Does Blake Geoffrion boast the greatest pedigree in professional sports history?

With Blake Geoffrion expected to sign his entry-level NHL contract soon, the Nashville Predators are going to welcome the most heralded rookie in franchise history. As the first product of Nashville's youth hockey programs to make his way to the bigs, Geoffrion will naturally be sold as the homegrown talent that any team would love to market. Winning the Hobey Baker Award as this year's top U.S. college hockey player only adds to the buzz.

What is perhaps even more remarkable about Blake, however, is his pedigree, which is perhaps the most amazing in professional sports history.

When he eventually makes his debut with the Nashville Predators, he will become a 4th-generation NHL player. His father Danny was a 1st-round draft choice by the Montreal Canadiens and played three seasons with various teams, while his grandfather (Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion) and great-grandfather (Howie Morenz) stand among the all-time titans of the sport. Morenz was named the greatest hockey player of the first half of the 20th century, while "Boom Boom" (who married Morenz's daughter) helped perfect the slap shot during the 1950's, winning two scoring titles and a Hart Trophy as league MVP. Both Howie and "Boom Boom", of course, have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Basketball doesn't have any such dynasties to speak of, although the NFL's Manning family is off to a pretty good start (we'll have to see how Peyton & Eli's kids turn out in 20+ years).

In Major League Baseball, there have been a few 3rd-generation players, but the Boones and Bells simply don't compare. Maybe if the next couple generations of Griffeys or Gwynns turn out some stars they might contend, someday. Blake Geoffrion comes along like the great-grandson of Babe Ruth and the grandson of Mickey Mantle, carrying a coveted set of genetics that is backed up with tremendous individual accomplishments during his four years at the University of Wisconsin.

Has anyone ever entered the world of professional sports with such an accomplished family tree, and the personal awards to back it up?

Get excited, Nashville - a genuine thoroughbred is on the way...