(left) Before coaching at the University of Denver in the 1980's, Ralph Backstrom won six Stanley Cups with the Montreal CanadiensFrom: ESPN.com
By Scott Burnside
An interesting article by Scott Burnside on ESPN.com ranked the seven biggest trades in NHL history. Naturally the Gretzky & Messier deals are listed as well as the Patrick Roy and Peter Forsberg trades that netted Colorado two Stanley Cups. Of interest to DU fans is the trade of Ralph Backstrom, who coached at the University of Denver from 1981 to 1990.
Jan. 26, 1971: Ralph Backstrom traded from Montreal to Los Angeles for Gord Labossiere and Ray Fortin
As time passes, the significance of this seemingly inconsequential deal fades, but given the ultimate impact the deal had, it remains a significant transaction in league history. At the time the Montreal Canadiens owned the No. 1 draft pick in the 1971 draft, having acquired the pick from the California Golden Seals.
But as the 1970-71 season progressed, the woeful Los Angeles Kings looked as though they were going to be even worse than California and end up with the top pick and the opportunity to select French Canadian star Guy Lafleur. Montreal GM Sam Pollock, considered among the finest hockey minds in the history of the game, sent still-useful Ralph Backstrom to the Kings for two players who never played a game for the Habs. Backstrom, however, had 14 goals and 27 points in 33 games for the Kings and his contributions were enough to lift Los Angeles out of the NHL basement and allow the Canadiens to draft Lafleur with the No. 1 pick at the 1971 draft.
Lafleur, of course, was the offensive cornerstone of the Canadiens' dynasty that would win four straight Stanley Cups in the mid to late 1970s -- teams that are considered among the best of all time.
The Kings are still looking for their first-ever championship and have advanced to just one Cup final in their more than 40 years of existence.
Jan. 26, 1971: Ralph Backstrom traded from Montreal to Los Angeles for Gord Labossiere and Ray Fortin
As time passes, the significance of this seemingly inconsequential deal fades, but given the ultimate impact the deal had, it remains a significant transaction in league history. At the time the Montreal Canadiens owned the No. 1 draft pick in the 1971 draft, having acquired the pick from the California Golden Seals.
But as the 1970-71 season progressed, the woeful Los Angeles Kings looked as though they were going to be even worse than California and end up with the top pick and the opportunity to select French Canadian star Guy Lafleur. Montreal GM Sam Pollock, considered among the finest hockey minds in the history of the game, sent still-useful Ralph Backstrom to the Kings for two players who never played a game for the Habs. Backstrom, however, had 14 goals and 27 points in 33 games for the Kings and his contributions were enough to lift Los Angeles out of the NHL basement and allow the Canadiens to draft Lafleur with the No. 1 pick at the 1971 draft.
Lafleur, of course, was the offensive cornerstone of the Canadiens' dynasty that would win four straight Stanley Cups in the mid to late 1970s -- teams that are considered among the best of all time.
The Kings are still looking for their first-ever championship and have advanced to just one Cup final in their more than 40 years of existence.
No comments:
Post a Comment