Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille and Brian Leetch are going into the Hockey Hall of Fame, the selection committee announced Tuesday. All were eligible for the first time.
Devils president Lou Lamoriello was elected in the builder category.
Yzerman ranks sixth all time in points with 1,755.
Hull’s 741 goals rank third all time behind only Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. His father, Bobby, is already in the Hall of Fame.
Leetch became the first American-born player to earn the Conn Smythe Trophy after leading the Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994.
Robitaille’s 668 goals are the most by a left wing.
Lamoriello has served as the Devils’ president since 1987 and has led the team to the Stanley Cup three times.
A player must be retired for three seasons before becoming eligible to enter the Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will be Nov. 9.
Brent Sutter joins Flames
CALGARY, Alberta — General manager Darryl Sutter hired his brother Brent Sutter to coach the Flames.
The addition of Brent, who left the Devils with one year remaining on his contract to return to Alberta, pushes the number of Sutters in the Flames’ organization to five. Brother Duane is director of player personnel, brother Ron is a scout and Darryl’s son Brett played for the Flames’ farm team last season.
Sutter replaces Mike Keenan, who was fired May 22 after a first-round exit in the playoffs.
Babcock to coach Canada
DETROIT — Red Wings coach Mike Babcock will coach the Canadian hockey team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
The Associated Press
