This Is Hard: Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Fame Prediction

Simon Gagne, Paul Holmgren, Bob Kelly, Lou Nolan, Mark Recchi and Rick Tocchet have been named the finalists under consideration for induction into the Flyers Hall of Fame during the 2021-22 season. https://t.co/YlEpfYQY7J

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) September 7, 2021

On Tuesday, September 7th, the Philadelphia Flyers announced six nominees that could be inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame during the 2021-2022 season.

The Flyers have not inducted anyone into their Hall of Fame since Jim Watson in 2016, five seasons ago.

The six names include Simon Gagne, Paul Holmgren, Lou Nolan, Rick Tocchet, Mark Recchi, and Bob Kelly.

and…WOW! Is there a way to nominate all six? Looking at this list of names, the memories instantly start flowing like the Nile River.

One thing’s for sure. I do not envy the selection committee just based on how hard it is to choose one or two from the six possible candidates.

It makes you look back, reflect, and consider how rich Flyers history has been with great and outstanding individuals both on and off the ice. Truly a treat and something that should, without a doubt, not be taken for granted.

Let’s take a look at each candidate individually (with a little assistance from NHL.com’s Bill Meltzer):

Simon Gagne

2021-22 Flyers Hall of Fame Finalist: Simon Gagne pic.twitter.com/FRhyeZRKyf

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 7, 2021

I start with Simon Gagne because there isn’t a single reason why he shouldn’t be considered for this accolade. I don’t think there was ever a more clutch player in Flyers history in the past three decades than Simon Gagne. Think about the Boston Bruins playoff series in 2010…the Tampa Bay Lightning series in 2004… several clutch goals in between. Whenever a goal was needed, Gagne was there. It’s an easy YES YES YES from me with Simon Gagne.

Paul Holmgren

2021-22 Flyers Hall of Fame Finalist: Paul Holmgren pic.twitter.com/kGOhbGFVdU

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 7, 2021

I’ll tell you what, Paul Holmgren deserves an incredible amount of respect for what he has done with the Flyers organization. He’s been with the organization since 1975 and He’s done EVERYTHING. Player, Assistant Coach, Head Coach, General Manager and President, it’s time to put some RESPECT on Paul Holmgren’s name and let’s just forget about Ilya Bryzgalov, shall we?

Lou Nolan

2021-22 Flyers Hall of Fame Finalist: Lou Nolan pic.twitter.com/JfJziYeYkr

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 7, 2021

Sweet, Sweet LOUUUUU. Well, it’s ABOUT TIME. There’s not much to say here…except everything. Not many people know this but Lou Nolan is an Original Flyer. He’s been with the club since it’s inception in 1967. I don’t know why it has taken so long for this man to get his recognition but nonetheless he will, should definitely get it. LOU FHOF 2021, get used to it.

Rick Tocchet

2021-22 Flyers Hall of Fame Finalist: Rick Tocchet pic.twitter.com/by9ITMzaqa

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 7, 2021

Just the pure face of bad-ass. Quite honestly, like Lou Nolan, I am thoroughly surprised that it has taken Rick Tocchet so long to get this type of recognition. I’m sure the fact that he has been actively affiliated in coaching with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Arizona Coyotes might have something to do with it.

If there was ever a Broad Street Bully in the 80’s, Tocchet would fit the bill. Not to mention, he had every single individual that stepped into the Spectrum SWOONING during warmups whilst he skated around the ice without a bucket on. Talking with Flyers fans who were around in the 80’s to see him first play, there was one simple rule for the general public: don’t let your significant other see Tocc.

Mark Recchi

2021-22 Flyers Hall of Fame Finalist: Mark Recchi pic.twitter.com/Ef6LcyAc0P

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 7, 2021

Oh, Mark. A fan favorite if there ever was one. How can you possibly have anything bad to say about Mark Recchi?

Disagree. He won 3 cups with 3 different teams not named the Flyers. Sure, his Flyers stats are cool but the idea that we claim him along with those other teams is ridiculous.

— SelltheFlyers (@username_found_) September 7, 2021

Well, unless you’re this guy. Don’t be a “this guy”. My response:

I saw someone say that Mark Recchi shouldn’t be in the Flyers Hall of Fame because he won 3 cups with other teams.

If that keeps you out of the FHOF, then you can eliminate 95% of players that have played for the Flyers since 1975.

— Johnny (Flyers) Hockey (@FlyersJohnny) September 7, 2021

627 points in 602 games played with the organization. 10 years with the Flyers. Multiple 100-point seasons with the club. Don’t be foolish, Mark Recchi deserves to be in this spot.

Bob “The Hound” Kelly

2021-22 Flyers Hall of Fame Finalist: Bob Kelly pic.twitter.com/4RUQW7AwcP

— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) September 7, 2021

Anybody call a Hound? *Woof* Bob Kelly, a staple with the Flyers organization and a great ambassador for the game of hockey in general. The Hound scored one of the biggest goals in Flyers history as he was credited with the game-winning goal in the 1975 Stanley Cup Finals clinching game 6 versus the Buffalo Sabres.

MY PREDICTION (Ha, like it matters):

Assuming they pick two:

• Simon Gagne
• Lou Nolan

If there is a third:

• Paul Holmgren

For future considerations, I would keep an eye on names such as: Kimmo Timonen, Daniel Briere and Keith Primeau (in addition to this year’s finalists).

Follow me on Twitter @FlyersJohnny

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Photo Credit: NHL.com