"Definitely not HHoF worthy" "Without a doubt": NHL fans debate Joe Pavelski's possible induction into Hockey Hall of Fame after veteran's retirement

NHL fans online debated over Joe Pavelski's potential induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame as the seasoned player bids farewell to the NHL. On Tuesday, the Dallas Stars veteran forward announced his retirement after an impressive 18-year career in the league.

Many fans and experts hail Pavelski as one of the best American-born NHL players despite not clinching a Stanley Cup. It's worth noting that several Hall of Fame players also didn't secure a Cup.

It's interesting to note the contrasting opinions among fans regarding Joe Pavelski's potential induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

While many believe he has a solid chance of making it into the HOF in the future, even if not on the first ballot, some argue that he might not merit a place in the esteemed Hall.

Here's what fans had to say, with one tweeting:

"With out a doubt"

Another fan shared a different perspective on why they believe Joe Pavelski might not deserve a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame:

"Great player and a great career, but definitely not HHoF worthy. If Mogilny doesn't make the cut, Pavelski doesn't come close to making it."

"No individual awards, not top 50 in any major stat, no cups. I loved Pavelski and he had a great career but he’s not a hall of famer," another wrote.

Here are some of the other top reactions on X:

"It's the Hockey Hall, not the NHL Hall. He's got enough international accolades to make up the difference," one X user opined.

"Right behind the Magnificent Mario Lemieux at 13th for most NHL playoff goals Yes Right behind the Magnificent Mario Lemieux at 13th for most NHL playoff goals Yes Joe Pavelski is 💯 an NHL Hall of Famer Joe Pavelski is an NHL Hall of Famer," posted another

"I want to say yes. But it’s no for sure! If he won a cup it would be a different story..," another wrote.

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Joe Pavelski reflects on retirement

In an interview with the NHL Morning Skate show, Pavelski confirmed his retirement from professional hockey:

"I think I'm ready to step away from the game on the playing side of things and go from there. There's no plan to play. I didn't want to use the 'r' word (retirement), I guess, right away. … I wanted just a little bit of extra time (once the season ended) to think about it."

Joe Pavelski was drafted No. 205 overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2005 NHL draft. He played 13 seasons with the Sharks before joining the Dallas Stars in the 2019–20 season.

Pavelski played the last five years of his career with the Stars, appearing in 269 games. Overall, the 40-year-old Plover, Wisconsin, native accumulated 1,068 points through 476 goals and 592 assists in 1,332 career games.

With 74 goals, Pavelski is the leading US-born goal scorer in NHL history.