infests sports media today), and we were all told of his great skills. I still think my perception of Eric is based on what I have been told to expect. How many other players could have made the Hall of Fame with such a hype machine?

One last thing. Being on a team that wins a gold medal does not mean you were instumental in obtaining that gold medal... Are people going to talk about Ed Belfour's career and use his Olympic gold medal from 2002 as part of his resume to the Hall?

Hall Of Famer based on what? Head injuries? Refusal to play for the team the drafted him? Overrated and undertalented player? Not winning a cup or a scoring title? He's just another average hockey player at best.

Wow...and I thought Americans were bad when it came to passing judgment on sports players.

Look, you may really hate Eric Lindros (and from the looks of it - most Canadians do), but as so many others have already posted - you have to look at his stats - comparing them to those that are already in the HOF. He was a force to be reckoned with. He was an impact player. And he will be missed. Let's face it controversy exists in sports - just look at A-Rod and the Yankees, Barry Bonds and the record breaking, Spygate and the New England Patriots. In fact, controversy is what brings most fans to the field/arena/rink. I say get over it and get on with accepting the fact that he deserves to be in the Hall. After all, HE and NOT his parents is the one we're arguing over being inducted.

I wish more Americans actually watched hockey, but they don't. Perhaps having Lindros regain the swagger he had in his early career would help that cause. I guess we'll just never know.

A great hockey player with a unique skill set. Dominating at times. Knocking out Ulfie as a teenager when NHLers couldn't was an awesome moment.

However , really only had 7 strong seasons. Not enuff. Combined with his poor character , sorry Eric , you're on the outside lookin' in.

It's remarkable how many times I've read that Eric 'missed out on winning two cups with the Avs'. The Avs won the cup _because_ of the ridiculous lopsided return they yielded on trading Eric.

He's a HOFer - no doubt.

During the playoffs in his last year as a juniour Lindros did something that, to me, defined him as a player who would never deserve the respect that is emblematic of the hall of fame. My son who was 7 at the time waited outside the dressing room for 2 hours with the Lindros rookie card in hand. Lindros stopped and signed many cards before jumping on the team bus. When we left the arena my son showed me the card. Lindros has scribbled over the card. A friend of mine ran a card shop and I showed him the card. He told me that he had been shown several cards that were all scribbled on. He then showed me an actual signature to prove what Lindros had done. He intentionally defaced the cards because we were in Sudbury and therefore the opposing team. What a sad testiment to character. Undeserving of the honor that the hall of fame represents.

I guess i'll have to tone it down since you are not posting my first comment. I'm sure Mr. Marek, the author of the insightful peice beleives that a guy with who has not won one major event as a professional, never scored fifty goals once, had his own team question his leadership has his reasons for why he should be in the Hall of Fame. I guess he thinks he should be in the Hall because what he should have done. He should have dominated but he didn't. he should have won a cup but he didn't. He should have lead Canada to gold in 92 but he didn't. He should have fifty goals...let's say at least once to be considered in the hall of fame as a POWER FORWARD...he didn't. He should have scored 500 goals...not even close. He did win one MVP in a seaon that was 47 games long and that's it. Having this conversation makes me ill. What an insult to those players that are oh so close with acutal tangible numbers. 88 is one of the biggest sports bust in modern day. His biggest contribution to the game was being so highly over valued by the flyers they gave the Nordiques the building blocks for a dynasty. Is that nicer?

Lindros=overrated. His stats do compare well with Cam Neely's, so he'll probably get in to the Hockey Hall of Fame. It should be noted that a lot of players make it in with substandard play, so I think the issue is more with who is elected. It should probably be reserved for the great players like Gretzky, Lemieux, Messier, Francis Yzerman etc.

"No" to Hall of Fame for Lindros. He was a tough impact player for a brief period, but not such that it warrents a ticket to Hall of Fame. His cocky attitude, including his snubbing of Quebec, did not serve him nor the league well. Even the so-called experts who support his admission to Hall of Fame seem to relish in using the "Cam-Neely-is-in,-why not-Lindros" card to support their argument. Hey, there are many players who could be in based on this line of thinking. At the same time, I do believe that indeed there are players currently in the HOF that should not be there. Time to reserve the Hall of Fame for truly the elite players who have accomplished exceptional hockey feats and, in the process, did the game proud.

Lindros is a perfect example of whats wrong with our society at the present. It has become a "ME" world and everyone else be dammed. In my work, I deal with people with this attitude. Granted, he was a talented Hockey player; however, that does not give him permission to act like an immature primadonna. As for the Hall of Fame, he had his chance to prove his potential. He could of been one of the "Great Ones" but for whatever reasons he could not do it.

