Vic Hadfield Trade

[Bluesguru]

Anyone know why the Rangers traded Vic Hadfield to the Penguins for Defenseman Nick Beverly? Such a one sided deal, Vic went on to have 2 great years for Penguins before retiring. Just don't understand why the Rangers got rid of Vic.

 

[Killion]

One of if not THE worst trade in Rangers... NHL History.... Broke up the GAG Line (Ratelle, Gilbert & Hadfield), NY also dumping other vets who in 71 & 72 they'd signed to big contracts (Hadfield reputedly receiving $1M over 5yrs having recently scored 50 in a season) in an effort to fight off WHA raiders & keep their club intact.... then when they failed to deliver, made a bunch of boneheaded panic moves like this one, dumping salary at the same time. Hadfield (Captain) was 34, had an ankle injury in 73/74 that limited him to 27 goals (still very respectable & with an injury, outstanding), figured he was on the downslope... Beverly a solid stay-at-home Defenceman, had played with Orr in both Oshawa & Boston but as Boston deep in that dept, traded to Pittsburgh.... then the trade to NY... bouncing around thereafter. Solid but unspectacular career. Journeyman. Hadfield however, definitely a keeper, guy who youd want retiring as a Ranger.

 

[Bluesguru]

One of if not THE worst trade in Rangers... NHL History.... Broke up the GAG Line (Ratelle, Gilbert & Hadfield), NY also dumping other vets who in 71 & 72 they'd signed to big contracts (Hadfield reputedly receiving $1M over 5yrs having recently scored 50 in a season) in an effort to fight off WHA raiders & keep their club intact.... then when they failed to deliver, made a bunch of boneheaded panic moves like this one, dumping salary at the same time. Hadfield (Captain) was 34, had an ankle injury in 73/74 that limited him to 27 goals (still very respectable & with an injury, outstanding), figured he was on the downslope... Beverly a solid stay-at-home Defenceman, had played with Orr in both Oshawa & Boston but as Boston deep in that dept, traded to Pittsburgh.... then the trade to NY... bouncing around thereafter. Solid but unspectacular career. Journeyman. Hadfield however, definitely a keeper, guy who youd want retiring as a Ranger.

Thanks for the info. Those Ranger teams in early to mid 70's were super talented.

 

[Killion]

Thanks for the info. Those Ranger teams in early to mid 70's were super talented.

They certainly were.... and even pre 67 Expansion while not exactly lighting the NHL on fire a collection of extremely interesting players. Ingarfield, Goyette... some excellent young talent in Gilbert, Seiling & the aforementioned, Vic Hadfield; Ratelle, Hillman etc.... I used to enjoy watching them (and Boston for that matter) despite the fact that they werent about to be Cup challengers... then post Expansion & into the 70's with some of their talent coming of age & entering their prime, backstopped by Eddie Giacomin with Maniago, Simmons & Villemeure as backups.... put together a string of some pretty decent, exciting seasons.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Why Vic Hadfield was traded. 1974 Flyers vs Rangers playoffs,
Dave Schultz beats up on Dale Rolfe who had stepped up for Brad Park:



None of the other on ice Rangers stepped-up. The code. Time to change the team culture.

 

[Uncle Rotter]

3 goals, 2 assists in his last 18 playoff games didn't help either. And the 1972 Summit Series hurt his reputation.

 

[Bluesguru]

Why Vic Hadfield was traded. 1974 Flyers vs Rangers playoffs,
Dave Schultz beats up on Dale Rolfe who had stepped up for Brad Park:



None of the other on ice Rangers stepped-up. The code. Time to change the team culture.

This whole game is on You Tube including Gm 3 of the series at Madison Square Garden. And after watching those games I really felt New York was the better team. A more skilled team, especially with Brad Park running that defense.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Why Vic Hadfield was traded. 1974 Flyers vs Rangers playoffs,
Dave Schultz beats up on Dale Rolfe who had stepped up for Brad Park:



None of the other on ice Rangers stepped-up. The code. Time to change the team culture.

