ATD 2010 Bios

[EagleBelfour]

With our 22nd selection, the 640th overall in this year All-Time Draft, the Detroit Falcons are extremely happy to select defenseman Wilfred Arthur Coutu

Nickname: Billy, Beaver, The Butcher
Height: 5'11''
Weight: 190 lbs
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Date of Birth: March 01, 1892
Place of Birth: North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Date of Death: February 25, 1977 (Age: 84)

Stanley Cup Champion (1924)
Stanley Cup Finalist (1917, 1919*, 1925)
Team Captain (1925-1926)

Top-10 Penalty Minutes (3rd, 7th, 8th, 8th)

Top-10 Scoring Among defenseman (7th, 7th, 8th, 8th, 9th, 9th, 10th, 10th)
Top-10 Goalscoring among defenseman (6th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 10th)
Top-10 Assist among defenseman (5th, 6th, 8th, 8th, 10th, 10th)
Top-10 Penalty Minutes among defenseman (2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 5th, 8th, 8th, 9th, 9th)


Top-10 Playoff Goalscoring (8th)
Top-10 Playoff Assist (9th)
Top-10 Playoff Penalty Minutes (1st, 8th)

Top-10 Playoff Scoring Among defenseman (3rd, 6th)
Top-10 Playoff Goalscoring among defenseman (1st)
Top-10 Playoff Assist among defenseman (1st)
Top-10 Playoff Penalty Minutes among defenseman (1st, 4th, 5th)


- In 1916, Coutu won the U.S.A. Senior championship with the Michigan Soo Indians
- On November 24th, 1916, Coutu signed as a free agent by Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey Association
- In 1919, Coutu alongside Joe Hall, Edouard Lalonde, Jack McDonald and manager George Kennedy contracted influenza and were hospitalized. Teammate Joe Hall died during Game 5 and the Stanley Cup finals was cancelled.
- On November 27th, 1920, Coutu was loaned to the Hamilton Tigers by the Montreal Canadiens as part of trade of Jack McDonald, Harry Mummery and Dave Ritchie for Jack Coughlin, Goldie Prodgers and Joe Matte
- On January 12nd 1924,Coutu missed seven games due to a broken wrist suffered in a game against the Toronto St. Patricks
- On January 19th 1926, he was suspended one game and fined 100$ by theNHL for tripping referee Jerry Laflamme against the Ottawa Senators
- At the end of Game 4 of the 1927 Stanley Cup, Coutu started a bench-clearing brawl, apparently at the request of coach Art Ross, by assaulting referee Jerry Laflamme and tackling referee Billy Bell. As a result, he was expelled from the NHL for life. On October 8th, 1929, the suspension was lifted so that Coutu could play in the minor leagues. He never played in the NHL again, although he was reinstated in 1932–33 at the insistence of Leo Dandurand
- During the 1933-34 season, Coutu played one game in goal for the Providence Reds in the Canadian American Hockey League, allowing 12 goals
- Coutu was a longtime Minor Pro Coach and referee after his playing days

Somewhere along the line, Billy Couture became Billy Coutu, but one thing that remained the same was the man's temper and penchant for taking it out on his opponents.

THE MERE PRESENCE OF BILLY COUTURE DETERRED OPPONENTS FROM TAKING LIBERTIES WITH THE TEAM’S STARS.

In his heyday, Billy Couture was one of the most feared men who laced up the skates in the rough and tumble world of professional hockey. Born in North Bay, Ontario in 1892, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound defenseman spent a decade defending his territory against his opponents using any means necessary.

The NHL set up shop the next fall. With Couture on defense and his well-developed mean streak often coming to the forefront.

With Joe Hall’s death, Couture became the Canadiens’ undisputed enforcer, a most effective deterrent to those who might choose to take liberties with the team’s marquee players. Loaned to the Hamilton Tigers for the 1920-21 season, Couture played against his former Montreal mates with the same ferocity he had shown while wearing their colors.

Returning to Montreal at the beginning of 1921-22, Couture once again began making life miserable for Habs’ opponents. Not allowing himself to be limited by the rules of play, no tactic was too underhanded or brutal as Couture made sure that his opponents worried about more than simply preventing the likes of Morenz, Joliat, and Boucher from scoring.

In the spring of 1924, the Canadiens made their way back into contention for the Stanley Cup. With Georges Vézina in nets and Couture creating mayhem on the blue line, Montreal was almost unimpeded in their efforts.

One of the roughest defence men in hockey, particularly when paired with Sprague Cleghorn on the Canadiens.

In Montreal, Cleghorn was paired with fellow archfiend Billy Coutu to form what was arguably the most frightening defensive duo ever seen.

(Corbeau) will have the distinction to have form the first version of the ''Big Three'' with the Montreal Canadiens with all-star defenseman Sprague Cleghorn and Billy Coutu. Moreover than all three had lightning-like shots, all three of them measured at least 5'10'' et weight more than 190 pounds each.

Patrick Offers to Trade Frank Boucher for Coutu

Vancouver, B.C Nov 19- Frank Patrick, owner of he Vancouver Maroons hockey team, has wired Leo Dandurand, offering to trade Frank Boucher for one year only for Billy Coutu, Canadiens defence man. Patrick, it is understood, make the offer owing to Boucher's desire to play hockey in the East.
If Dandurand does not approve, then Boucher will play here or remain out of hockey this season, it is stated.

Coutu, a native of Sault Ste. Marie was a turbulant figure in hockey wars for years, and suspensions and fines made no visible impression on him. He was not a great defenseman, but he was better than average, and his reputation was such that attackers were always on the alert when he hove into sight. For several seasons he and Sprague Cleghorn were Canadiens' regular defensemen, and they certainly made the road to George Vezina's net the rockiest one to travel in all the history of hockey.

Coutu, for many years a shining in NHL is making his debut as a manager.

Billy Coutu, one-time firebrand of major league hockey.

- ''He might get overlooked because he played with Cleghorn in term of how dirty and nasty of a player he was.'' - Bob Duff, historian

- ''He was a rough, rough dude and I think a lot of people steered clear of him. He was one of those guys people thought 'Gee, you'd better not bother him because there's no telling what's going to happen.' He was a pretty good player, but while the others were doing the rushing, he was staying back and doing the dirty work.'' - Ernie Fitzsimmons, historian


Sites:
http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=12352
http://www.sihrhockey.org/member_player_sheet.cfm?player_id=796&mode=2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Coutu
http://theryancokeexperience.wordpress.com/2009/02/27/top-100-habs-48/
http://www.habsinsideout.com/main/2068
http://ourhistory.canadiens.com/player/Billy-Couture
http://www.fanatique.ca/lnh/bert-corbeau-un-joueur-oublie+3457.html

 

[Leafs Forever]

Though he was just 5'10" and 175lbs, rough and tumble defenceman Joe Hall was one of the most feared players of his time. "Bad" Joe Hall was known for his hard hitting, violent outbursts and sometimes less than clean play.-Joe Pelletier

Tough as nails, Joe found a perfect fit for his punishing style of play as a defenseman, though early on in his playing career he patrolled the ice as a forward and rover

He played his early hockey for the Brandon Regals and the Winnipeg Rowing Club in the early Manitoba Hockey League (M.H.L.). In 20 games from 1902-1905, Joe amassed 25 goals, and became widely known not only for his scoring prowess and gregarious off-ice manner, but also for his rough style of play. -hobokin.net

A rugged right-handed defenseman, "Bad Joe" Hall earned his nickname from his aggressive style of play. While he was hardly known for dropping the gloves, Hall's talent took care of striking fear in the hearts of his opponents.-canadiens.com

Hall and Mummery's crushing style of defense allowed the team's offense to shine. Joe Malone scored a league-high 43 goals while teammate Harry Smith added 39.-hobokin.net

he seemed to stir it up wherever he went. He was a very physical defender and, despite what his supporters said about him, he could be savage...was kicked out of the Manitoba senior league for dangerously rough play...fashioned a reputation for being a nutcase as well as a brute...Hall went on to become arguably the top defender in the NHA, and he certainly staked his territory as hockey's baddest man...His blood feud with Newsy Lalonde was quite possibly the most beastly ever witnessed in the history of organized sport.