I guess i'll have to tone it down since you are not posting my first comment. I'm sure Mr. Marek, the author of the insightful peice beleives that a guy with who has not won one major event as a professional, never scored fifty goals once, had his own team question his leadership has his reasons for why he should be in the Hall of Fame. I guess he thinks he should be in the Hall because what he should have done. He should have dominated but he didn't. he should have won a cup but he didn't. He should have lead Canada to gold in 92 but he didn't. He should have fifty goals...let's say at least once to be considered in the hall of fame as a POWER FORWARD...he didn't. He should have scored 500 goals...not even close. He did win one MVP in a seaon that was 47 games long and that's it. Having this conversation makes me ill. What an insult to those players that are oh so close with acutal tangible numbers. 88 is one of the biggest sports bust in modern day. His biggest contribution to the game was being so highly over valued by the flyers they gave the Nordiques the building blocks for a dynasty. Is that nicer?

Unfortunately, he should be admitted into the hall of fame. I say unfortunately, because even infamy is a type of fame. He was an arrogant "Mama's boy", but he still brought a combination of size and skill that impressive, even if he didn't meet expectations. I never much liked him, but he certainly is a player to be remembered.

Lindros was always long on hype and short on production when it mattered. Just good enough to get himself on the ice when it really mattered and then choking consistently. Lindros' career is marked by appearing in alot of improtant games and then losing them. Team Canada won the gold medal in the olympics despite Lindros (his play led to two goals against vs Sweden and he was pretty much benched for the last several games). That gold medal was about the only championship he ever earned except for the cup he brough to Colorado because of the deal they made getting rid of him while they were the Nordiques.

Hall of Fame? Please, unless pissing and moaning is a catagory he shouldn't even be considered.

Eric Lindros was a whiner and a floater and if he had chosen to wear his heart on his sleeve then he would of been a shoe in for the hockey hall of fame. I vote NO!

Lindros is not Hall of Fame Calibre. He was nowhere near the type of player who could be compared to Gretzky, Lemieux or Messier. He was not a playmaker, in fact when he was in Philadelphia, it was Mark Recchi who outplayed him and Mark Recchi was the true playmaker.

Lindros is a player who just like Tim Kerr, was hard to move from the front of the net because of his size and strength and this is how he scored a lot of his goals, but players like that are not the players who will lead a team when it is down late in a game.

Just looking at the way he refused to play for Quebec shows how selfish he was, little did he know that they would become a cup champion only 5 years later.

Players like Mark Recchi & Adam Oates are far more worthy of being in the Hall Of Fame, just looking at their numbers alone would make you come to this conclusion.

The players who do belong in the hall are players with Heart and Soul such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Steve Yzerman, Mark messier, Joe Sakic, Adam Oates to name a few.

I bet Lindros wishes he had agreed to play with Quebec now because he might have had 2 stanley cups!!

Bottom line is he is not Hall of Fame Calibre.

eric lindros does not deserve a hall of fame recognition because he wasn't what you'd call a hall of fame material from the onset of his nhl career he did nothing but cry about this and that and his dad was rite there crying along with him that's why he isn't NHL MATERIAL.

Compare him to current HOF'ers and he just does not measure up. A point a game average does not make up for the lack of class and sportsmanship demonstrated throughout his career.

Love him or hate him, Eric Lindros had a Hall of Fame career. For those who disagree, look at his numbers compared with those of recent Hall of Fame inductee Cam Neely. Games played: Neely 819 (726 regular season, 93 playoff), Lindros 813 (760 regular season, 53 playoff). Points: Neely 783 (694 regular season, 89 playoff), Lindros 922 (865 regular season, 57 playoff). Each player played on a Memorial Cup winner, but Lindros averaged more points per game, won a Hart Trophy (1995), and represented Canada in 3 Olympics, winning a gold medal in Salt lake City in 2002. I say electing him is a no-brainer.

Lindros' poor attitude and missed career can best be summed up by recognizing that the Nordiques (the very team he shunned) soon became the Avalanche, who won the Stanley Cup without him, whereas Lindros only accumulated concussions, without having won a Stanley Cup... Hall of Fame? Please don't be as arrogant and ridiculous as Lindros!

Eric Lindros would be the first player entering the Hall Of Fame based on hype alone.

Sure he was good, but the Hall is for the greats.

He COULD have been great, but a poor attitude and fragile body got in his way.

No way this guy should be in the Hall especially if Glenn Anderson is not.

