The Hockey Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet on Monday to choose the Class of 2026. This year’s ballot includes many famous names.

Several candidates have strong Hall of Fame resumes, including Stanley Cup champions, Olympic gold medalists, award winners, and franchise legends.

Here are the top players and hockey figures who appear to have the strongest cases for induction this year according to NHL.com.

Top 10 Hockey Hall of Fame Candidates for 2026

Patrice Bergeron

Few NHL players earned as much respect at both ends of the ice as Patrice Bergeron. According to NHL.com longtime captain of the Boston Bruins finished his career with 1,040 points, one Stanley Cup title, and a record six Selke Trophies.

His leadership, strong defensive play, and success with the Canadian men's national ice hockey team make him one of the strongest first-ballot Hall of Fame candidates.

Carey Price

Carey Price was one of the best goalies of his generation. The former Montreal Canadiens star won both the Hart Trophy and the Vezina Trophy in the 2014–15 season, an achievement only a few goalies in NHL history have accomplished.

His Olympic gold medal and outstanding international record make his Hall of Fame case even stronger.

Rod Brind'Amour

Rod Brind'Amour already has a strong Hall of Fame case because of his playing career. He scored 1,184 points and won two Selke Trophies. His case became even stronger after leading the Carolina Hurricanes to the 2026 Stanley Cup championship as head coach.

Patrick Marleau

Patrick Marleau holds the NHL record for most games played. He is one of the most durable players in league history. Marleau scored 566 goals, won two Olympic gold medals with Canada men's national ice hockey team, and spent more than 20 years as a key player for the San Jose Sharks.

Ryan Getzlaf

Ryan Getzlaf won a Stanley Cup, an Olympic gold medal, and became a legend for the Anaheim Ducks. He recorded more than 1,000 career points and was known as one of the NHL’s best playmakers and leaders.

Pekka Rinne

Pekka Rinne was the face of the Nashville Predators for more than a decade. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2018 and finished his career with 369 wins. His strong play helped make Nashville a regular Stanley Cup contender.

Henrik Zetterberg

Henrik Zetterberg combined excellent scoring ability with great leadership. The former captain of the Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy in 2008. He also won Olympic and World Championship gold medals with the Swedish men's national ice hockey team.

Patrik Elias

Patrik Elias holds the franchise records for goals, assists, and points with the New Jersey Devils. He also helped the team win two Stanley Cups.

Phil Kessel

Phil Kessel won three Stanley Cups, scored nearly 1,000 career points, and set the NHL ironman streak record.

Meghan Duggan

Meghan Duggan captained the United States women's national ice hockey team to Olympic gold in 2018 and won seven World Championship gold medals.

While these 10 names stand out, other candidates also have strong Hall of Fame cases. Eric Staal won a Stanley Cup and scored more than 1,000 points.

Tuukka Rask also has impressive career numbers. In women’s hockey, Julie Chu and Shannon Szabados remain strong candidates. No matter the result, the 2026 Hall of Fame class should include some of hockey’s most successful figures.

What do you think? Which Hockey Hall of Fame candidate do you think deserves induction most in 2026 and why? Comment down below. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi