The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class looks set to be strong, and it would be disappointing if things went wrong. With several big names eligible in the male players’ category and a standout in the women’s category, this year’s voting seems straightforward.
The builders’ category, which covers coaches and organizers, is much more unpredictable.
Male Players: A Group of Legends
This year, several well-known players are being considered for induction. Zdeno Chara, Joe Thornton, Duncan Keith, and Carey Price have all had incredible careers. Each player has won major awards, played in international tournaments, and helped their teams in important games.
Zdeno Chara, the towering defenseman, is famous for his leadership and long career. Joe Thornton, a center, is known for his amazing assists and ability to make his teammates better. Duncan Keith, an excellent defenseman, was part of multiple Stanley Cup-winning teams.
And Carey Price, one of the best goalies in recent years, has dominated the net when it mattered most.
There’s really no need to second-guess. With the resumes they’ve built, all four deserve to be honored. It would be surprising if any of them were left out.
Women’s Side: Jennifer Botterill Stands Out
Jennifer Botterill is a perfect pick for the women’s category. Her stats are nothing short of amazing. She’s won NCAA titles, Olympic gold medals, and has been a dominant player in international women’s hockey.
Her impact on the sport goes far beyond her numbers. She has been a role model for young female hockey players and helped push women’s hockey into the spotlight. For both her performance and influence, she seems like a natural and deserving choice.
Builders: A Wild Card Category
The builders’ category is the most uncertain. It includes coaches, general managers, executives, and other people who helped shape hockey behind the scenes. This year, there are many qualified candidates, and the voting could go in several different directions.
Unlike the player categories, where achievements are easier to compare, builders come from many types of backgrounds and contributions. Some may have excelled in developing young talent, others in growing the game internationally, or building winning teams. This makes it hard to predict who will be chosen.
The 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class seems jam-packed with deserving names. On the men’s side, Chara, Thornton, Keith, and Price all have impressive careers that make them hard to overlook.
On the women’s side, Botterill stands out as the clear favorite given her achievements and positive influence. The builders’ category remains unpredictable, and that mystery can be part of the excitement.
All things considered, this year’s class looks solid. It would take a real upset for it to go wrong—and everyone in hockey will be watching closely.