In a word - BULLY- Total Hockey

The series proved to be everything hockeyists had hoped for, brilliant scoring and strong defense. Joe Hall was in an especially surly mood, making full use of his complement of defensive tactics-hobokin.net

Some accounts of his play from the globe and mail:

In the final session Ottawa started fast, but Vezina, Hall and Corbeau stood firm in the face of bombardment- Jan 31, 1918

Joe Hall, just out of the clutches of the Toronto police, drew down the only major foul of the night when he tripped Cy Denneny and saved a probable goal in the third period. -Jan 31, 1918

Hall and Corbeau played nice defence hockey, but they were outplayed and outguessed by the Toronto forwards.- March 12, 1918

Corbeau relieved the situation by making several clever rushes, and Hall was also prominent with his blocking. -december 24, 1918

The Toronto St.Pats are happy to select, one of the roughest customers of his era...


"BAD" JOE HALL!

Awards and Achievements
2 x Stanley Cup Champion (1912, 1913)
3 x Stanley Cup Fianlist (1912, 1913, 1919)

Scoring
Assists- 10th (1918)

Points Amongst defencemen- 5th (1918), 4th(1919)

Had 6 goals and points in 12 cup challenge games. Had 5 goals in 4 NHA playoff games.

 

[seventieslord]

With the 709th pick in ATD2010, The Regina Pats are pleased to select:

Pit Martin, C/RW

- 5'9", 170 lbs
- Stanley Cup Finalist (1964, 1971, 1973)
- Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (1970)
- Top-20 in Goals Twice (16th, 18th)
- Top-20 in Assists 3 Times (4th, 8th, 13th)
- Top-20 in Points 4 Times (11th, 14th, 15th, 19th)
- Top-15 in Playoff Goals Twice (2nd, 13th)
- Top-15 in Playoff Assists Three Times (10th, 12th, 15th)
- Top-15 in Playoff Points Twice (4th, 14th)
- Placed 7th, 8th, 8th in All-Star voting among centers
- Career Adjusted +114
- 4-Time NHL All-Star Game Participant (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974)
- 1st or 2nd in PPGA among Chicago forwards for 4 straight years (1974-1977)

...Martin joined the NHL full-time in 1963-64, and played with the Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks, and Vancouver Canucks during his sixteen year career, totalling 809 points in his 1,101 games played. During a dismal 1968-69 season where the Hawks finished out of the playoffs, Martin denounced many of his teammates, claiming that only three "wear their uniforms with any desire to win."

The next season, the team rebounded, finishing in first place with Martin contributing 30 goals and 33 assists. Martin won the Masterton Trophy that season, the only major award he'd win during his NHL career. Although only 5'8" and 165 pounds, the rugged two-way forward proved that he could leave his mark in the NHL by playing hard every shift of every game.

Martin is often remembered for being part of one of the most one-sided trades in NHL history. In May 1967, he, along with ***** and ****** , went from Boston to Chicago for Phil Esposito, Ken Hodge, and Fred Stanfield.

A small but speedy NHLer for parts of 17 seasons, Pit Martin was a fine player who was overshadowed by the player he was traded for.

On May 15, 1967 Pit, Jack Norris and Gilles Marotte left Boston for Chicago in exchange for Phil Esposito, Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield in one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history. The Bruins went on to become a two-time Stanley Cup championships while the Hawks had quiet glimpses of success. Moreover, the trade was broken down more into Martin for Esposito - one promising center for another. Espo went on to a Hall of Fame career including 4 Art Ross scoring championships. Martin, while an effective player for Chicago for over 10 years, had a quiet career in comparison.

...The powerful and agile skater was traded from the Red Wings to the Boston Bruins midway through the 1965-66 season, where he spent a season and a half. Pit then moved to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1967 where he played another 11 years. He eventually won over Chicago fans with is speedy attack and insistent digging for loose pucks in the corners.

...Martin was able to overcome his rocky reception and become a Hawks fan favorite. He found particular success on the MPH Line with Jim Pappin and Dennis Hull for the better part of six seasons.

"We, as a trio, worked very well together. We all got along. I think the biggest thing was that none of us were selfish. We had the same type of philosophy about the game. We were serious about it and we wanted to be recognized as good hockey players. We didn't care who scored the goals as long as our line produced," said Martin.

Martin enjoyed several good seasons in Chicago. Eight times in his career he scored at least 20 goals, and three times at least 30. His best season came in 1972-73 when he scored 29 goals and 61 assists for a career high 90 points. Later in the playoffs he scored 10 goals and 16 points to help the Chicago Blackhawks advance to the Stanley Cup finals.

The Quebec native finished off his pro career with two seasons in Vancouver. Pit retired from the NHL with 324 goals, 485 assists and 809 points in 1,101 regular season games while adding 27 goals and 58 points in 100 playoff contests.

While his career was not nearly as decorated as the man he was traded for, Martin was fiercely proud of his 1970 Masterton trophy award for dedication to the game of hockey. Martin called it "the most important trophy I'll ever receive."

Reputed by many to be the fastest skater in the NHL

Has been around the NHL for quite a while, always doing a superior job at the center position... Everyone thinks that Chicago got robbed, and that may be, but Martin is a damn competent centerman.

"He was a great little player, very competitive," said retired Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Johnny Bower. "I remembered he lit the lamp quite a few times behind me. He was a good, clean player. A good faceoff man."

Former Wings teammate Marcel Pronovost said the five-foot-eight, 165-pound Martin was typical of a type of player that every team had in the Original Six era.

"He was very quick," said Pronovost, who still scouts for the New Jersey Devils. "He was a very clever player. There wasn't an ounce of meanness in him. His game was finesse. He was similar to Henri Richard and Dave Keon. There was a whole group of guys like that in the league then."

Hall of Fame NHL linesman Matt Pavelich dropped the puck countless times on faceoffs with Martin and recalls him being a quiet, hard-working player.

"He wasn't like Stan Mikita or Bobby Clarke," said Pavelich of two notorious chatterboxes. "He just did his job. He had real good hands and he never backed down from anyone. He was small, but he wasn't timid. He'd go right into the corners. I just remember him as a real nice guy."

One of the Blackhawks' valuable forwards during the 1970s... Known for being a good two-way player... a swift, powerful skater, quick and adept around the net, and an insistent digger in the corners...

He quickly earned a reputation for skating speed and hustle. "Here I'm expected to do the forechecking and as before, but then go deep on defense. It was hard at first, but it started working out for me. I began to get a lot of chances... I think it's a better system." In his second year with the Hawks, Martin clearly mastered the tactics advocated by Reay, gained confidence, and did so well that he could speak out on what he felt to be the shortcomings of the team. His words played a part in the regeneration of the Hawks... In the stretch drive for first place it was Pappin and martin who came up with the big goals, game after game.

Pit really does believe what he says is right. And he was certainly right in pointing out that everyone on the same team should be treated the same. It's just common sense - which, incidentally, Pit exhibits a lot of on the ice. He can also take off from a dead stop faster than any player I know.

Q: Who were some of the tougher centers to win faceoffs against for you?

A: Oh boy. Well I guess Delvecchio. Another fellow I had trouble with was Pit Martin that played with Boston and Chicago.

Tommy Ivan retorted: "I wish people would give Martin a chance. Never try to judge the value of a trade when it is first completed... The Bruins received some badly needed punch, and we received a top defenseman, a great center, and a potentially good goalie." Time was to prove Ivan right in respect to Martin, who did turn out to be a superb center.

Martin became a consistent scorer of 20 or more goals... Never afraid to speak his mind... A small man but a great skater...

The Hawks were still trying to find the elusive centre for Bobby Hull and felt the man they needed was the smooth, slick Martin, an easy skater with darting speed, a playmaker and a young 20-goal scorer who could keep pace with the Golden Jet... Martin was a quick buzzing centreman who could pass to either side, forehand of backhand. Despite his size, he was constantly in and out of the opposition goalmouth for rebounds and loose pucks. He was a pure playmaker who had the added danger of being deadly accurate on his own... He was reunited with Jim Pappin and Dennis Hull on many occasions, but proved he could be every bit as fleet and graceful with less-familiar linemakes, and could still make those deft moves and sneaky passes to anyone who wanted to play... but with the exception of the notoreity of the big trade, he never received the recognition he deserved... "Next year (1979) I went to training camp, still ready to play. The desire was there. Nobody could outskate me, and goddammit, I made the land training, made the plays on the ice, but they didn't renew me... As far as I'm concerned, THEY retired ME. I wasn't ready to go."...

Best remembered for his playmaking abilities at centre

Two of the best defensive centers of the 1970s were Chicago's Pit Martin and the Rangers' Walt Tkaczuk.

