Former Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara and iconic San Jose Sharks player Joe Thornton were among the NHL stars inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Tuesday. Also included in the 2025 class were Duncan Keith and Alexander Mogilny, all earning entry in their first year of eligibility.
To be inducted, Hall of Fame candidates must secure a minimum of 75% of votes from the selection committee. Each year, the honors are capped at four retired male players, two retired female players, and two builders in recognition of their contributions to hockey.
In the women’s category, former Canadian National Team forwards Jennifer Botterill and Brianna Decker from the US National Team were chosen. On the builders’ side, Boston University’s ex-coach Jack Parker and former Canadian women’s team coach Daniele Sauvageau were inducted.
Chara played primarily for the Bruins from 2006 to 2020 and had stints with the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals. Over a 24-year NHL career, he amassed 680 points (209 goals, 471 assists), helped Boston capture the 2011 Stanley Cup, and won the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman in 2008-09.
Thornton enjoyed 24 seasons, racking up 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists) playing for the Bruins, Sharks, Maple Leafs, and Panthers. He ranks 14th all-time in points and won the Hart Trophy as MVP and the Art Ross Trophy as scoring leader in 2005-06.
Keith, known for his time with the Chicago Blackhawks from 2005-21, helped the team win three Stanley Cups in the 2010s. He earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015 as playoff MVP and twice won the Norris Trophy in 2009-10 and 2013-14. Over his career, he recorded 646 points and was renowned for his shutdown defense.
Mogilny started with the Buffalo Sabres and made history as the first Soviet player in the NHL, later playing for the Canucks, Devils, and Maple Leafs. He notched 1,032 points in 990 games and helped the Devils win the Stanley Cup in 2000.
The eight inductees of the 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame class are set to be honored in a ceremony in Toronto on November 10th.
Fan Take: This new Hall of Fame class celebrates some of the most impactful players and figures in hockey history, highlighting both their individual excellence and contributions to team success. For fans, these inductions honor legendary careers and inspire the next generation of players to aim for greatness on and off the ice.
