The New Jersey Devils are well represented at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Martin Brodeur, Scott Niedermayer, and Scott Stevens are the foundational Devils who are also represented in Toronto, but there are some others that made an impact in New Jersey. Joe Nieuwendyk, Dave Andreychuk, and Brendan Shanahan are some of the absolute legends who had a few moments in New Jersey before their enshrinement.
Last year, the most egregious Hall of Fame snub finally found his rightful place among his peers. The committee gave Alexander Mogilny his moment after a stellar career, including a spot on one of the best teams of the era, the 2000 Stanley Cup champion Devils. Now that he has his proper spot, the focus is on getting Patrik Elias into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Many paid attention to this year’s HHOF announcement. There weren’t many players ahead of Elias, but this wasn’t his year.
Introducing the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2026! 👏#HHOF2026 #HHOF pic.twitter.com/jwTD6Q0OUL
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) June 22, 2026
Much of this year’s class is really good. Carey Price’s peak was shorter than some of the best ever, but he was the clear top goalie in the league for at least five years. Patrice Bergeron is one of the best players of all time. Pekka Rinne got in earlier than expected, but that’s probably semantics and most agree he deserves it.
The one that’s relevant to Devils fans is Keith Tkachuk. The former Team USA leader got in despite a decent career that didn’t lead to anything more than some All-Star Games.
Tkachuk has one top-10 Hart Trophy finish in his career (and it was 10th in 1996-97). He never finished in the top-10 for Selke Trophy voting. He also never had a terribly deep playoff run in his career. Interestingly, the Hockey Hall of Fame eligibility website lists World Cup titles first in the list of achievements, of which Tkachuk has one from 1996.
He did have two superstar sons and two 50-goal seasons in his career. Those two things are likely what have him in the Hall over Elias, Rod Brind’Amour, and Henrik Zetterberg. Also, the fact that he’s American helps. He did help the USA get the silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, Elias has four runs to the Stanley Cup Final with two Cup wins. He has a top-10 Hart Trophy finish (sixth in 2001), and he has a top-10 Selke finish. He spent his entire career with one franchise, playing all 20 years with the New Jersey Devils.
However, Elias has his own narrative that is going to help his HHOF nomination in the future. Elias got the job as GM of the Czech national team. This will have him bumping elbows with decision makers in hockey, including those who choose who goes into the Hall of Fame.
We don’t think Elias would go out of his way to push for a spot in the Hall, but just being top of mind will help his case.
So, this year wasn’t Elias’s year, but we’re still flying high from Mogilny’s induction last year. We can wait another year, as long as Elias gets enshrined eventually.
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