Milt Schmidt was discussing the improvement of the Bruins... "Hockey today is a game of skating and checking. Two players stand out: Pit Martin and John McKenzie. They can both skate and they've got the speed to come back to help on defense. We're doing a much better job of getting the puck out of our end. I'll predict right now that Martin is going to be in the superstar bracket within two years. He isn't very big, but neither is Henri Richard, and like Richard he skates with authority. He's providing a lot of excitement for our fans these days... There doesn't seem to be anything he can't do. Besides being a good skater, he handles the puck pretty well, and he's proven that he can score. he's got all the shots - wrist, slap, backhand - andhe shoots a lot."

MARTIN SPARKED HAWKS' VAULT FROM LAST TO FIRST: Martin, who chastized the Hawks' star system and raised a furor, was credited with blowing the whistle and forcing the Hawks to play team hockey.

His great breaking speed and scoring potential helped catapult Hull to his record 58-goal peak... "Pit takes a load off both Hull and ****, because the opposition has to regard Martin just as dangerous with his great skating and fine shot", says Reay.

"I think Martin has reached the great potential he never realized he had", said Bobby Hull.

Just a little guy but holds his own against every center he faces... He is credited with much of Hawks' success after popping off in training camp before 1969-70 season...

BEST PLAYMAKER - Pit Martin - 8th

Blackhawks captain... small but fast... Versatility enables him to play competently at center or wing... Always a breakaway threat... Smooth skater and playmaker with more subtle than obvious skills... Uses speed to good advantage... articulate spokesman and former NHLPA president.

The pest... Has made a career out of doing fine job with enthusiasm and effort... Slowing down but still no slouch... was favourite of fans in classy 11-year stay with Chicago Blackhawks... Adds depth and experience to pivot spot...

 

[TheDevilMadeMe]

Ray Getliffe, C/LW

The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder was among the speediest forwards in the league, a skilled two-way performer, equally adept at attacking the enemy net or playing in a defensive role.

Top 20 Goals: 10th, 15th
Top 20 Assists: 14th
Top 20 Points: 15th, 17th

Fun fact: Getliffe is the one who gave Maurice Richard his nickname

I was on the bench when he got the puck at the blueline, deked two guys, and streaked in with that fire in his eyes to score. I said, 'geez, he went in like a rocket.' [Sportswriter] Dink Carroll was standing behind the bench, and that's when [Richard] publicly became Rocket Richard.

 

[Leafs Forever]

In 1903 he captained the team to the first of three successive Stanley Cup victories. The Silver Seven played in what was considered the first professional hockey league in Canada. Smith played on a line with Frank McGee, making room for his talented teammate with his bruising style-loh

The Toronto St.Pats are proud to select, one of the toughest guys of his era, a great intangible player...



ALF SMITH!

Awards and Achievements
3 x Stanley Cup Champion (1904, 1906, 1906)
Ultimate Hockey's "Best Corner Man of 1900-1909
Ultimate Hockey's "Most Able Instigator" of 1900-1909
Ultimate Hockey's "Best Fighter" of 1900-1909
Ultimate Hockey's "Dirtiest Player" of 1900-1909
Ultimate Hockey's "Most Hated Player" of 1900-1909

Scoring
Goals/Points: 9th(1895), 6th(1896), 1st(1897), 8th(1904), 4th(1905), 9th(1906), 7th(1907), 9th(1908)

 

[seventieslord]

With the 712th pick in ATD2010, The Regina Pats are proud to select:

Glen Wesley, D

- Stanley Cup (2006)
- Stanley Cup Finalist (1988, 1990, 2002)
- 537 Points in 1457 NHL games
- 52 points in 169 Playoff games
- NHL All-Rookie Team (1988)
- Played in NHL All-Star Game (1989)
- Top-16 in points by defensemen twice (13th, 16th)
- Top-10 in playoff scoring among defensemen three times (3rd, 7th, 9th)
- 483 PPGA in career, never less than 15 in a season
- Career adjusted +70

Wesley played 79 games that rookie season and scored 39 points. He was named an All-Rookie Team defenceman. In the playoffs, he helped the Bruins win the Prince of Wales Trophy before losing to the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals.

In 1988-89, Wesley scored 19 goals and 54 points from the blueline. He also played in his first mid-season All-Star Game.

In 1989-90, he scored 36 points as the Bruins won the Adams Division season title. In the playoffs, Wesley and the Bruins won the Prince of Wales Trophy before losing once again to the Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals.

On August 26, 1994, Wesley was traded to the Hartford Whalers for three first-round draft picks (1995, 1996, and 1997) .... In 2001-02, Wesley was a key component on the Hurricane blue line as the team reached the Stanley Cup final for the first time in team history. After knocking off the New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, Carolina fell in five games to the Detroit Red Wings.

... Wesley's steady play on the Carolina blue line continued in 2003-04 as he was a +18 after 74 games with the club. (the club was predominantly minus and the next best was +6)

Following the lockout, the experienced veteran entered his 12th NHL playoff season. Wesley played in all of the Hurricane's post season games, earning his first Stanley Cup with the franchise.

Wesley won a silver medal for Canada at the 1996 World Championships.

Wesley was a quiet, underrated NHL defenseman for 20 seasons in the NHL. He is perhaps the most popular player in Carolina Hurricanes history.

Showing poise beyond his years, Wesley broke into the NHL with the Boston Bruins in 1987-88... The Bruins did not hesitate to included him in their line up. After all, the great Raymond Bourque was in his prime, and would serve as a great mentor. Wesley had an amazing rookie year, being named to the All Rookie team after a season of 7 goals and 37 points. He was an absolute standout in his very first Stanley Cup playoffs that spring. He scored 6 goals and 14 points in leading the Bruins all the way to the finals against eventual winners Edmonton.

The Red Deer native exploded for 19 goals and 54 points in his second season, but somehow there was always this sense that he was being shoe-horned into an offensive role that he really was not suited for. He was an amazing skater and a gifted breakout passer, but for the most part he was just really good at most aspects of the game - but not elite. His offensive totals were inflated somewhat by playing alongside Bourque, especially on the power play.

That is no knock by any means. The Bruins realized this and cut back on his offensive play time and let him evolve into a truly multi-dimensional defenseman. He was the consummate professional - smart, positional defender that was hard to sneak by even though he did not punish anyone physically, and good at headmanning the attack or even joining it at the right times. He rarely made mistakes.

Wesley was traded by the money-tight Bruins in the summer of 1994. The Hartford Whalers, seeking a veteran to guide newcomer Chris Pronger, made an offer that was just too good for the Bruins to pass up - first round picks in 1995, 1996 and 1997.

Interestingly, even though the Bruins draft NHL players with the picks, they went into a tailspin without Wesley. Bourque was getting past his prime and without Wesley the Bruins never really had the same depth on the blue line to help him out.

Wesley in the mean time went on to become one of the most respected players in Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes history. He was never a standout and sometimes miscasted as a number one defenseman, but fans and especially coaches appreciated his steadying influence and consistent performance night in and night out.

He would play 13 seasons with the franchises, interrupted only by a playoff rental stint with Toronto in 2003.

The highlight of his career was definitely in 2006 when the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup. Wesley had been fighting for the silver chalice for nearly 2 decades by that point. After getting so close in both his first and third years in the league with Boston, and again in 2002 with the 'Canes, Wesley must have thought the day would never come.

Is extremely reliable in the defensive zone. Shows great leadership among his fellow rearguards. Plays against top talent and usually holds his own.

Wesley is a big package of finesse skills. He's a good skater with the potential to be excellent at the NHL level. Glen has a lot of power in his stride and that contributes to his speed, but he also has good footspeed and balance for agility and quickness. He can change directions well and has good acceleration and his skating backward is as good as it is forward.

He has excellent hockey sense, and that sense includes anticipation and vision. He sees the ice very well (both in the rush toward him and the rush away) and he understands a play's implications. Wesley knows how to recognize the openings and he can take advantage of them himself or help a teammate to do so... he also passes extremely well and will lead a teammate into the clear with an accurate pass that will be as strong as the situation demands... He controls and carries the puck excellently... Glen can move the puck at any speed.

All of this means he's a solid scoring threat at the offensive blueline... Wesley also has excellent shot selection, and he delivers both his slap and wrist shots quickly and accurately. All of these abilities are also evident in Wesley's defensive play. He reads the rush toward him well and has the skating tools to cut it off or angle it wide.

