Quote:
Originally Posted by 868904
Kariya was one of the best players in the league in his prime. That's really how I think the induction criteria should be based on. Statistical milestones should be weighted lower.
If you want to talk about his legacy to the game, look at all the small asian players drafted this year. Two of Japanese descent went in the first round alone. Not to mention him building a fanbase in Anaheim.
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So, if you are the best player in the game for two years, that makes you HHOF material? Even if all you win is a couple of secondary trophies. In Kayria's era, I don't think anyone puts him the top 10 players - Lidstorm, Selanne, Jagr, Sakic, Forsberg, Lindros, Sundin, Stevens, Hasek, Yashin, Modano, Fleury, LeClair - Sure, he could play with the best of them, but so could a lot of other guys. I don't think that makes one a HHOFer.
Did he build the fan base in Anahiem - Or did that really start in Year 2 when Selanne showed up.
I don't think his ethnic background got play beyond his draft year or the year they went to the final. Those two kids of Asian background probably never got to see him play. But does being an inspiration to kids of your background make you a HHOF? If so, then Fleury fits the bill - Metis backgroud. But then so does Allan Bester (Jewish goalies unite!).