Best #9's in NHL History & Yakubov Trade Tree
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", the top 10 Blues draft picks since 1980, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a few “Today in Hockey History” posts, the best #9’s in NHL history, the Nail Yakubov trade tree, Marian Gaborik’s time with the Ottawa Senators, the St. Louis Blues’ top 10 draft picks since 1980, and more.
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Now on to the good stuff…
Forgotten Ottawa Senators: Marian Gaborik
March 16, 2024 by Matthew Zator (THW Premium Content)
After looking at Hall-of-Famer and legendary goaltender Martin Brodeur’s short time in St. Louis, we are off to the capital of Canada to take a look at Slovak speedster Marian Gaborik’s brief 16-game stint wearing the red and black of the Senators.
Today in Hockey History: March 18
If you are a fan of the Original Six-era National Hockey League history, then March 18 is the date for you. Plenty of memories were made in Montreal, Boston, Detroit and Chicago over the years. Plus, some Hall of Famers put up some great performances over the years and a couple of Anaheim Ducks’ rookies made some history as well. Let’s take our daily trip back through the decades to see the best this date has brought us.
The Best #9’s in NHL History
Over the course of the NHL’s history, there have been many records put away into the books, rarely to be broken. The class of the best to ever take the ice is fairly crystal clear. At the top would be Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Bobby Orr, with others trickling below them. Awards are named after some of the all-time greats. For example, the Maurice Richard Trophy, named after the first man to score 50 goals in 50 games and 500 all-time, awards the player with the most goals each season.
Oilers Trade Tree: From Yakupov to Skinner
‘Fail for Nail’ rang through streets of Edmonton during the 2011-12 NHL season as the Edmonton Oilers, for the sixth straight year, slotted as lottery hopefuls rather than playoff contenders. The lottery balls fell their way, and a sure-fire Russian superstar playing for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) was ready to be selected to an organization known for once housing dynasties during the 1980s. Nail Yakupov, the third of three consecutive first-round picks for the team, would be joining budding stars Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Jordan Eberle, forming the next generation of Oilers offence. Fast-forward four years, and Yakupov set his sails for St. Louis, netting a return symbolic of the winger’s fall from grace. Luckily, the Oilers used assets from the Yakupov trade to draft a future All-Star, Stuart Skinner.
Today in Hockey History: March 17
The greatest of them all had another huge day on this date in NHL history. Plus, two of the most storied cities in the game made memories, and it was a banner day for goaltenders as well. Our daily trip back in time to relive all the best March 17 has given us is about to begin, so hop on board.
What Ever Happened to Rob Schremp?
Remember Rob Schremp?
Schremp was once touted as one of the NHL’s most promising young players. He was a gifted playmaker and goal scorer who was well-known for his magical hands.
Today in Hockey History: March 16
Today is about scoring goals and keeping them out of the net, as this date in National Hockey League history has provided multiple 50-goal scorers and some great goaltending. Plus, one of the all-time greats had multiple memories, and there were some big moments during the early years of the league. The THW time machine is fueled up and ready to take us through the years and relive the best that March 16 has given us.
Blues’ Top-10 Draft Picks Since 1980
Since 1980, the St. Louis Blues have made five draft selections in the top 10. They are venturing into uncharted waters with the 2023 NHL Draft, where they hold the 10th overall selection. They’ve never had a top 10 pick under the guidance of general manager (GM) Doug Armstrong.