Wesley plays a fairly physical game, but he's not a juggernaut. He takes the body well along the boards or in front of the net, but he's not a punishing hitter. He does well with his size and strength and applies them at all times. His skating and anticipation make him a good checker in the open ice... plays a fairly complete NHL game... showed good judgment last year keeping offense in check to concentrate on defense.

Wesley's six-point game last Sunday cemented his reputation as an offensive threat, but he's already a solid defensive force. "He's got unbelievable potential offensively," said Bourque. "He's a great skater, has great skills, moves the puck really well and is big and strong. It's a matter of confidence, too. He's a confident kid. He's good now, but he's going to keep getting a lot better... He's really surprised me by the way he was playing defensively last season as a rookie and being only 19. He wants to take care of his own end... He's one of the reasons we got through Montreal and into the finals... Offensively, that's just natural for Glen, but he has learned the defense very quickly."

Strength and balance are the hallmarks of Wesley's skating... an effective defender... Controls and carries the puck excellently... contains the point excellently... reads the play very well defensively... His breakout passes are smooth and almost always the correct decisions... Wesley is still in a boy's body, but that doesn't stop him from playing like a man. He takes the body well along the boards and in front of the net... His physical ability is made more valuable by his ability to make plays after contact.

Skating is the strongest of Wesley's considerable finesse skills... the patience and confidence he demonstrates while handling the puck is remarkable for a player with a lack of NHL experience... plays an intelligently aggressive game. Not a thumper, but takes out his man very well... He plays smartly in front of his own net (as in playing the stick when the opponent is bigger than he)... he is a character kid who will continue to improve because of his attitude and work ethic.

Better than most young defensemen at reading plays and knowing when to step in. Has a good, quick shot from the point... He is mentally tough and doesn't come unglued... a gifted offensive defenseman with the courage to go into the corner and hit... a good open ice checker.

He is an excellent passer and shooter, who moves the puck up ice with considerable speed.

Smart and poised at both ends of the ice... cannot be beaten one on one because of his skating and smarts... Has adequate size and strength which make him an effective checker... He makes himself do it because he knows it is the price to pay for playing his position in the NHL... has improved season after season... just below the league's elite.

Should get credit for his solid play... You could count on two hands the number of times Wesley has been beaten one on one throughout his career... makes the defensive plays with confidence... You don't have to shatter glass to be a solid checker, which he is. He's not mean, but he will make a takeout check and not let his man get back into the play... A very solid, reliable, talented defenseman... If the Bruins don't want him, there are 25 other teams who would say "call us first".

Quite effective moving the puck out of his own zone... adept at out-positioning onrushing forwards...

Glen continues to provide steady defense with some well-timed offense.

continues to improve... Very sly about running interference for his defense partner, allowing him time to move the puck and the confidence to know that he won't get hammered by a forechecker

An excellent skater and calm puckhandler... knows how to step up and join the attack... a smart positional player who relies more on speed than brawn... He's a gamer who always wants to get better and works hard to keep fulfilling his assignment and remain a vital member of the team.

EXPECT - Excellent two-way play

Played much of last season with the inexperienced Chris Pronger... can veer into the play deep; he seldom gets trapped there.

Just because he's strong with the puck doesn't mean he is weak on the blueline... He is no saviour, but a solid pro who could transform the Whalers from pretenders to contenders... a determined player... always bounces back from injury.

Solid, but not elite class...

From a skill point of view, there's nothing wrong with Wesley's game. He skates well, moves the puck around the rink smartly, and reads the play skillfully... He will even play a somewhat abrasive, if not overly physical, style, getting under the skin of opposition.

The Carolina Hurricanes are hobbling on defense as the injury bug has taken its toll. The Canes are still managing, and the man holding them together is veteran Glen Wesley.

When Wesley makes a hit the crowd notices, and the way he has been playing hockey has makes his teammates take notice. "Glen has really stepped up," says Gary Roberts, Hurricanes left wing. "I mean he's played well all season, but it may be more noticeable now that ****** and ***** are out of the lineup. He really has played solid and has thrown some good hits out there."

"He's playing as solid hockey as I have seen him," says Keith Primeau, Hurricanes center. "He's leading by example for our young defensemen."

He is quite durable... an ankle injury ended a 185 consecutive games streak... a more relaxed player in Carolina... helping to break in some younger defensemen... happy not having to be the star.

''The upside with Glen is he's such a great athlete that once he gets the green light to go back and play you expect him to come back and play exactly like he did before the injury,'' Coach Paul Maurice said yesterday.

Wesley is reliable and does his job with a minimum of fuss.

Glen Wesley will waive his no-trade clause if the right deal comes along, and most of the contenders want him. He doesn't provide much offense, but he's solid defensively

Wesley is a stay-at-home defenseman who does nothing spectacularly but is solid all-around.

Wesley was the Leafs' best defenceman in the playoffs.

Glen Wesley made a key defensive play early in the final period and the Hurricanes beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 to even the Eastern Conference finals... *** ***** sent a slapshot toward the net. It bounced off ****'s pads and was trickling toward the net when Wesley dived over the goalie to swipe it out of harm's way.

Carolina Hurricanes defenceman Glen Wesley is blocking every shot he can get in front of. No active NHL player has been in more games than Wesley without winning the Stanley Cup, so it's easy to understand why he's willing to be bruised and battered to win it all this time.

Wesley limped off the ice in the first period Monday but was courageously back in the rotation minutes later.

"That's Glenny to a T right there," said captain Rod Brind'Amour. "That's what he brings to our team.

"He's not going to score too many goals but he's going to prevent a whole bunch and he's going to do whatever he has to to win. Obviously, at this time of year (blocking shots) gets magnified and you notice it, but that's how he's played his whole career and how he's played all year for us."

"Glen had an outstanding season last year, and continues to be a steadying force on our blue-line," Hurricanes president and GM Jim Rutherford said in a release Friday. "His leadership is important to the fabric of our dressing room and we are glad he is returning to play another season."

he emerged as a steadying force in the dressing room during Carolina's 2006 Cup run... "Glen was, for the most part, put in a position to play against the other team's best players," GM Jim Rutherford said. "His contribution, game in and game out, to me, was just as valuable as the guys that were scoring the winning goals. ... He was one of the big difference-makers to get us (the Cup)."

Wesley will go down in history for his stalwart defensive play, but he had some solid offensive upside early in his career. Wesley averaged 44 points per season in his first seven years in the NHL with Boston, before moving into a stay-at-home role with the Hartford/Carolina organization.

Ice Time

Wesley was a # 2/3 defenseman in his early 30s for Carolina, but after that, was a workhorse almost right until the end. His ice-time numbers slowly dwindled, as expected, but very few players his age were getting those minutes over half the season or more:

season | age | # players >= Wesley in age | # players outplayed by
2003 | 34 | 80 | 11
2004 | 35 | 52 | 4
2006 | 37 | 24 | 12
2007 | 38 | 10 | 5
2008 | 39 | 7 | 3

 

[Leaf Lander]

we need to change the bio thread format for next yrs draft

it is too helter skelter imo!

 

[Leaf Lander]

Coach Al Arbour Coach
Team Captain Wayne Gretzky
Assistant Captain Butch Bouchard
Assistant Captain Butch Goring
Assistant Captain Bobby Baun

Team Roster

Jari Kurri -#99 Wayne Gretzky-Esa Tikkanen
Rick Vaive -Bobby Smith, -Steve Shutt
Bob Nystrom -Butch Goring -Mats Naslund
Andy Hebenton-Brian Skrudland-Harold Cotton
Lorne Carr, RW Steve Thomas, RW/LW

Butch Bouchard-- Harry Cameron
Bob Goldham --Bobby Baun
Ron Greschner -- Graham Drinkwater
Tomas Kaberle

Vladislav Tretiak
Kelly Hrudey


Order of Draft"
1st Round -2nd Overall -Wayne Gretzky,C
2nd Round -59th Overall Jari Kurri, RW
3rd Round -62nd Overall -Vladislav Tretiak, G
4th Round -119th Overall -Butch Bouchard, D
5th Round -122nd Overall -Harry Cameron, D
6th Round -179th Overall -Steve Shutt, LW
7th Round -182nd Overall -Esa Tikkanen, LW
8th Round -239th Overall -Bob Goldham, D
9th Round -242nd Overall -Bobby Baun, D
10th Round -299th Overall -Al Arbour, Coach
11th Round -302nd Overall -Butch Goring, C
12th Round -359th Overall -Mats Naslund, LW
13th Round -363nd Overall -Bob Nystrom, RW
14th Round -419th Overall -Rick Vaive,RW
15th Round -422nd Overall -Bobby Smith, C
16th Round -479th Overall -Ron Greschner, D
17th Round -482nd Overall -Graham Drinkwater, D
18th Round -539th Overall -Brian Skrudland, C
19th Round -542nd Overall -Andy Hebenton, RW
20th Round -599th Overall -Kelly Hrudey, G
21st Round -601st Overall -Harold Cotton, LW
22nd Round -659th Overall -Lorne Carr, RW
23rd Round -662nd Overall -Steve Thomas, RW/LW
24th Round -719th Overall -Tomas Kaberle

