The Hockey Hall of Fame has widened its door for the 2026 induction class, implementing a new by-law that permits the selection of either a single builder or an on-ice official each year, rather than both. This change aims to address the backlog of deserving candidates as the 18-member selection committee prepares to vote this weekend in Toronto.
Bergeron leads first-year eligibles
Patrice Bergeron, the most decorated of the first-year eligible players, is the clear frontrunner. With 1,294 regular-season games, a Stanley Cup with the Boston Bruins, and six Frank Selke Trophies as the NHL's best defensive forward, Bergeron's resume is bolstered by a world championship, two Olympic gold medals, and a World Cup title. His faceoff percentage of 57.95 ranks second only to Rod Brind'Amour among players with 1,000-plus games.
Eric Staal, another first-year eligible center, has comparable numbers—455 goals and 1,063 points in 1,365 games—plus a Stanley Cup with Carolina and Olympic gold. However, he lacks the individual hardware that Bergeron possesses.
Kessel's candidacy sparks debate
Phil Kessel enters as a wild card. His three Stanley Cups are the most among incoming candidates, and he holds the NHL ironman streak at 1,064 consecutive games after overcoming a cancer scare early in his career. Yet his unconventional style and personality may hinder his chances, as the Hall considers "playing ability, sense of fair play, character and contributions to his or her team and to the game of hockey in general."
Kessel's sister, Amanda Kessel, is also eligible in the female category, but American forward Meghan Duggan—with seven world championship golds and an Olympic gold—is seen as the likely lone female inductee this year.
Goaltenders and long-time hopefuls
Carey Price, the Montreal Canadiens goaltender, missed the cut in his first year of eligibility in 2025. Despite 361 wins, six goalies on the waitlist have more, including Curtis Joseph (454) and Chris Osgood (401, three Cups). However, Price and Joseph each have an Olympic gold medal, which may appeal to international voters on the committee.
The Hall now lists 57 players who meet the minimum requirements of 400 NHL goals, 700 assists, 1,000 points, or six Stanley Cups. For global consideration, candidates must have at least two World or Canada Cups, or membership in the Triple Gold Club.
New by-law and builder/official category
Under the new by-law, the annual inductee class can include up to four men, two women, and either a single builder or an on-ice official—not both. Builders encompass coaches, general managers, team owners, and contributors to the game's growth. No referee has been inducted since Bill McCreary in 2014, a reflection of the NHL's move toward a two-referee system and increased anonymity for officials.
According to Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun, each committee member can forward only one player nomination, submitted by April 15. A minimum 75% approval is required for induction.
Notable first-year eligibles and stand-bys
Other first-year eligibles include goaltender Craig Anderson, with 319 wins and a .912 save percentage in 709 games, and a Bill Masterton Trophy. Among those waiting, Patrick Marleau—with 1,779 games, 566 goals, and 1,197 points—has won nearly everything except the Stanley Cup. Rod Brind'Amour, now coaching the Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, may benefit from renewed attention.
Long-deceased candidates like Claude Provost, Larry Hillman, and Ralph Backstrom, who combined for 21 Stanley Cups in the Original Six era, continue to be lobbied for by families and former teammates. However, the longer the wait, the less likely induction becomes as new eras produce fresh stars.
