Hall of Fame Front-Runners: Why Keith, Chára, and Thornton Stand Out in 2025
The Hockey Hall of Fame is preparing to announce its 2025 class of inductees on June 24th, and speculation is already heating up. This year’s potential class is filled with notable, well-deserving names, many of whom are leading betting odds due to their legendary careers and lasting impact on the game. From Stanley Cup Champions to international icons, the list includes players who have helped define hockey for over two decades. Their accomplishments on and off the ice have made them fixtures in NHL history and prime candidates for this prestigious honor.
Among the frontrunners is defenseman Duncan Keith, a cornerstone of the Chicago Blackhawks’ dynasty in the 2010s. Keith played in 1,256 NHL games and recorded 646 points, helping the Blackhawks capture three Stanley Cups in 2010, 2013, and 2015. He is also a two-time Norris Trophy winner and earned the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2015 as playoff MVP. A four-time all-star, Keith also captured two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. With betting odds of -950, he’s among the top favorites to be inducted this year, and rightfully so.
Zdeno Chára, one of the most iconic captains in NHL history, is also tied at -950 odds. Standing at six feet nine and weighing 250 pounds, Chára is the tallest player in NHL history and was a physical and leadership force throughout his 24-season career. He helped lead the Boston Bruins to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011, won the Norris Trophy in 2009, and received the Mark Messier Leadership Award that same year. With 209 goals and 471 assists over 1,680 games, Chára’s offensive production was just as impressive as his shutdown ability. He is also a seven-time all-star and a role model for future generations of defensemen.
Another favorite for induction is Joe Thornton, who also sits at -950 odds. Drafted first overall in 1997, Thornton played 1,714 NHL games and recorded 1,539 points over a 24-season career. He is a six-time all-star and winner of both the Hart Memorial Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in 2006. Thornton is also internationally decorated, having won gold medals with Team Canada at the World Juniors, World Cup of Hockey, and the 2010 Winter Olympics. He finished his NHL career with the Florida Panthers, but his legacy spans far beyond any one franchise.
Being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame is one of the sport’s highest honors. Players must be retired for at least three years and demonstrate exceptional skill, leadership, and impact both on and off the ice. The selection committee considers individual accolades, team success, and international contributions when evaluating candidates. Inductees aren’t just great players—they’re ambassadors for the sport who have helped shape the game’s evolution. With a stacked pool of candidates, the 2025 class promises to be one of the most memorable in recent memory.