Leaf Lander Presents

Al Arbour, Coach
- Coached his team to four Stanley Cup victories (1980,8183)
- Ranks 2nd all-time in coaching wins (739)
-4th all-time in Cups won
- Able to implement a disciplined defensive system that turned the Islanders into immediate contenders
- Gave his creative players enough freedom to use their great talents
- An expert at getting the most out of depth players
- One of only two coaches to ever come back from a 3-0 series deficit
- Won one Jack Adams trophy (1979)


#21 Bobby Baun, D

His game? Look up the term "hard rock" in the dictionary and there would be a picture of #21. Also check out "irrepressible".

A prototypical defensive defenceman, Baun's overtime goal in game six of the 1964 finals gave the Leafs a new life, and they beat the Wings in the final game, at home, 4-0 to win their third straight Stanley Cup. His overtime goal was scored on a fractured ankle. Earlier that game, Baun was taken off on a stretcher after being felled by a slapshot. He returned, ankle frozen and taped, to score what Sports Illustrated ranked as the 17th greatest sports moment in the 20th century. However to me what was even more amazing than coming back in that game as he was likely running on adrenalin at that point, was that two nights later he would play Game 7 and help the Leafs win the Cup without missing a shift

His philosophy was "You don't have to kill every forward coming down the ice, just slow them up a little." Few opposing players coming into the Leafs end of the rink ever came in with their heads down against Baun.Baun played a lot of minutes for a very long time, he could hit like Scott Stevens !! As for his fighting, he always showed up for the fight, he was fearless.

The only thing I could add was that Baun was one of the most courageous players the Leafs had in the 60's. For a time, Baun was the only player to stand up to John Ferguson. And, when Baun left the Leafs the first time, the Leafs' downhill slide started.

With the exception of 1972 Team Canada hero Paul Henderson, there is perhaps no other professional hockey player who has become as well known for his exploits in just a single game as Robert Neil "Bob" Baun.

RS 964 37 187 224 1493
PO 96 3 12 15 171
17 NHL seasons
4 Stanley Cups
Best Season
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968)
10 Point season 13
20 Point seasons -2
Best Season:1970-71 Detroit/Leafs 69 1 20 21 147
Defensive Defenceman/SparkPlug Hitter

#3 Butch Bouchard, D

Bouchard was a defensive defenceman who loved to throw his body vs the opposition. Butch joined the Habs seasons after there worst performance in franchise history.He was a physical freak of nature and was the physically imposing for his era and thus the perfect cornerstone on defence to rebuild the teams fortunes on for future dynasties for decades to come.

* The Emile ''Butch'' Bouchard Trophy is given annually to the best defenseman of the league in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

* ''I've played with over 325 teammates over my career and Emile is the only one who defend me.'' - Maurice Richard
* ''Butch was the cornerstone of the building." - Gordie Howe
* ''Bouchard is the best defenseman since Eddie Shore'' - Dick Irvin
* To the journalist ''Everytime someone will pass through Butch, I'll give you a hat.'' - Dick Irvin
* '' Bouchard is one of the guy who make the most honor to his race. Either in sports or in any domain. - Frank Selke
* After correcting twice in two games the Chicago Blackhawks big guy John Mariucci, Bouchard and some teammate are in a bar: ''The door open and four Blackhawks players, including Mariucci, enterred. I told Butch: ''something is going to happen, Mariucci is coming with thrre other guys''. Mariucci arrived at our table and Butch looked at him. Mariucci tended his hand, shook the one of Butch and told him: you're a better man than me.'' And that was it. Butch and Mariucci never got in a fight again, because he knew ... I never saw Butch losing a fight with anybody.'' - Bob Fillion
* I always liked the way Emile was handling hos job of captain. A guy that was calm and peaceful. I liked the way he was handling his job and I used it when I captain the Montreal canadiens.'' - Jean Beliveau

Seasons 15
Era- EARLY 40'S -MID 50'S
RS: - 785 49 14 4193 863
PO: -113 1121 32 121
6'2 feet, 205 pounds, Shoot: Right
Stanley Cup Champion (1944, 1946, 1953, 1956)
Stanley Cup Finalist (1947, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1955)
First All-Star Team Defense (1945, 1946, 1947)
Second All-Star Team Defense (1944)
James Norris Memorial Trophy (1946**)
Hockey Hall of Fame (1966)
Role: Franchise Defensive Defenceman


#6 Harry Cameron, D
*Three-time Stanley Cup champion (1914, 1918, 1923)
*Inducted into the HHOF in 1962
*Widely recognized as the first player to curve his shot
*One of the game's first offensive defencemen, he retired with over a point-per-game in his career
*One of the 1st great rushing & scoring defencemen.
*He scored 88 goals in 121 games in the NHL.
*Ist player in NHL history to achieve what was later called a "Gordie Howe hat trick"
"He could fool goalies by spinning the puck with his skillful but elusive shot.
NHL Totals
RS 128 88 51 139 195
PO 20 10 7 17 39
NHA Totals RS 100 53 20 73 PO 5 1 2 3
Era Mid teens mid 1920's
Seasons 8
Hockey Hall of Fame (1962)
Role: Rushing defencemen

#9 Lorne Carr, RW
Seasons 12
Era-Mid 30's -Mid 40's
Best Season 1943-44 50 36 38 74
RS 580 204 222 426
PO 132 53 10 9 19
NHL First All-Star Team (1943, 1944)
2 Cups
Role 2ndary Offensive Forward


#8 Harold Cotton, LW

Harold was a intelligent forward who was a predominantly a defensive player. Early on in his career he did possess keen passing skills and a willingness to score a timely goal when his team needed the edge.Cotton played a courageous feisty game and performed beyond expectations when the pressure was on. He was always willing to throw a body check. One of the top defensive forwards of his era he was often found on the penalty kill when the game was on the line.

Seasons 12
Era-Mid 20's -mid 30's
RS:503 101 103 204
PO:43 4 9 13
30+ point seasons -1
20+ point seasons - 5
10+ point seasons -8
20 goal seasons -1
10 goal seasons- 4
Adjusted points 182 317 499
A scout for 30+ years He is credited with first discovering Bobby Orr when he was just 13 years old
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1934)
Stanley Cup Finals 3
Stanley Cups 1
Role: Defensive Forward

#4 Graham Drinkwater, D

One of the most versatile stars of the early days of the game, Graham Drinkwater was a fixture in the Montreal Victorias' lineup. He was a rare breed with an ability to function equally well at the defense and forward positions. Brilliant stickhandling, a natural scoring touch and team-permeating enthusiasm characterized Drinkwater's play. He was an integral component of the Montreal Victorias squad that became hockey's first dynasty with four Stanley Cup triumphs in the 1890s

In 1895 Drinkwater scored nine goals in eight contests to help the Victorias win the Amateur Hockey Association of Canada championship, and the title earned the club the distinction of being holders of the Stanley Cup.

Physically the biggest members of the team he was also a fine centerman.

Graham Drinkwater's smooth-skating and well-rounded game made him one of the top stars during hockey's formative period. He was always a key player on the teams for which he played.

