More than 60 Montreal Canadiens players have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame over the years. But according to one franchise icon, a few more names deserve to be added to that prestigious list.
On Monday, former Canadiens captain Shea Weber became the latest Habs alum to join the Hall’s exclusive club. He received his Honoured Member plaque from legendary Montreal defenceman Serge Savard.
Welcome to the Hockey Hall of Fame Shea Weber!
Shea receives his Honoured Member plaque from Serge Savard  #HHOF1986.#HHOF2024 | #HHOF | 📸 Dave Sandford/HHOF pic.twitter.com/ppWLwDc6OO
— Hockey Hall of Fame (@HockeyHallFame) November 12, 2024
Speaking with TVA Sports reporter Renaud Lavoie before the ceremony, Savard spoke highly of Weber, claiming he would’ve been a welcome addition to the Habs’ dynasty teams of the 1970s.
The 78-year-old also took the opportunity to share his thoughts on two notable Canadiens players who have yet to receive the nod.
Savard first mentioned Vincent Damphousse, who captained Montreal in the late 90s and retired with 1,378 games played, logging over 1,200 points.
“There is no doubt that Vincent deserves to be there,” explained Savard in French. “I was on the selection committee for 15 years. I know how it works, and it is not easy [to be admitted to the Hall]. It takes 14 votes out of 18.”
But while it hasn’t happened yet, the eight-time Stanley Cup winner has no doubt Damphousse, who posted similar numbers to recent inductee Jeremy Roenick, will eventually be recognized.
“It’s certain that one day he will be inducted.”
Savard also advocated for Claude Provost, an often-overlooked forward who spent his entire 15-season career with Montreal.
“Claude Provost won nine Stanley Cups with Montreal,” Savard noted. “One year, he made the First All-Star Team, beating out Gordie Howe on the right. He’s been nominated two or three times, but he still hasn’t gotten in.”
Although Provost wasn’t a high-scoring player like some of his teammates, he holds the record for the most Stanley Cups of any player not in the Hall of Fame and is one of only five players to surpass the 1,000-game mark with the Canadiens.
“It’s not an easy process,” Savard admitted. “We have to keep pushing.”
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