Long-time NHL executive Cliff Fletcher's induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame was just about overshadowed by the players that joined him Monday night.

"They are three of the greatest defencemen to ever play the game," Fletcher said of Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey and Larry Murphy.

The high-scoring defencemen enter the Hall in the players' category, while Fletcher was inducted in the builders' category.

Hockey Hall of Fame inductees Paul Coffey (left) and Ray Bourque show off their rings after being presented with them in a ceremony in Toronto on Monday. (CP/Frank Gunn)

Bourque won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenceman five times during his 22 seasons. He owns records for most career points (1,579), goals (410) and assists (1,169) by a defenceman.

Coffey and Murphy both played 21 NHL seasons. Coffey ranks second (1,531) on the all-time points list for defencemen while Murphy is fifth (1,216).

The three combined for nine Stanley Cups and 623 playoff games.

"I think with both Ray and Paul, if you wanted to judge where you fit in the league you'd look to these two guys," said Murphy. "They were obviously at the top for most of their career."

Fletcher's career highlight came when the Flames won the Stanley Cup against the Canadiens in Montreal in 1989.

"The only team that ever won a Cup in the Forum, outside of the Montreal Canadiens, I think was a real thrill," he said.

He began his career in the Canadien's organization in 1956.

Fletcher, a former general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is the current senior executive vice-president of hockey operations for the Phoenix Coyotes.

with files from Canadian Press