Drinkwater took his rightful place in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1950.Stanley Cup Champion in 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899

#2 Bob Goldham, D

He was known for playing the man well in his own zone and contributing the occasional burst of offense.Was a fearless excellent shot blocker

Era Early 40's mid 50's
Seasons 12
WWII - 3 yrs service
RS 650 28 143 171 400
PO 66 3 14 17 53
Best Season 1950-51 61 5 18 23
NHL Second All-Star Team (1955)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1947,49,50,52,54,55)
Stanley Cups 4
Role -all round defenceman


#91 Butch Goring, C
A solid, consistent, reliable pivot who brings everything that we want from our two-way line centre. He topped a point-per-game three times, and he was close to that clip on three other occasions. He's a good playmaker. He's very smart. He's very, very good in his own end. And he can log big minutes against the opponent's top line. He won a Conn Smythe Trophy in 1981 for his performance with the New York Islanders. He was an important part of the Islanders dynasty in the mid-80s. He wasn't big or overly physical, but he was a smart, two-way pivot. Perhaps the greatest part of his legacy is the wide-spread belief that Butch Goring was the missing/final piece of the Islanders Stanley Cup dynasty. Acquired prior to the deadline in 1980, once the Islanders had him, they went on to win four Cups and 19 post-season series. -GBC

#4 Ron Greschner, D
Ron's skill and all-round game make him a solid anchor for our third pairing. There isn't anything in particular that he excels at from an ATD perspective, but there aren't any holes in his game. He's very effective at advancing the puck, whether it be skating it up ice or passing to a teammate. He's a good quarterback for our second power play unit, and he has a hard, powerful shot. He's a smart defenceman who takes good care of his own zone. We can play him against an opponent's top line, and not have a liability out there. And he plays a good, tough, physical brand of hockey. A good Saskatchewan boy, he played his junior hockey with the New Westminster Bruins, giving him an advantage of having played in our rink and in our community. We feel confident that we can lean on him for 18-20 minutes per game, while playing a secondary role in all situations.-GBC

#99 Wayne Gretzky,C

Each season his skills increased dramatically and he soon set scoring records that seemed preposterous, notably a 378-goal season in his last year in pee wee in Brantford.


Wayne "the White Tornado" Gretzky later known as "the Great one" . Waynes game was unique and almost impenetrable. The area behind the opposition goal was dubbed "Gretzky's office" because it was from there that he made so many perfect passes for goals. He was equally known for using the trailing man on rushes rather than a man skating ahead of him. Gretzky would come in over the blue line and then curl, waiting for a defenseman, often Coffey, to join the rush and create a great scoring chance. When on the ice to kill penalties, Gretzky wasn't looking to ice the puck in a defensive role; he was looking to take the other team by surprise, to take advantage of their defenselessness to score shorthanded. The result was goals and more goals - the Oilers scoring 400 a season as a matter of routine - and Gretzky won the scoring race virtually every year in the 1980s.-HOF

Gretzky sees a picture out there that no one else sees," Boston Bruins General Manager Harry Sinden would say.

Era Late 70's -Early 19990's
Seasons 20
RS 1487 894 1963 2857
PO 80 46 64 110
Stanley Cups 4
NHL All-Star Team (2nd)1979-80, 1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90,1993-94, 1996-97, 1997-98
NHL All-Star Team (1st) 1980-81,1981-82,1982-83, 1983-84,1984-85,1985-86,1986-87 1990-91
All-Star Games 80-86 AND 88 TILL 99
NHL Hart Memorial Trophy 1979-80,1980-81,1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86,1986-87, 1988-89,
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy 1979-80,1990-91, 1991-92, 1993-94, 1998-99,
NHL Art Ross Trophy 1980-81,1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84,
1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1993-94,
Lester B. Pearson Award 1981-82,1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1986-87
Conn Smythe Trophy 1984-85 1987-88
Role: Franchise Player/Generational Talent

#12 Andy Hebenton, RW

We are very pleased to add the perfect team player to our ATD Squad.Andy was a NHL ironman who played 630 straight games.Hebenton was a hard-working, clean player who averaged only nine penalty minutes per season. He won the Lady Byng trophy for gentlemanly play in 1957.

Hebenton was a quite leader who lead by example. He was a phenomenal hard worker who was never afraid to do the dirty jobs and those jobs always got done.He was considered to be one of the leagues best back checkers and penalty killers during his playing era.

RS 630 189 202 391 83
PO 22 6 5 11
Seasons 9
Era Mid 50's - Mid 60's
Lady Byng Trophy (1957)
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1960)
Role: 2 Way forward Checking/ Penalty Killing Specialist

#32 Kelly Hrudey, G

Kelly Hrudey is one of the golden boy's of hockey. Everyone who ever meet him , played with him or watched him on HNIC likes the guy.

Hrudey was selected in the 2nd round of the 1980 NHL Entry Draft, 38th overall, by the New York Islanders.

He saw a lot of pucks with the always gunning kings teams in the Gretzky era and because of that he often had to be brilliant if they stood a chance to win. Hrudey played hockey as a stand up goalie ,a superb skater, very talented puck-handler. Excellent concentration through screens. Kelly possessed very a quick glove hand recovers well for rebounds. He had great lateral movement which allowed him to get a piece of the pucks being shot his way. He was one of the best goalies in the late 80's till the mid 1990's.

RS: 677 271 265 88 17 3.43
PO:85 36 46 0 3.29
Seasons 15
Era Early 1980's -mid 1990's
Best Season 91-92 Los Angeles Kings 60 26 17 13 1 3.37
Stanley Cup Finals 1
Wins 271 - 31st all time
Since 1980 19th in wins
All time Saves- 11th -18154 Saves
All Time Shots Against - 9th -20328 Shots
Games Played -16th All time- 677
Role:Back Up Goalie / Team Glue

#15 Tomas Kaberle, D

Tomas Kaberle was drafted 204th overall in 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his first season Kabs wasn't even suppose to make the leafs at all but when he suited up for his first game in the NHL he played an amazing 29 minutes for the blue and white. Proving he was a thoroughbred horse that the leafs could steadily ride for the next decade to follow. He likes to keep the play in the leafs back end crisp and precise. This simplifies the game in the leafs zone before he decides to wheel up the ice or simply pass the puck to his teammates.

Tomas has become an all round star on the blue line in the Mecca of hockey. A fluid elegant swift skater, he can wheel with the puck, is an excellent accurate passer who loves to join the attack.

Kabs has superior hockey sense and this allows him to play with a healthy self-confidence. He collects plenty of points because he possesses tremendous hockey smarts and has the ability to find his teammates on the ice.Tomas provides constant support for his team while becoming one of the elite defencemen in the entire league.

He is now 3rd all time highest scoring defender for the blue and white.Trailing only Borje Salming 768 PTS and Tim Horton 458 PTS while Tomas Kaberle has 437 PTS

Since the lockout only superstars Lidstrom and Niedermayer have out gunned Kaberle: Lidstrom 274, Niedermayer 216 Kaberle 214, XXX 214, XXX 213, Rafalski 213, Pronger 211, Gonchar 208, XXX 201, Chara 190, XXX 189, XXX 182 and Zubov 164.
Quote:
Kabs is a stalwart on defence that can long 25 minutes+ a game.Very well respected across the nhl for his superb all round game.Great puck possession because he plays with a small stick.The only draw back is he can't pokecheck very well and he isn't overly physical. Well known for his ability to execute the perfect outlet pass. At one time he was considered as just a set up man for XXX and now a days for XXX. He is an effortless skater who can zoom up the ice faster then most players.Tomas possesses great hockey sense and his team benefits from his excellent positional play. His head is always up and he uses his tremendous vision on the ice to make the perfect play. Kaberle always displays the ability to do the proper thing and the right play at the right time.Definitely one of the best puck movers in the game.

-Dave Ried-reworded
RS:74 73 364 437
PO:77 6 22 28 22
11 NHL Seasons
Era Late 1990's -present
Played in NHL All-Star Game (2002, 07,08,09)
Top 10 Assists Tomas Kaberle 05-06 Toronto 58
Best Season :2005-06 Toronto Maple Leafs 82 9 58 67 46
-3rd highest scoring Defenceman in leafs history
-Ranked 54th -100 All Time Leafs Book
Role:Offensive Defenceman/Speed Demon

#17 Jari Kurri, RW

Playing the majority of his career both with Wayne Gretzky and in Gretzky's shadow as his so called, "Right-hand Man," Jari Pekka Kurri was considered by many to be perhaps the best defensive forward in the NHL. His two-way abilities were the perfect complement for his hard, accurate shooting and scoring proficiency.Jari Kurri finished his career as the highest scoring European-born player in NHL history with totals of 601 goals, 797 assists, and 1,398 points. He also finished with 106 career PLAYOFF goals and 233 PLAYOFF points, third all-time behind only Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier. While he wasn't the flashiest player, Kurri was consistent and this ability alone enabled him to become an icon for thousands of fans and young players, both in Finland and throughout North America.

