Hockey Hall of Fame: Predicting the Class of 2012

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Today, Ed Belfour, Mark Howe, Doug Gilmour and Joe Nieuwendyk will be enshrined into the Hockey Hall of Fame as the 2011 class.

While each of those players had illustrious careers that should very well be reflected upon, it's never too early to start looking ahead.

It's time to peer into the crystal ball and take a look at who will be part of the 2012 class. With a whole new slate of eligible players in 2012 being piled onto a list of several deserving candidates still waiting to get their call, the next several years will be among the toughest for the selection committee. 

Without further adieu, here are predictions for next year. 

Joe Sakic

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Joe Sakic is a first-ballot lock. 

During his 20-year career, Sakic won the Stanley Cup twice, was a 13-time all-star and won several awards, including a Conn Smythe and Hart Memorial Trophy.

He is eighth all-time in scoring—he possessed one of the deadliest wrist shots in the game—and has the most career playoff overtime goals (8).

On top of that, Sakic was one of the greatest leaders of his time.

Brendan Shanahan

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Another likely first-ballot hall of famer is Brendan Shanahan. His current high-profile position with the league should only help his case.

"Shanny," as he was endearingly called, won three Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings while playing a great two-way game of hockey.

Proving his versatility, he led the league in short-handed goals in 1994 and then in power-play goals in 1997.

He amassed over 1,300 points and his 656 goals is second all-time among left wingers.

Adam Oates

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With such a strong 2012 class, Adam Oates will likely be the only carry-over player to be enshrined next year. 

Oates was one of the best playmakers of his generation. He simply made those around him better. Outside of Wayne Gretzky, Oates had the most assists through the '90s.

In total, Oates had amassed over 1,400 points in his career.

Oates has the most career points of all retired players eligible, but not currently enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He was expected to be a certain pick in 2007, but is still waiting.

Mats Sundin

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The second great captain looking to become a first-ballot hall of famer is Mats Sundin. Sundin is one of the best Swedes to ever play the game.

Sundin's 11 years as Toronto Maple Leafs captain is the longest such stint by a non-North American player in NHL history.

Sundin also is tied with several other players for having the most regular season overtime goals with 15.

Over his career, he averaged over a point per game (1,349 points in 1,346 games).

Although he never won a Stanley Cup, he saw great success on the international stage. In addition to winning a gold medal at the 2006 Olympics, he has won three hockey World Championships for Sweden. 

Future Enshrinee: Jeremy Roenick

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The fourth first-time eligible player who will likely get in is Jeremy Roenick. However, he likely won't be a part of the 2012 class.

"J.R." is one of the biggest personalities the game has ever seen. He's been seen and heard both on and off the ice.

He was just the third American-born player to ever score 500 career goals and tallied over 1,200 points in his career. 

Although he'll have to wait to get into the Hockey Hall of Fame, he was already enshrined in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010.

Future Enshrinee: Dave Andreychuk

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Dave Andreychuk was a true power forward in every sense of the term. He became both the ultimate "garbage goal" king and was one of the most durable players of his generation.

Along with Shanahan, he is one of the highest scoring left wingers of all time and has the most career power play goals with 274.

He always took pride in lacing them up night in and night out. He has played in the fifth most NHL games, dressing 1,639 times.

In all, Andreychuk tallied 1,338 points in his career and finally captured a Stanley Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004.