On Monday, the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted a new class that included a member who was long overdue – Jeremy Roenick. The legend gave a 17-minute-long speech that stole the show. He was more than deserving of the honor, having played in a total of 1,363 games with 1,216 points.
Looking ahead, Roenick is the first of a stream of eligible Blackhawks who will likely get the call to the Hall of Fame. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Eddie Olczyk was named to the Hall’s Selection Committee on Tuesday, and he could be an inside voice of reason for the Blackhawks that deserve to be inducted.
Duncan Keith
There’s very little question about the next Blackhawk to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Duncan Keith, who will be eligible for the first time in 2025, will be a shoo-in and likely the most sure thing about next year’s class that should include names like Zdeno Chara and Joe Thornton.
It’s hard to argue that Keith isn’t the greatest defenseman in franchise history. As a cornerstone of Chicago’s dynasty in the 2010s, Keith won three Stanley Cups and was a four-time All-Star. He played in more games than any other Blackhawks defenseman with 1,192, and contributed the most even-strength points. Once a second-round pick of Chicago, Keith won the Norris Trophy twice and the Conn Smythe Trophy during his 16 seasons with the club. It won’t be long before his No. 2 jersey is in the rafters of the United Center.
Jonathan Toews
Looking further down the road, Jonathan Toews will be eligible in 2026, based on when he played his last game. Provided he hangs up his skates officially, he and Patrice Bergeron will be no-brainers. Toews will obviously get in – the greatest captain in Blackhawks history led the team to three Stanley Cups, was a six-time All Star, and won a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Selke Trophy, and a Mark Messier Leadership Award.
Steve Larmer?
Beyond Toews and Bergeron, there aren’t too many names that are clear choices for the Hall. That means that 2026 could be the year we finally see Steve Larmer inducted, especially with Olczyk singing his praises. Regarded as one of the biggest snubs currently outside the Hall of Fame, Larmer logged over one thousand career games while picking up 1,012 points for a plus-minus of +203. Once a sixth-round pick of Chicago, Larmer turned into one of the most consistent scorers in NHL history, breaking the 40-goal mark five times.