RS:1251 601 797 1398 545
PO:200 106 127 233 123
Seasons:17
Era:Early 80's late 90's
70 Goal+ Seasons-1
60 Goal+ Seasons-2
50 Goal+ Seasons-4
40 Goal+ Seasons-7
30 Goal+ Seasons-10
100 Point+Seasons-6
90 Point+ Seasons-9
80 Point+ Seasons-10
Most Goals Scores -85-86
Top 10 Goals scored 84-85(2nd)83-84(5th)86-87 (3rd)
Top 10 Points -81-82 (10th)82-83 (9th)83-84(7th)
84-85 (2ND)85-86 (4th)-86-87 (2nd)-88-89 (8th)
First All-Star Team Right Wing (1985, 1987)
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (1985)
Second Team All-Star Right Wing (1984, 1986, 1989)
Stanley Cups: 4
Role: Super Sniper//Offensive Wizard/Game Breaker

#26 Mats Naslund, LW

Steve Shutt, Bob Gainey, Dickie Moore, Toe Blake, Aurele Joliat, Bert Olmstead, Frank Mahovlich, Joe Malone. All honored in the hockey hall of fame, all of them great left wingers that played for the Montreal Canadiens.

But, none of them hold the Canadiens record for most points in a season by a left winger. That honor belongs to a five foot, seven inch, one hundred and sixty pound player born in Sweden, named Mats Naslund.

Naslund's best personal offensive season in the NHL was in 1985-86 when he scored 43 goals and 110 points. The fantastic regular season was capped with an amazing Stanley Cup championship with a finals victory over the Calgary Flames. In 20 playoff games he produced 19 points and was a candidate for the Conn Smythe trophy, given to the MVP of the postseason.

During the 1980's there was no more popular player in Montreal than Mats Naslund. Given the nickname "the Little Viking", he was a very durable player who just mussed two dozen games during his first 10 yrs in the nhl.

Naslund wowed hockey fans with his combination ofspeed, quickness, and determination.A quick skater, he darted around the ice, always hustling, always giving his all. His work ethic was supplemented by a pair of fast hands that allowed him to indulge his creativeness with the puck. Mats Naslund quickly inherited Guy Lafleur's status as the team's most dynamic and biggest offensive star.
Mats Naslund was driven by a desire to prove that he could exceed in the NHL, and furthermore dispel the notions of Swedish players not being tough enough to survive the rigors of playing in the NHL.
Mats Naslund taught us to appreciate players that weren’t from Canada, he proved to us that heart was just as important as one’s size; he excited us every time he touched the puck, and above all he showed us all that he was one of the best hockey players in the world.

-"I'd say right now he's the most powerful offensive individual we've had on the team since Guy Lafleur.” - Bob Gainey 1985
-Mats was also selected as the left winger on the NHL's all rookie team.
His 71 points set a record for Canadiens rookies
-Naslund would lead the Canadiens in playoff scoring in four consecutive yrs.
“Canadiens goal scored by number twenty six… Mats Nasluuuund!!!
-legendary Canadiens public address announcer ClaudeMouton

RS 651 251 383 634
PO 102 35 57 92
Seasons 9
Era-Early 80's mid 90's
WJC-A All-Star Team (1978)
Swedish World All-Star Team (1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983)
Swedish Player of the Year (1980)
NHL All-Rookie Team (1983)
NHL Second All-Star Team (1986)
Lady Byng Trophy (1988) Played in NHL All-Star Game (1984, 1986, 1988)
6th all time in PPG with the Habs
14th in all time goals 243
33rd in all time games played 617
11 in all time Points 612
11 all time in Playoff points with 92
Ranked 36th- THN Top 100 Habs Heroes
Stanley Cups 1
Role Playmaking Magician


#23 Bob Nystrom, RW

The quintessential money player, Bob Nystrom was a scrappy right-winger who had a propensity for scoring key goals and overtime winners. He was a scrappy competitor who battled hard in the corners and in front of the net. He reached the 20-goal mark seven times for New York and was considered one of the toughest players in the league. During the four-year dynasty Nystrom formed one of the league's hardest-working lines with Bourne and Wayne Merrick.

Era
Seasons
RS
PO
6'1-200, Shoots - R
Stanley Cup Champion four times (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984)
Seven 20 goal seasons
Scored double digits in the playoffs four staright times (1980-1983)
Finished 7th in goals and 11th in points in the 1980 playoffs
Career +/- of +113
Scored the Cup winning goal in 1980
Money playoff performer
His #23 retired by the New York Islanders
Role:

#22 Steve Shutt, LW

Steve Shutt brings the big goal scorer's mentality to the top line, he can play in front of the net as well as shoot it from the point or the wing. He is also a clutch goal scorer having 3 top 10 finishes in GWG including leading the league in that category in 1976-77. Was once a key member of a line that was the most feared in the nhl. Once held the record for goals by a left winger with 60. Scored over 30 goals 5 times over 40 3 times and 60 goals once.

Era early 70's mid 80's
Seasons 14
Once held the record for goals by a left winger with 60
First All-Star Team Left Wing (1977)
Second All-Star Team Left Wing (1978, 1980)
1976–77-Lead the NHL in goals scored with 60
Scored over 30 goals 5 times
Scored over 40 goals 3 times
Scored 60 goals once
Tallied 50 points+ 9 times
Tallied 70 points+ 6 times
Tallied 90 points+ 3 times
Tallied 100 points+ 1 time
Hockey Hall of Fame: 1993
Stanley Cups: 5
Ranked 26th- THN Top 100 Habs Hereos
Role: Sniper/Stud Forward
RS: 930 424 393 817
PO: 99 50 48 98

#39 Brian Skrudland, C

Skrudland was a dependable checking forward and character player who could inspire and lead a team in the playoffs to a cup. Won 2 cups and made it to the finals 5 times in his career

Era Mid 80's early 2000's
Seasons 15
RS 881 124 219 343 1107
PO 164 15 46 61
Cups 2
*Named to the 1991 NHL all star game but was injured
*One of the final cuts for Team Canada during the 1991 Canada Cup tournament.
*Was finalist for the Selke Trophy in 1994.
Role Defensive forward/character player

#15 Bobby Smith, C
*Won a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986
*1979 Calder Trophy winner
*First overall pick in the 1978 Entry Draft
*1977-78 Canadian Major Junior Player of the Year.

#32 Steve Thomas, RW/LW

Signed as a Free Agent by the leafs in 84 Thomas became a fan favorite because of his skill desire and everyman appeal. Stumpy was one the more consistent clutch scorers in the game during most of his 20 yr career.

Thomas was a high energy player, relying on explosive speed bursts to key a ferocious fore-check.

Thomas is one who immediately comes to mind when the discussion of the most underrated players comes up. He always worked hard and was a great team guy.

Thomas, who essentially was an opportunistic mucker and grinder. His physical game made him popular wherever he played.
-Joe Pelletier

Thomas had a very strong desire to succeed.Speedy Steve thrived with a play making forwards.A very quick shooting with great instincts. A tough nosed player who would go anywhere on the ice to get a chance to score. He had a high on ice IQ hockey sense wise. Had a pair of decent hands and he could slam a blast past any goalie from any angle on the ice. He was not afraid to tread into the rough stuff on the ice. Stumpy was competitive and a combative fore checker. Can ride shotgun on any top line because he was always willing to pay the price to get his team ahead.

He had a rep as one of the best big game players during his era.Shown his courage and toughness night in and night out especially when all was on the line.

RS: 1235 421 512 933
PO: 174 54 53 107
Era: Mid 80's Mid 2000's
Seasons 20
Best Season 1992–93 New York Islanders 79 37 50 87
Stanley Cup Finals 1
60 Points+ Seasons -8
20 Goal Seasons + 10
30 Goal Seasons+ 5
40 Goal Seasons 2
Game winning Goals 23rd all time with 78
Overtime Goals 12th all time with 10
Playoff Shots on Goal All Time 20th with 444
70 career game winning goals, ranking him among the all time best of ll time
All Time Points - 85th with 933
All Time Goals- 68th with 421
Highest All Time Scoring player from England
Toronto Maple Leafs Top 100 Book Ranked 64th
Role: Sniper/Clutch Player


#9 Esa Tikkanen, LW
*Five-time Stanley Cup champion (1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 and 1995)
*Multi-time finalist for the Selke
*Scored over a point-per-game in Stanley Cup victories with Edmonton in 1988 and 1990
*No. 3 all-time scorer among Finnish players

#20 Vladislav Tretiak, G



#22 Rick Vaive,RW

Vaive was a gritty player who fight early on in his career almost as often as he lit up the goal keeper lamp.

