5 Greatest Hockey Players Ever & Demise of the Hartford Whalers
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", ranking Oilers free agent signings since 2020, revisiting the first Jeff Carter trade, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
Today in Hockey History: May 8
The teams from the Empire State have enjoyed quite a bit of success on this date throughout the years. May 8 has also provided some “Original Six” memories, big performances by rookies, and Hall of Fame milestones. Let's begin our daily trip back through time to relive all the best moments.
The 5 Greatest Hockey Players Ever
We can’t imagine the list changing anytime soon. Sidney Crosby may have a chance of cracking it one day and some are already talking about Connor McDavid becoming one of the all-time greatest, but for now, these guys are the hockey gods, the Mount Rushmore of the NHL, the greatest of all-time.
Brass Bonanza Silenced: The Demise of the Hartford Whalers
Hockey fans love nostalgia. We love the past and all the traditions of the NHL. The retro sweaters and the defunct teams, we all love them. It’s a huge reason why the Hartford Whalers still continue to be a very brand among hockey fans to this day. A couple even once had a Whaler-themed wedding. If the Whalers are still popular now, then why did they even leave in the first place and why are they never coming back in the NHL?
Today in Hockey History: May 7
Today we look back at another busy day in National Hockey League history. May 7 has seen its fair share of Stanley Cup Final games, legendary players doing what they do best, and some impressive streaks getting extended. Let’s climb aboard the THW time machine and relive all the best moments this date has had to offer through the decades.
Don’t forget to check out all of our FREE team Substacks, and sign up for your favorites…or all of them if you want.
You can also upgrade your subscription to a paid THW account, and get access to ALL of our Premium content from ALL of our team Substacks for one low price.
Ranking Oilers Poor Free Agent Signings Since 2020
The Edmonton Oilers have used free agency (both restricted and unrestricted) as a major tool for building their roster. General manager Ken Holland has made some astute trades and the Oilers have found some keepers in the NHL draft, but much of the success or failures of any organization comes from a team’s ability to attract, retain, and sign good players to value contracts. Doing so gives the team flexibility when it comes to trades and making other moves.
The First Jeff Carter Trade Revisited
From Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Jeff Carter’s had a quietly successful career at the NHL level. He broke into the league at the age of 21 with the Philadelphia Flyers who drafted him 11th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Carter spent six seasons with the Flyers following his debut season scoring 181 goals and 343 points in 461 regular season games.