Tough to watch that. Rolfe was done after that first big punch landed. Doubt he would have stayed standing if Schultz hadn't held him up just to dummy him some more.

 

[Mandar]

At the time of the Rolfe/Schultz fight, the Rangers had the GAG line on the ice with Park & Rolfe. The players on the ice knew that Schultz was gonna try to get a Ranger thrown out of that game for a 3rd man in, so they stayed out of it. Rolfe has even said that he looked over at Park and told him to stay out of it.

Late in this game 7, the Rangers pulled Giacomin, being down by one. For some reason, the officials gave the Rangers a too many men on the ice penalty....and the players/Emile Francis were really frustrated. Francis sent Hadfield to serve the penalty. While in the box, fan screamed something at Hadfield....he chuckled...poor timing, as the camera caught him "smiling" in the box. That angered Francis to no end (seeing his Captain laughing at the end of the game while they were being eliminated). This was the main reason for trading Hadfield to the Penguins.

 

[Thenameless]

At the time of the Rolfe/Schultz fight, the Rangers had the GAG line on the ice with Park & Rolfe. The players on the ice knew that Schultz was gonna try to get a Ranger thrown out of that game for a 3rd man in, so they stayed out of it. Rolfe has even said that he looked over at Park and told him to stay out of it.

Late in this game 7, the Rangers pulled Giacomin, being down by one. For some reason, the officials gave the Rangers a too many men on the ice penalty....and the players/Emile Francis were really frustrated. Francis sent Hadfield to serve the penalty. While in the box, fan screamed something at Hadfield....he chuckled...poor timing, as the camera caught him "smiling" in the box. That angered Francis to no end (seeing his Captain laughing at the end of the game while they were being eliminated). This was the main reason for trading Hadfield to the Penguins.

I love learning about the forgotten details like this. Thank you.

 

[vadnais1972]

Not quite as bad as the Middleton for Hodge deal.

 

[Bluesguru]

At the time of the Rolfe/Schultz fight, the Rangers had the GAG line on the ice with Park & Rolfe. The players on the ice knew that Schultz was gonna try to get a Ranger thrown out of that game for a 3rd man in, so they stayed out of it. Rolfe has even said that he looked over at Park and told him to stay out of it.

Late in this game 7, the Rangers pulled Giacomin, being down by one. For some reason, the officials gave the Rangers a too many men on the ice penalty....and the players/Emile Francis were really frustrated. Francis sent Hadfield to serve the penalty. While in the box, fan screamed something at Hadfield....he chuckled...poor timing, as the camera caught him "smiling" in the box. That angered Francis to no end (seeing his Captain laughing at the end of the game while they were being eliminated). This was the main reason for trading Hadfield to the Penguins.

Great stuff - Thanks!

 

[tony d]

Yeah, terrible deal. Hadfield went onto score 2 30 goal seasons in Pittsburgh.

 

[Killion]

At the time of the Rolfe/Schultz fight, the Rangers had the GAG line on the ice with Park & Rolfe. The players on the ice knew that Schultz was gonna try to get a Ranger thrown out of that game for a 3rd man in, so they stayed out of it. Rolfe has even said that he looked over at Park and told him to stay out of it.

Late in this game 7, the Rangers pulled Giacomin, being down by one. For some reason, the officials gave the Rangers a too many men on the ice penalty....and the players/Emile Francis were really frustrated. Francis sent Hadfield to serve the penalty. While in the box, fan screamed something at Hadfield....he chuckled...poor timing, as the camera caught him "smiling" in the box. That angered Francis to no end (seeing his Captain laughing at the end of the game while they were being eliminated). This was the main reason for trading Hadfield to the Penguins.

Fascinating. Had no idea that was either the main reason or perhaps the straw that broke the camels with Francis.... and that combined with the Rolfe fight.... I still wouldnt be putting any of this on Hadfield (or Rolfe).... The Flyers showed up like a Bad Smell, like someone had left the gates unlocked at a junk yard and the dogs got out... proceeding to punch, kick, bite, hack, slash & spit their way through the League. That Emile couldnt see it coming & didnt counter it earlier with some lower end talent trades, brought in some muscle is on him.