Vaive had a deadly shot and was one of the leagues top power forwards before the term was popular. His three 50 goal seasons are particularly impressive when you consider he never had a top playmaker as a linemate in Toronto. His one offensive weakness was that he would often shoot instead of passing to a teammate in a better scoring position. That's just the instinct of a natural goalscorer. Defensively, while never a Selke contender, Vaive was more defensively responsible than most 50 goal scorers of the 80s. His reputation as the hardest worker on the Leafs was well earned.

During a 3 yr period in the nhl only Bossy and Gretzky scored more goals then Ricky Vaive.

Interesting question: I wonder how differently Vaive's career would be judged if he had those exact same 50 goal seasons in the 80s as a member of the Islanders or Oilers instead of the hapless Leafs

RS:876 441 347 788 1445
PO:54 27 16 43 111
NHL Seasons 13
Played in NHL All-Star Game (1982, 1983, 1984)
20 Goal Seasons - 12
30 Goal Seasons -10
40 Goal Seasons -4
50 Goal Seasons -3
50 Point Seasons -10
60 Point Seasons - 8
80 + Points -2
90 + Points -1
Top 5 Goals Rick Vaive 81-92 -Toronto 54
Top 7 Goals Rick Vaive 82-83 Toronto 51
Top 5 Goals Rick Vaive 83-84 Toronto 52
Best Season :1983-84 Toronto Maple Leafs 76 52 41 93
Role-Sniper/Power Forward

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=622442 ATD 11 Roster Page
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=555457 ATD 10 Roster Page
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=493213 ATD 9 Roster Page
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=417189 ATD 8 Roster Page
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=359526 ATD 7 Roster Page
http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?t=288151 ATD 6 Roster Page

 

[Leafs Forever]

we need to change the bio thread format for next yrs draft

it is too helter skelter imo!

Why exactly?

What does "helter skelter" mean?

 

[seventieslord]

Yes, please explain exactly what you mean.

 

[Leaf Lander]

Why exactly?

What does "helter skelter" mean?

they are all over the place


we should try and do one post or two or three big posts per team imo to keep them together

 

[Leaf Lander]

Why exactly?

What does "helter skelter" mean?

have u ever heard the song

written by charles manson

sung by U2

 

[seventieslord]

they are all over the place


we should try and do one post or two or three big posts per team imo to keep them together

People post their bios as they draft players, not all at once. People also like to link to their bios in their roster threads. Your suggestion would render both practices obsolote and I don't think anyone is really interested in that.

have u ever heard the song

written by charles manson

sung by U2

Helter Skelter was written by The Beatles... Charles Manson just thought there was a code for him in it.

U2 covered it, I believe it was on "Rattle and Hum" - that is far from the only cover, though. Aerosmith did it on one of their live albums, Pat Benatar did a cover, It made it onto a Motley Crue compilation, Oasis covered it live and in the studio, Siouxsie and the Banshees do a fantastic cover that I found on a compilation in a music magazine, and White Zombie did a live cover of it. And those are just the ones I have... there are probably more.

Anyway, I'm not sure how LF was supposed to know what you meant by that as it pertains to the bio thread. When you get to the bottom you go back to the top of the slide? Do you, don't you, want him to love you? You're coming down fast but he's miles above you?

 

[Leafs Forever]

they are all over the place


we should try and do one post or two or three big posts per team imo to keep them together

As seventies said, people make bios as the draft goes along- most don't likely want to have to make the bios for all of thweir players right at the end. And some people makes bios so long (whiich is perfectly fine- more info about a player, the better), that it's unpractical to put a lot of them in a single post.

As a number of people link their bios, if they want to see all the bios for one team in one place, they can just go to that team's roster post and click on the bios they wish to see. That concept organizes things more than adequately.

 

[Leaf Lander]

well the link idea will work

i think many should do that thoguh imo there is no need to link who bios write your own imo as much as u can and quote sources.

 

[Leaf Lander]

I knew the beatles sang the song sorry for the incorrect lead into the my assessment that the bio tread as it is right now is way too helter skelter.

 

[seventieslord]

well the link idea will work

i think many should do that thoguh imo there is no need to link who bios write your own imo as much as u can and quote sources.

We do quote sources! So aren't we doing what you want us to do?

And linking to them is very important because people aren't going to go searching for stuff about your players. Why would we stop that?

 

[Leaf Lander]

asll im saying is the linking bios in a thread is fine

and so is the way i do my bios

but the random disorder of bios looks messy and i don't like it is all and very few are actually linked to make uo for it is all

 

[seventieslord]

asll im saying is the linking bios in a thread is fine

and so is the way i do my bios

but the random disorder of bios looks messy and i don't like it is all and very few are actually linked to make uo for it is all

The three GMs who are responsible for 80% of the bios, have links in their roster posts to these bios.

So, what on earth are you talking about?

You can do your bios however you choose; however, I am not sure posting them all after you have been eliminated is any better than how we do it.
LG-GW620 Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.5) AppleWebKit/528.5+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.2 Mobile Safari/525.20.1 Java/Jbed/7.0 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 MMS/LG-Android-MMS-V1.0/1.2

 

[Leaf Lander]

An so what if i have been eliminated I can do whatever I like I never had time to do the bios and it is something that I enjoy doing so over the next week I am going to ad my bios.

Do you feel threatened when someone has a different point of view

why so hostile ?

I prefer he old way doing bios in a roster thread

Everything was near and tidy and the bios fit into the draft threads as we went along.,

I don't see why we just didn't keep the roster thread with bios and then just roster thread light thread with just rosters nothing more.

We should have 2 roster threads one with bios and one without bios

 

[seventieslord]

An so what if i have been eliminated I can do whatever I like I never had time to do the bios and it is something that I enjoy doing so over the next week I am going to ad my bios.

Do you feel threatened when someone has a different point of view

why so hostile ?

I prefer he old way doing bios in a roster thread

Everything was near and tidy and the bios fit into the draft threads as we went along.,

I don't see why we just didn't keep the roster thread with bios and then just roster thread light thread with just rosters nothing more.

We should have 2 roster threads one with bios and one without bios

I KNOW you can do whatever you like; after all, I SAID "You can do your bios however you choose"; I am not being hostile. But you're coming in and telling us to be more like you, when your method is not proven to be effective, more organized, or more attractive.

People don't put bios in the roster thread because others complained that it was impossible to get through that thread... and they were right.

I prefer he old way doing bios in a roster thread... the bios fit into the draft threads as we went along

I'm still not sure exactly what you want....

 

[Leafs Forever]

Quite simply, we shall do the bios as we like it more or less, and you can do bios as you like it more or less. Everyone is happy, more or less.

 

[Leaf Lander]

im not happy this change may be appropriate on the slacker leafs board but not here


it is messy and we can do better and shall!

 

[Leaf Lander]

As the elder statesman of the ATD really I should be listened too and my thoughts should be considered your commands

I would prefer something more professional looking

I propsoe 2 dif roster threads one for bios and one without bios

I think the bios should be in the draft thread the way they use to be and as well in there own roster bio thread

do a roster light thread with just rosters.

I think the ones who complained have left the atd draft

 

[Leafs Forever]

im not happy this change may be appropriate on the slacker leafs board but not here


it is messy and we can do better and shall!

I take great offense to that- and frankly, this does not really have anything to do with LeafsCentral.

Your method is not better, it's your opinion of better. We disagree with your opinion. Deal with it.

As the elder statesman of the ATD really I should be listened too and my thoughts should be considered your commands

I would prefer something more professional looking

I propsoe 2 dif roster threads one for bios and one without bios

I think the bios should be in the draft thread the way they use to be and as well in there own roster bio thread

do a roster light thread with just rosters.

I think the ones who complained have left the atd draft

"Professional"? Why so serious?

seventies still posts his bios in the draft thread first off. And though it was looked down upon by a number of GMs last draft (due to confusion of when the player was picked with late bios coming in as well as cluttering the thread), posting bios on the draft thread was never outlawed. Anyone can post them there if they wish to.

As for your opinion of a roster bio thread, as seventies mentioned, posting all the bios like that in succession as you do takes forever to navigate, and I think it is quite cluttered. Longer bios make it highly unpractical. Really, linking bios to the roster thread achieves the same purpose (all the bios for a team in one place, convenient), but without any of the clutter and difficult navigation.

The ones who complained about what?