NHL Players Who Have Improved Their Hall of Fame Credentials in 2014-15

NHL players who have been in the league for a decade or more are building their Hall of Fame credentials. Some of these players are already qualified and working on being considered inner-circle members, while others are in a grey area where induction isn't certain.

Many players over 30 are enjoying impact seasons and all of them have added to their Hall of Fame resumes. Finishing in the league's top 50 in any category for 2014-15, or getting nominated for an award, would be monumental additions for any player.

Here are the NHL players who have done the most this season to improve their credentials for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

9 & 8. Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

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Were They Qualified Before This Season? The Sedin twins entered the season coming off a subpar 2013-14. Their qualifications had them in that grey area between consideration and strong candidate and there was work to do for both players.

What Have They Done This Season? They are both inside the Top 50 in league scoring this season and are productive members of a winning team. They are also inside the Top 125 all-time in career points.

How Much Time Do They Have Left? Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin are 34 and have exited the peak portion of their careers. The style of play that makes them effective—exceptional passing and a strong cycle game—should allow them to maintain a high level of play for several more years. 

7. Henrik Zetterberg, LW, Detroit Red Wings

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Was He Qualified Before This Season? Henrik Zetterberg has built the foundation for a Hall of Fame career with the Detroit Red Wings. Now 34, his career numbers are beginning to move him up all-time lists and should eventually satisfy the hall requirements. 

What Has He Done This Season? He is inside the Top 20 scorers this season and is now one of the Top 200 scorers all-time.

How Much Time Does He Have Left? Zetterberg's two-way skills should allow him to play several more years if he is so inclined. A lot of his value comes from things not related to offense—two-way play and leadership—so the career numbers will be less important than it would be for one-dimensional players.

6. Marian Hossa, RW, Chicago Blackhawks

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Was He Qualified Before This Season? Marian Hossa has assembled a surprisingly strong resume for induction into the Hall of Fame. Entering this season, he was close to 1,000 points with the reputation of a winner. 

What Has He Done This Season? He moved past 1,000 career points and is having another solid year. Hossa's value as a player is as a two-way type and he continues to fill that role effectively with the Chicago Blackhawks.

How Much Time Does He Have Left? Hossa should have several years left based on his current level of play. A few more seasons and an additional 120 to 200 points added to his career total should guarantee induction. It is possible he has already satisfied the threshold for induction.

5. Joe Thornton, C, San Jose Sharks

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Was He Qualified Before This Season? Joe Thornton was qualified before this season but has the stigma of not winning the Stanley Cup to overcome. Based solely on performance, he's already beyond the point of qualifying for the hall.

What Has He Done This Season? He remains one of the most productive players in the game. He is among the Top 20 scoring centers this season and is among the top 40 all-time in points. 

How Much Time Does He Have Left? Thornton is 35 and slowing but he remains a very valuable player. Should he choose to remain in the NHL, he could play through the end of this decade productively.

4. Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings

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Was He Qualified Before This Season? Pavel Datsyuk built a Hall of Fame-calibre career as this century's most outstanding two-way center. His tireless forechecking and deft backchecking is a staple of his game and a major element in the Detroit Red Wings success. He is fully qualified for the Hall of Fame.

What Has He Done This Season? He has been productive and mostly healthy, both important items in his resume. At 35, his career numbers are beginning to push him to the top names of his generation. 

How Much Time Does He Have Left? Injuries are impacting Datsyuk each season, so we're probably seeing him in the final stage of his career. It is unlikely he'll play through the end of this decade if the injuries keep piling up.

3. Martin St. Louis, RW, New York Rangers

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Was He Qualified Before This Season? Martin St. Louis has a Stanley Cup ring and a long, productive career as an exceptional offensive player. He entered the season as a strong Hall of Fame candidate with numerous awards and records on his resume.

What Has He Done This Season? He has passed 1,000 career points, a number that signifies a tremendous career. There are players who have reached this number and missed the Hall, but those players lack St. Louis' awards and consistent success over a long period of time. 

How Much Time Does He Have Left? St. Louis is a productive player on a very good team, so retirement is not likely in the near future. At 39, he is running out of time to build his case as a first ballot entry. 

2. Alexander Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals

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Was He Qualified Before This Season? Alexander Ovechkin is 29 and has all or most of a decade to build his resume. His career performance has been so strong it's reasonable to assume he would eventually be voted into the hall if he retired at season's end.

What Has He Done This Season? He passed 450 goals and currently leads the NHL in that category. He is among the top 60 scorers in the game and could be inside the top 50 by the end of the year. 

How Much Time Does He Have Left? Ovechkin is a powerful man who appears to be at the peak of his game. It's difficult to imagine he'll score more goals in his 30s but he may play another decade at a high level. His career is at Hall of Fame level now and he will be an inner-circle member barring injury.

1. Jaromir Jagr, RW, New Jersey Devils

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Was He Qualified Before This Season? Jaromir Jagr entered this season as a lock for hockey's Hall of Fame. The threshold had been satisfied over a career that began at age 18 in the NHL and continues at age 42.

What Has He Done This Season? He passed 1,500 career games—he joined 13 other men in the game's history—and passed Mike Gartner for No. 6 on the all-time scoring list.

How Much Time Does He Have Left? Jagr ranks No. 2 on his team in points and is playing over 18 minutes a night. His even-strength scoring is fading but he remains a remarkable player. It should surprise no one if he plays another year or two before retirement.