You dont go trading your Captain & one of the pistons that drives your team & its top line, 50 goal scorer, in many ways the face of your franchise for a depth guy like Nick Beverley. Maybe your 3rd but more likely your 5th or 6th best Defenceman. Nick not even much of a fighter so that doesnt make sense either. Emile Francis one of the "nice guys" in hockey n' all but as Coach, GM.... just never impressed. He was like Ivan in Chicago, others in the league... nothing outstanding about his talents in those departments whatsoever.

Ownership knew it, happy with the compete, the mediocrity. Buildings full. Winning Cups too expensive, as is building a proper farm system, and before that, sponsoring Junior, elite amateur to any great shakes. Just make the Playoffs... and if you cant (as the Rangers couldnt for years) no matter.... buildings still full... besides... all through the 50's to early 60's...Mr. Norris wouldnt like it if you did well, beat his Wings or Blackhawks... and as he controls the majority of shares in MSG youd best be..... mediocre.... keep your head down, mouth shut.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Fascinating. Had no idea that was either the main reason or perhaps the straw that broke the camels with Francis.... and that combined with the Rolfe fight.... I still wouldnt be putting any of this on Hadfield (or Rolfe).... The Flyers showed up like a Bad Smell, like someone had left the gates unlocked at a junk yard and the dogs got out... proceeding to punch, kick, bite, hack, slash & spit their way through the League. That Emile couldnt see it coming & didnt counter it earlier with some lower end talent trades, brought in some muscle is on him.

You dont go trading your Captain & one of the pistons that drives your team & its top line, 50 goal scorer, in many ways the face of your franchise for a depth guy like Nick Beverley. Maybe your 3rd but more likely your 5th or 6th best Defenceman. Nick not even much of a fighter so that doesnt make sense either. Emile Francis one of the "nice guys" in hockey n' all but as Coach, GM.... just never impressed. He was like Ivan in Chicago, others in the league... nothing outstanding about his talents in those departments whatsoever.

Ownership knew it, happy with the compete, the mediocrity. Buildings full. Winning Cups too expensive, as is building a proper farm system, and before that, sponsoring Junior, elite amateur to any great shakes. Just make the Playoffs... and if you cant (as the Rangers couldnt for years) no matter.... buildings still full... besides... all through the 50's to early 60's...Mr. Norris wouldnt like it if you did well, beat his Wings or Blackhawks... and as he controls the majority of shares in MSG youd best be..... mediocre.... keep your head down, mouth shut.

True in an abstract sense but the other teams knew Hadfield's history,the issues on the Rangers from ownership on down. Not as if the other teams were looking to trade with the Rangers.

 

[reckoning]

The laughing in the penalty box looked bad on camera, but the trade probably would've happened regardless. His production was on the decline, he had a huge contract. Francis needed to do something to shake up the team, and a high-paid under performing veteran was the logical first candidate to be moved.

 

[blood gin]

He did have two 30 goal seasons but let's not act like like he was Rick Middleton here. Perhaps the Rangers thought Beverley was a solid defensive defenseman? He was much younger than Hadfield who appeared to be on the decline at that point. And Hadfield was really nothing more than a pretty decent forward who had 1 great year and some average and good seasons sprinkled in. Hadfield was nothing special and certainly very replaceable.

 

[Big Phil]

Amazing to think that other than his big 1972 season where the GAG line was at its peak, he never had a better year than in Pittsburgh in 1975 with 73 points.

I think they also thought Hadfield was on the decline and his best hockey was behind him. They made worse trades, I think.

 

[Killion]

I think they also thought Hadfield was on the decline and his best hockey was behind him. They made worse trades, I think.

Oh ya, they have, did.... Park & Ratelle for Esposito usually ranks #1.... Trading Leetch TWICE etc....