You have to compare Lindros' stats to those who are already in the Hall. In doing so, his stats match-up quite well. Maybe the best comparison: Cam Neely (HOF member) - 694 pts in 726 games played, Eric Lindros - 865 pts in 760 games played plus an Olympic gold medal.

Eric Lindros entered the NHL with a chip on his shoulder, solidly placed there by his parents who felt he was the next "Great One". He is a legend in his (and his parents') own mind. I agree with Ed, HOF for EL would be an insult to its members.
Shouldn't spoiled brats receive a come-upance at some point? Congratulate him for his career and say goodbye.

This cheapens the Hall of Fame. For playing ability he definitely deserves consideration, but it's not a lock. For sportsmanship he was, I'd say, below the standards of other inductees.
Character, highly debatable since he was never considered to be able to make his own decisions after the Quebec fiasco. And contribution to the team or teams and to the game of hockey in general, again very debatable. Did he inspire a generation of players? Not really, he never delivered on his initial promise and potential. Bad decision. One pandering to the Southern Ontario market. Pathetic really.

From my perspective, Eric Lindros led by example. He demonstrated to others how to behave selfishly, to the detriment of the league and professional sports -- i.e., he refused to "eat his peas and carrots", even though they may have done him some good in the long run. In my opinion, he is just one of many talented individuals who played the game for personal glory rather than team accomplishment. So that being said, he probably should be in the Hall of Fame, as I don't believe being a "team player" is a pre-requisite to induction. And he has Hall of Fame numbers.
He's no MVP, though.

You know what? I'm so happy that he's retiring because I am SO UNBELIEVABLY SICK AND TIRED of listening to the media make excuses for this guy. He didn't live up to reputation because his reputation was unfounded. Under pressure he caved like the sucky mama's boy he is and always was. Why the press have always tried to make me feel sorry for someone whose career was dictated by an out of control ego that had nothing but hot air behind it is a conundrum that I will never understand. You know, it would be one thing to challenge the status quo if you can back up your claims of greatness. It is quite another to be an arrogant moron who blames everyone else for his failings. To quote Public Enemy: DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE. We need Lindros in the Hockey Hall of Fame like we need a hole in the head. Get real.

What it comes down to is if we consider his international triumphs enough to merit his entry into the hallowed hall. He has been a part of, and directly resposible for, some of Canada's greatest international wins and memories. But as far as his NHL career, it felt like every year he 'wasn't going to do this', or 'wasn't going to go there' or 'would play there'. I don't think he ever earned the respect to demand the things he did. He never won a Stanley Cup and was injured more often then not. Talent wise, he's in the top 10 (maybe top 5) of my era (70's-present), but he hasn't done enough in the NHL to warrant my vote.

Eric Lindros challenged the system and broke paths both on and off the ice. He had a drive that eventually lead him to an early retirement. I don't know if he meets all of the criteria to become inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, but on thing if for sure, he is definetly an unforgettable hockey superstar!!!

Eric Lindros was a whiner and a floater and if he had chosen to wear his heart on his sleeve then he would of been a shoe in for the hockey hall of fame. I vote NO!

No way in Hall of Fame!!! Not near enough consistency in his career and his off ice arrogance denotes not worthy of this great entry.

What a slap in the face to all the members of the Hall of Fame that we are even having this discussion. To mention Lindros and the Hall of Fame in the same sentence you have to have an agenda or simply not know much about our great game. Jeff Marek is now on a post-it on my computer. Everything he writes or says will have from now on have to be covered with two great scope of Upper Canadaian, Leaf Nation hog wash. Great attributes for a CBC reporter... Back to oh so average career of Mr. Lindros. He peaked in 1992 and was named captain of the Olympic Team...WE LOST. He hasn't won, he hasn't produced, he hasn't lead his team and to say he bucked the system as this is some great thing. I have so much to say i can't even type. Marek, you must be his godfather. This is crazy. He is one of the biggest bust in sports history. He was part of one big trade and that set up arguably a dynasty in Colorado. Why are we talking about him. He wrapped himself in enough bad karma to finish his brother's career. I have to read what other people are saying. I'll be back... Lindros in the Hall...HA. This is tantamount to: vote for Rory. Marek please call me and tell me you just wanted to stir the pot and you're not actually serious. Please.

I received a picture as an x-mas present a few years back "The Great Ones" showing a young 99 and 66 looking over at 88. It stayed in the closet until 2 years ago. I hung it on the wall and put duct tape over the number 88 and put the number 87 over top - enough said.
The only thing of his that should go into the hall is the higlight reel of Scott Stevens greeting him at the blue line.

