Revisiting Blues' Trade For Brett Hull & Wayne Gretzky Almost Joined the Red Wings
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", greatest Canadien to wear each jersey number, Maple Leafs trade deadline history, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: Aug. 12
A Hall of Fame defenseman announced his retirement on this date, although he did not exactly spend much time away from the ice. Also, a long-time National Hockey League coach and executive passed away after a long battle with cancer. It is time for our daily trip back through the decades to relive all the best moments from Aug. 12.
Greatest Montreal Canadien to Wear Each Jersey Number
Assembling a list of greatest players to ever wear a number is not easy with a franchise as old and as storied as the Montreal Canadiens. It will also leave great players off the list, players who also enjoyed Hall-of-Fame careers. Debates over these lists will rage on, but one thing Habs fans can agree upon – these players provided fans memorable moments and quirky trivia items to last a lifetime. Here are the greatest players to have worn each number for the Canadiens.
Revisiting the Blues’ Trade for Brett Hull
On March 7, 1988, the Calgary Flames agreed to send 23-year-old forward Brett Hull along with 27-year-old forward Steve Bozek to the St. Louis Blues for 29-year-old defenseman Rob Ramage and 28-year-old goaltender Rick Wamsley. The trade would go down as one of the biggest in Blues’ history. Here’s a look back at how the trade panned out for both clubs.
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Today in Hockey History: Aug. 11
This date has seen its fair share of memorable events in National Hockey League history. The Los Angeles Kings signed a future crown jewel on defense to his first professional contract. Also, there was a front-office shakeup in Toronto and the birth of a Hall of Fame netminder. The THW time machine is fired up and ready to take us on our daily trip back in time.
Wayne Gretzky Almost Joined the Detroit Red Wings
It’s been 36 years since the Wayne Gretzky trade to the Los Angeles Kings that sent shock waves throughout Edmonton, all of Canada, and the entire hockey world. This was a major event for the NHL, sparking hockey interest in the south and west and ultimately leading to a demand for more franchises. The Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning fanbases can all thank Peter Pocklington’s stretched budget and preemptive planning for NHL teams in their cities.
Today in Hockey History: Aug. 10
Aug. 10 has been both a hectic and sad day in NHL history, as Hall of Famer and Chicago Blackhawks legend Tony Esposito passed away in 2021. In other news, a relocated team got its new identity and logo and an expansion team made its first-ever trade. Finally, a coaching change was made, and two future successful head coaches found new homes during their playing days.
Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Deadline History
At the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline, the Toronto Maple Leafs were right in the middle of all the drama. They had been linked to just about everybody, including forwards, defensemen, and goaltenders. Prior to the deadline passing, former THW writer Alex Hobson took a look at the Maple Leafs trade deadline history.