 

[Mandar]

Oh ya, they have, did.... Park & Ratelle for Esposito usually ranks #1.... Trading Leetch TWICE etc....

Middleton for Hodge....Ridley & Miller for Carpenter.....

These are the two deals that we generally rate the worst.

The Ratelle & Park for Espo & Vadnais was such a heartbreaker, especially so because the Bruins were our most hated rivals at that time. I'll never forgive Francis for trading Ratelle (my all time favorite Ranger), nor would I ever forgive Rolfe for breaking Ratelle's ankle in 1972.

Francis wasn't trying to improve the team or get younger when he dealt Hadfield...he wanted to get rid of him as quickly as possible due to how angry he was after the laughing thing.

 

[vadim sharifijanov]

Middleton for Hodge....Ridley & Miller for Carpenter.....

those late 80s rangers, a lot of good players that people barely remember were rangers. dave gagner traded for nothing. kjell samuelsson for bob froese. and a few of them traded for all-stars, ulf dahlen for mike gartner, tomas sandstrom and tony granato for bernie nicholls.

 

[Big Phil]

Oh ya, they have, did.... Park & Ratelle for Esposito usually ranks #1.... Trading Leetch TWICE etc....

I guess to be fair Leetch was past his prime each time.

 

[Bluesguru]

Middleton for Hodge....Ridley & Miller for Carpenter.....

These are the two deals that we generally rate the worst.

The Ratelle & Park for Espo & Vadnais was such a heartbreaker, especially so because the Bruins were our most hated rivals at that time. I'll never forgive Francis for trading Ratelle (my all time favorite Ranger), nor would I ever forgive Rolfe for breaking Ratelle's ankle in 1972.

Francis wasn't trying to improve the team or get younger when he dealt Hadfield...he wanted to get rid of him as quickly as possible due to how angry he was after the laughing thing.

In Derek Sanderson's book he said he told Rangers management that Rick Middleton was a keeper but he said their reply was like oh, so now you think you're a GM too. The Rangers and Sanderson was a failed experiment to say the least.

The Park trade was crazy. Emile Francis wanted to make a trade to shake up his team because it got off to a slow start so he bugged the Bruins to make a deal and Francis really wanted Esposito. And Emile thinks because he got Vadnais in the deal that he really pulled something off. The story was the Rangers wanted Vadnais for a long time, but geez, how the heck do you trade Brad Park? Probably the 2nd best Defenseman in the league at that time behind Orr. And then sure enough Park leads Boston to 2 Finals.

 

[Big Phil]

In Derek Sanderson's book he said he told Rangers management that Rick Middleton was a keeper but he said their reply was like oh, so now you think you're a GM too. The Rangers and Sanderson was a failed experiment to say the least.

The Park trade was crazy. Emile Francis wanted to make a trade to shake up his team because it got off to a slow start so he bugged the Bruins to make a deal and Francis really wanted Esposito. And Emile thinks because he got Vadnais in the deal that he really pulled something off. The story was the Rangers wanted Vadnais for a long time, but geez, how the heck do you trade Brad Park? Probably the 2nd best Defenseman in the league at that time behind Orr. And then sure enough Park leads Boston to 2 Finals.

Espo and the Bruins took a bit of a dip in 1975. There were some cracks in the armour at that time. About 20 less points than the year before, a terrible first round exit. A bit more reliance on the PP for Espo. But hey, he still had 127 points, so who doesn't make that trade? That being said, Park in his prime is someone I'd never part with. Park was much younger than Esposito too.

 

[Killion]

Espo and the Bruins took a bit of a dip in 1975. There were some cracks in the armour at that time. About 20 less points than the year before, a terrible first round exit. A bit more reliance on the PP for Espo. But hey, he still had 127 points, so who doesn't make that trade? That being said, Park in his prime is someone I'd never part with. Park was much younger than Esposito too.

I wasnt happy with that trade at the time, nor am I retrospectively, just as I wasnt, still am not with the Hadfield deal. No way I wouldve traded Hadfield or Esposito; no way I wouldve traded Ratelle & Park.