What a slap in the face to all the members of the Hall of Fame that we are even having this discussion. To mention Lindros and the Hall of Fame in the same sentence you have to have an agenda or simply not know much about our great game. Jeff Marek is now on a post-it on my computer. Everything he writes or says will have from now on have to be covered with two great scope of Upper Canadaian, Leaf Nation hog wash. Great attributes for a CBC reporter... Back to oh so average career of Mr. Lindros. He peaked in 1992 and was named captain of the Olympic Team...WE LOST. He hasn't won, he hasn't produced, he hasn't lead his team and to say he bucked the system as this is some great thing. I have so much to say i can't even type. Marek, you must be his godfather. This is crazy. He is one of the biggest bust in sports history. He was part of one big trade and that set up arguably a dynasty in Colorado. Why are we talking about him. He wrapped himself in enough bad karma to finish his brother's career. I have to read what other people are saying. I'll be back... Lindros in the Hall...HA. This is tantamount to: vote for Rory. Marek please call me and tell me you just wanted to stir the pot and you're not actually serious. Please.

He had a few good seasons, big deal. The majority of his career, he was mediocre at best. For that he deserves to be inducted beside Gretzky, Howe and Orr? Please.

The hockey Hall of Fame is the most watered down HOF in all of sport. Entering Lindros would be another black eye on the institution.

It's hilarious how you load his decision not to play in Quebec by saying we "either supported Lindros’s desire to challenge the status quo and profoundly alter the future of the way professional players are treated, or you hated his lack of respect for authority and tradition." Gee, Jeff, he's a regular Rosa Parks, when you put it that way!
Or . . . how about he chose to not respect a system that strives to ensure the league's competitive health by allowing the weakest teams first crack at the best players? Or that he didn't have the jam to be the building block for a winner and wanted it easier by jumping on an already good team? Or maybe he was racist?
Sorry. Lindros was a brat and mama's boy. He wasn't a pioneer.

One time in Los Angeles, when Eric Lindros was off from Philiadelphia, before signing going to the Rangers, I was taking a midnight flight to Toronto with my wife,2 toddlers, their stroller, car seats and our luggage. A man helped us get from the car rental place to the gate by carrying our stuff while my 18 month old had a 'I don't want to be here' tantrum. My wife didn't know who that guy was, but I sure did. When we parted company, I told him Bobby Clarke had him all wrong. Yes it was Eric Lindros and I will always think of him as a decent guy who could have just kept walking but was kind enough to help. He was also a very good hockey player.

One time in Los Angeles, when Eric Lindros was off from Philiadelphia, before signing going to the Rangers, I was taking a midnight flight to Toronto with my wife,2 toddlers, their stroller, car seats and our luggage. A man helped us get from the car rental place to the gate by carrying our stuff while my 18 month old had a 'I don't want to be here' tantrum. My wife didn't know who that guy was, but I sure did. When we parted company, I told him Bobby Clarke had him all wrong. Yes it was Eric Lindros and I will always think of him as a decent guy who could have just kept walking but was kind enough to help. He was also a very good hockey player.

If Lindros is put in the Hall of Fame it will just confirm what many already know: That the NHL or Hockey Hall of Fame is too easy to get into. Baseball's hall credentials make it tough to get in and that is why so many players who may seem worthy are not members.
Was Lindros good? Yes, for a period. But the baggage he lugged around caused him to be a detriment to his teams.
The only way a over-concussed, braggart who hid behind his parents to get what he wanted should be in the HHOF is the same way most of us get in...by paying the entry fee.

Which Hall of Fame will we induct him into? The Whiners Hall of fame? The Never-Lived-Up-To-The-Hype hall of fame? He was in my opinion a terrible leader, a terrible player, and a terrible Canadian (He might have singlehandely saved the Nordiques, you never know!)

Eric Lindros would be the first player entering the Hall Of Fame based on hype alone.

Sure he was good, but the Hall is for the greats.

He COULD have been great, but a poor attitude and fragile body got in his way.

No way this guy should be in the Hall especially if Glenn Anderson is not.

Eric Lindros is not a Hall of Fame player. In his tenure with the NHL, his numbers do show that he had huge potentail to be elected, how ever he has not proven to be a player that should be inducted. Players that have been elected in the shrine have all proven to be a player that no team could have done with out. There has been talk in the media if you have elected Cam Neeley they will have to elected Eric...not true. Cam was a leader, heart and sole of the team back in the 80's and 90's for the Bruins. Eric was a not a leader, merley a player on teams..yes a a top 5 player in his prime. Eric was suppose to be " The Next Big One" and never showed that player. His or parents decesion not to play with Quebec has alson tainted his election bid. It seemed numerous times that he was not a team player, it was all about Eric. I think with the media hype around his election is only because he is a Toronto home grown talent in Hockey Land...

