The Lindros Debate

Published by Toronto Mike on November 8, 2007 @ 10:51 in Sports

nhlEric Lindros is announcing his retirement today. This begins the debate as to whether The Big E is Hall of Fame worthy. Damien Cox says he is, I say he isn't.

I was always a big Lindros fan. During a mid-90s draft of our annual playoff pool, I had quite the heated exchange with Jomp who didn't think Lindros was anything special. Lindros was special. He was big and strong but had the hands of a smaller, skilled player. He could feather a perfect pass and check an opposing player through the boards, all on the same shift. He wasn't just good, for a period in the 90s, he was the best.

Even though I loved the way he played and his insane talent level, I don't think he'll get into the Hall of Fame. Quite simply, he didn't play enough to put up the numbers that should be required. During his NHL career, he missed 438 games, including two complete seasons. He never played a full campaign, scored 100 points or more just once and didn't register a 50-goal season. He also never won a Stanley Cup, often a barometer of a successful leader.

Many will agree with me and many will agree with Cox, because you can make a case either way. At the end of the day, Lindros just didn't have the legs. He changed the game, and for a short period of time was scary good, but his 865 points in 760 games leaves him on the outside looking in.

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7 Responses to "The Lindros Debate"

Anonymous
November 8, 2007 / 11:53

I think you may find yourself in the minority. As Scott Morrison quite rightly determines, he will be in the hall. He compares his number to Cam Nely who is in and I think the numbers bare out.

Toronto Mike
November 8, 2007 / 11:56

I hope you're right. That Cam Neely comparison is quite favourable to The Big E. Maybe the bar to get into the Hall is lower than it should be?

Mike (Buffalo Boy)
November 8, 2007 / 18:19

Lindros was no Cam Neely.
Neely dominated and I mean dominated. He had 50 goals in 49 games and scored 50 on numerous occasions. No he wasnt healthy either but I can remember dreading the Sabres playing agains the guy. I don't remember having that same feeling against Lindros.

Tee
November 8, 2007 / 19:22

You can't tell me that you didn't dread the Legion of Doom.

Toronto Mike
November 8, 2007 / 20:03

Cam Neely was no Lindros. Neely was a great power forward, but Lindros was the far better all around player. Neely was just impossible to dislike while Lindros was difficult to like.

Bonus Fact: 2/3 of the Legion of Doom became Maple Leafs.

Doug
November 9, 2007 / 19:48

If Lindros gets in, I think he should have to go in as a Quebec Nordique!!

Kochi Roshan
November 10, 2007 / 23:36

Doug you crack me up.

I like Lindros and I wanted him to do well. I'm not sure about the Hall for him but think of him at his best. Was he worth it then? If injuries didn't get the better of him would he not be a cinch to get in?

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