On Wednesday of this week the Hockey Hall of Fame committee is set to meet and announce who will be inducted in the 2023 class. They can induct up to four male players, and this year there is only one new candidate who is a slam dunk, sure fire, first ballot Hall of Famer (Henrik Lundqvist). That means they should be able to catch up with some overlooked players who have had to wait their turns too long.
Being overlooked and waiting has been a hallmark for Sergei Gonchar. Overshadowed by a golden era of defensemen, led by the incomparable Niklas Lidstrom, getting some attention has been tough for Gonchar.