Lindros in the Hall of Fame....It's a no brainer that he should be voted in. He was one of the most dominating power-forwards of his time. Had he of not suffered so many concussions, who knows what he could have done. His crash and bang style made him who he was but it also ended his career early. And to those who question his "class", what do they know! Take most young hockey players, start at 14 and have everyone and anyone tell them they are the best and will be the next great thing in hockey (do this every sibngle day of their life). Then at 18, hand them millions of dollars because, well after all, they are the next great thing in hockey. See what happens to them! There are exceptions of course, but to play with an attitude, you must have one. Look at him now..I'll bet the members of the NHLPA are glad that he is looking out for their best interests with that same grit and determination!

Put that spoiled brat in the HOF and I will never go to or watch an NHL game again,,,ever,,,period !!

You have got to be kidding me....

Lindros may have scored goals in games he played but he was incapable of staying in long enough to have a significant impact on the NHL.

Furthermore, when it became clear that he was not physically capable of playing the style of hockey his size at one time allowed him to play (i.e. concusions) he was

A: Not smart enough to change the way he played the game

B: Skilled enough to play a finess game with the skill set his "soft hands" should have allwed him to do.

Eitherway you do not put someone in the Hockey Hall of Fame because they are either too stupid or not skilled.

I wonder, is it a joke ?

eric lindros was an arrogant, selfsh player and person.
He refused to play for the greyhounds,then the nordique, (which was his total loss given they went on to become the colorado avalanche and win cups).
He was so full of himself he wrote an autobiography before he entered the NHL..what does any kid have to say about themsleves that early in Life..other than he is the greatest. (self proclaimed winder kid).

He isnt respected by fans of the game, and it will only be the voices of those in the League who want him in the Hall that may get him in the Hall.
At the very least, they should make him wait a really long time. Better players than Lindros waited and maybe that will send him a message about just how ambivalent the NHL feel about him.

Glenn Anderson should be in the Hall too, he is still waiting. He was a lot classier a player than Lindros and put up some big numbers and won Cups.

A number of really good Montreal players who won cups waited 10+++ years to enter.

Lindros won battles but lost Wars. Thats how he should be remembered. A big prima dona who didnt live up to his own hype. (Not the League's hype).

Of course he is a hall of famer. Don't most of the great ones have some controversy surrounding their careers?

Hall of Fames (i.e. Baseball) are special because of the greats that are enshrined as well as the greats that aren't. Great debates over stats and championships go on for decades. Lindros should be one of the greats on the outside, that we will debate for years.

Hall of Famer my A**. This guy has to have been the biggest flop in the NHL. The potential he may have once had, and I stress may have had, went straight to his head and it was his arrogance that kept him where he should have been, Nowhere! I agree that to induct him into the Hockey Hall of Fame would be a disgrace. Comparing him to the likes of the Rocket, Gretsky or Lemieux is a huge insult to our great players. Give your head a shake.

Lindros was overrated, similar to Alexandre Daigle, and never had the heart for the game. He was cocky and arrogant, only playing to his potential when he felt like it. Definitely NOT a Hall of Famer.

The case for Lindros to be inducted is borderline at best. It may not be his fault that he suffered injuries but the overall result is more of a disappointment from the potential he had when he started out. A realistic appraisal may be to imagine his legacy ten years from now. There are alot of good players who achieved some success (I'm thinking of all those fifty-goal scorers years ago) but to be in the Hall you have to have been very exceptional among the best of your time. I don't think he really qualifies.

If "class" has anything to do with Eric Lindros entering the Hall of Fame, he shouldn't even make the ballot. I rememeber him being drafted - the media hyped him up as the next Great One - he refused to go to the Nordiques and the only way he could look like the Great One was if he was weraing a shirt with the number 99 on it.

NO WAY. Putting Eric in the HOF would be an insult to all the great players who are in there now.

Lindros should be in both hall of fames. I wish he would have spent some time playing in Montreal.
I have no problem with female sports reporters but Cassie Campbell has got to go. She has absolutely no on camera charisma. MONOTONE, I would rather listen to the bable of Harry Neil.

Eric Lindros was one of those talented young juniors to come along only once every ten years, akin to Gretzky, Lemieux and now Crosby. He was one of the most impactful players the NHL has seen in quite some time. In today's NHL, there will never be another Eric Lindros. It's too bad that Bobby Clarke chose to not fulfill his wish and allow Eric to come to Toronto earlier. I think that he would have remained here if that had happened.
Good on ya Eric for shaking up the system when you were here.
You will be missed.