Top NHL Hall of Fame Candidates for 2026

The Hockey Hall of Fame is set to welcome a new class of inductees in 2026. Here’s a look at the top candidates, both men and women, who are most likely to receive the call.

Men's Candidates

1. Patrice Bergeron, Center (First Year)

An easy choice for the selection committee, Bergeron won the Selke Trophy six times, an NHL record. With 1,040 points in 1,294 games, he was a dominant force for the Boston Bruins, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 and multiple international titles with Canada.

2. Carey Price, Goalie (Second Year)

Price, a franchise leader for the Montreal Canadiens, had a stellar career with 361 wins in 712 games. His 2014-15 season, where he won both the Vezina and Hart Trophies, stands out as a masterpiece.

3. Ryan Getzlaf, Center (Second Year)

Getzlaf spent 17 years with the Anaheim Ducks, leading them to a Stanley Cup in 2007. He is the franchise leader in regular-season games played, assists, and points.

Women's Candidates

1. Meghan Duggan, Forward (Seventh Year)

Duggan captained the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team to gold in 2018 and won seven IIHF World Championship gold medals. She is currently the director of player development for the New Jersey Devils.

2. Shannon Szabados, Goalie (Seventh Year)

Szabados won Olympic gold twice for Canada and was a trailblazer as the first woman to compete in the SPHL. Her international performances make her a strong candidate.

Final Prediction for the Class of 2026

For the men, it’s Bergeron, Price, and Getzlaf. For the women, Duggan and Szabados are likely to make it three straight seasons of multiple women's players entering the Hall.