The NHL "Second Six" & Canucks' Draft Misses Since 2015
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", revisiting Brian Propp's time in Philadelphia, the Oilers' disastrous 1990 Draft, and more.
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Today in Hockey History: July 24
On this date, the Los Angeles Kings brought back one of the great players in their franchise’s history for the third time. Also, a dramatic coaching move was finally made official. Plus, some talented Stanley Cup winners are celebrating birthdays today. Let’s begin our daily trip back in time to relive all the best memories July 24 has given us.
Hockey History – the NHL “Second Six”
In March 1965, a formal process began headed by then NHL President Clarence Campbell so that the league would expand its operation to include a second division of six teams. Gone would be the days of the so-called “Original Six” franchises. Joining them would be a half-dozen new teams that would see the NHL reach further into the United States, including both the Midwest and West Coast.
Canucks Draft Misses Since 2015
The Vancouver Canucks have struggled to draft and develop players for a large part of the past nine years. Yes, they have found some key players like Thatcher Demko and Nils Höglander in the second round or later, but that is pretty much it. While there have been misses in the first round, such as Olli Juolevi and Jake Virtanen, a lot of Vancouver’s current problems can be attributed to their drafting beyond their first-rounders.
Today in Hockey History: July 23
A pair of “Original ”6 National Hockey League rivals made a one-sided trade on this date. Also, July 23 saw a long-time executive take a new job, the face of a franchise get traded to a new team and a rare NHL Entry Draft take place. The THW time machine has plenty of fuel to take us back through the decades to relive all the memories.
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Flyers’ Brian Propp: Close But No Cigar
Brian Propp remains more than just a hockey player to the Philadelphia Flyers’ community. A stroke survivor in 2015, he has helped raise awareness for the cause and has had a wonderful impact off the ice in the years following his retirement from the sport of hockey. When he was playing in the NHL, he was one of the best players the Flyers have ever iced, even though he was never able to win a Stanley Cup.
Revisiting the Edmonton Oilers’ Disastrous 1990 Draft
In June 1990, the Edmonton Oilers were on top of the world. They had just won their fifth Stanley Cup in seven years, after beating the Boston Bruins 4-1 in the best-of-seven championship series. Goaltender Bill Ranford received the Conn Smythe Trophy, and captain Mark Messier was presented with the Hart Memorial Trophy.
