As professional athletes, hockey players are sometimes idolized as immortal figures that seem to exceed the expectations of man. Whether that is good or bad, healthy or unhealthy is a debate for another time.
Instead, we're going to have a bit of fun with this idea by determining which current NHLers deserve to be enshrined into puck folklore.
Let's pick one player from each NHL team who deserves a commemorative statue.
Anaheim Ducks: Teemu Selanne
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There are not many hockey players around the league who are more beloved than Teemu Selanne.
The Finnish Flash put together some of his best years in a Ducks uniform, including a Stanley Cup victory in 2007.
Boston Bruins: Tim Thomas
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Last season, Tim Thomas put together one for the ages.
He set the single-season save percentage record on his way to guiding the Boston Bruins to their first Stanley Cup in four decades.
They couldn't have done it without him.
Buffalo Sabres: Thomas Vanek
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Let's be honest with ourselves: Sabres fans would be hard-pressed to pick anyone on the current roster to be commemorated.
By default, Thomas Vanek gets the nod, as he's the most talented player on the team.
Calgary Flames: Jarome Iginla
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This one was a pretty easy choice. Jarome Iginla has been the face of the Flames franchise for over a decade.
He's not only been the long-term captain, he's also a fan favorite.
The only thing he has yet to do is win a Stanley Cup.
Carolina Hurricanes: Eric Staal
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Eric Staal narrowly beats out Cam Ward for this distinction.
Staal has been the face of the franchise and has made hockey a credible sport in a geographic location where there were very few true hockey fans.
Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews
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Another team, another Stanley Cup-winning captain.
Are you seeing a trend?
Jonathan Toews has already accomplished so much in his young career. He's a great hockey player who can get it done at both ends of the ice.
Colorado Avalanche: Milan Hejduk
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Milan Hejduk is the last remaining piece from the Colorado Avalanche's heyday.
He now guides a cast of very young and up-and-coming hockey players. There's plenty of potential for upheaval of Hejduk's selection, but for now, he's the guy.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Rick Nash
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The Columbus Blue Jackets haven't had much to cheer about since their inception. One of the lone bright spots has been the play of Rick Nash.
For better or worse, Nash is the biggest name in franchise history.
Dallas Stars: Brenden Morrow
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Brenden Morrow has put forth many good years within the Dallas Stars organization and even took over captaincy from the beloved Mike Modano.
Now, he's proving to be a guiding force for some of the younger players.
Detroit Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom
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There are a lot of great players in Detroit, but this one was still a no-brainer.
Nicklas Lidstrom is one of the greatest defensemen to ever play the game.
His shut-up-and-just-play style is something to be admired. More athletes ought to take a page from him.
Edmonton Oilers: Ryan Smyth
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There are tons of young players to look forward to in Edmonton, but as of right now, Ryan Smyth is the man when it comes to the Oilers.
It's great to see him back in blue and orange!
Florida Panthers: Stephen Weiss
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With so much roster turnover in Florida, Stephen Weiss nearly gets this by default.
His teammates haven't been in town long enough to claim residency, never mind getting their own monument sculpted.
Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty
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This one may be a bit premature, but how can you not love Drew Doughty after watching him play?
Sooner rather than later, he'll have a Norris Trophy under his belt.
Minnesota Wild: Niklas Backstrom
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Niklas Backstrom has quietly become one of the best goalies in the NHL. He's the franchise record holder in a number of categories including wins.
He's also been a major reason why the club has been able to compete this year, despite a lack of scoring.
Montreal Canadiens: Andrei Markov
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Depending on who you ask, there may not be a good current choice on the Montreal Canadiens.
Much because of his tenure, Andrei Markov will get the nod.
He has put forth some very good season for the Habs.
Nashville Predators: Pekka Rinne
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The Nashville Predators fans should be very excited that they've locked up Pekka Rinne.
Goaltenders as good as he is don't come along very often.
New Jersey Devils: Martin Brodeur
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This was a no-brainer.
Martin Brodeur is one of the greatest goaltenders, if not the greatest to ever play.
Enough said.
New York Islanders: John Tavares
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This statue will be an investment for the future. John Tavares is poised to become the next NHL superstar.
Islanders fans just need to remain patient; there will be plenty of good times ahead.
New York Rangers: Ryan Callahan
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Ryan Callahan is everything you want in a hockey player.
He's a leader, gets it done at both ends of the ice and gives 100 percent every shift.
Ottawa Senators: Daniel Alfredsson
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Daniel Alfredsson has been a stalwart in the Senators organization for what seems like forever. He's been a great leader and a great offensive force.
All he needs now is a Stanley Cup.
Philadelphia Flyers: Chris Pronger
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Chris Pronger's playing days may unfortunately be coming to an end, but that doesn't change the fact that he's had an incredible career.
Phoenix Coyotes: Shane Doan
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Shane Doan has been with the organization dating back to the original Winnipeg Jets.
He has been an incredible leader even during the difficult times in Phoenix.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby
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Even if Sidney Crosby never plays another game, he should always be a part of Penguins folklore.
Sid the Kid has already accomplished nearly everything there is to accomplish in the game of hockey.
San Jose Sharks: Joe Thornton
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Joe Thornton is one of the best forwards of his era.
He has done it all in San Jose except capture an elusive Stanley Cup.
St. Louis Blues: David Backes
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David Backes may eventually get surpassed by some of the younger talent on his team, but as of now, he's the best choice for a monument.
He's a great two-way player that would garner more attention if he didn't play in the Midwest.
Tampa Bay Lightning: Vincent Lecavalier
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Vincent Lecavalier gets the selection in front of Martin St. Louis. Eventually, both of these guys will be surpassed by Steven Stamkos.
Lecavalier has one big thing that Stamkos does not—a Stanley Cup.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Dion Phaneuf
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Dion Phaneuf got off to a rocky start in Toronto but has since come into his own.
He's one of the most ferocious defenders in the league, who also has a bit of a scoring touch.
Vancouver Canucks: The Sedin Twins
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Instead of picking Daniel or Henrik Sedin, we're going to go with both.
After all, you cannot take one without the other. Both twins have had a significant impact on the organization.
Washington Capitals: Alexander Ovechkin
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This was another obvious choice. It's hard to do better than Alexander Ovechkin.
When it's all said and done, he'll likely go down as one of the all-time best.
Winnipeg Jets: Dustin Byfuglien
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There is no great current choice for the Jets, but Dustin Byfuglien seems to be a good choice.
His style of play makes him a favorite among fans. As long as he takes care of himself, he should turn into a fine player for Winnipeg.
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