He played there? Hockey Edition: Part 1

Is everyone ready for this one? I know I am! I went through Baseball, which I completed in 4 parts. For the NHL, I think I could probably do this in 4 parts too, but we'll see. The first player I stumbled upon accidentally. When I placed a COMC order, I had added a Violet Pixels parallel of Drake Batherson. This also happened to be a Rookie for Drake, so it did cost me a little over $3, but the card I received was not Drake Batherson. This fumble by COMC only gave me my store credit back, and I got to keep the card I didn't order which was of... Marian Gaborik. Gaborik was a sensational player. I loved watching him play. He would put the Minnesota Wild on his back and was a point per game player every season he played there. However, he caught the injury bug. Then there were the contract issues with Minnesota. He then signed a huge 5-year deal with the Rangers then was traded 4 years later and then was traded a few times after that landing with Columbus, Los Angeles and then to Ottawa. Marian would only suit up for 16 games with the Senators and due to a herniated disk in his back, those 16 games would be his last in the NHL. In 1,035 NHL Games, Gaborik amassed 407 goals, 408 assists for 815 points and had a stellar career that included 3 All-Star Game appearances, an All-Star Game MVP trophy and a Stanley Cup Championship with the Los Angeles Kings in 2014 where he played a huge role in their Stanley Cup win by contributing 22 points in 26 games! Looking back, I vaguely remember Gaborik in Ottawa and maybe that is because he was a shell of himself due to his back injury. There aren't very many cards of him depicted in a Sens uni, and with a 16-game stint, rightfully so. 

How was he acquired? On February 13, 2018, the Los Angeles Kings traded Marian Gaborik and Nick Shore to the Ottawa Senators for Dion Phaneuf and Nate Thompson.

2018/19 OPC Platinum Marian Gaborik Violet Pixels #69

Blaine Stoughton probably isn't a name that anyone who reads my blog would know. Selected 7th overall back in the 1973 NHL Draft by my hometown Pittsburgh Penguins. Stoughton would play a half a season with the Pens before he was traded (along with a 1st round pick) in 1977 to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Rick Kehoe! After 2 years with Toronto, he then signed to play in the WHA for the Cincinnati Stingers. In his first full WHA season, Stoughton put up 52 goals and 52 assists! After the WHA had folded, Stoughton moved on to play for the Hartford Whalers where he became a goal scoring threat. In the 1979/80 season, he put up 56 goals (leading the NHL), then 43 a year later. His goal scoring continued in 1981/82 where he scored over 50 goals again by potting 52 goals. The next season, he missed 8 games, or he maybe would have put up 50 goals again. He scored 45 goals in '82/83. In a head scratching move, Stoughton was traded from the Whalers to the New York Rangers. Stoughton's Rangers career was less than stellar as he played with them for 14 games and only putting up 5 goals and 2 assists. This would be the last year of Stoughton's NHL career. The Rangers exposed Stoughton in the 1984 NHL Waiver Draft where he would go unclaimed. 

How was he acquired? On February 27, 1984, the Hartford Whalers traded Blaine Stoughton to the New York Rangers for Defenseman Scot Kleinendorst. 

1984/85 OPC Blaine Stoughton #154

Everyone loves a good airbrush card, and the next one is just that. I acquired this card in 2013 at a card show for 10 cents. Why? Well, 1, because it's an awesome airbrush job and 2, because it's freaking Guy Chouinard. It's in pretty darn good shape to boot! When I was young, I bought Chouinard's rookie card at a card show for $1. I really didn't know much about him, but it was an old hockey card and I was intrigued. Little did I know that he was an Atlanta/Calgary Flames legend. "Gramps" as he was called was the first Flames player to score 50 goals! After 8 seasons in Atlanta/Calgary, Chouinard was traded to the Blues. With St. Louis, Chouinard wasn't terrible, but he wasn't exactly the player he had been previously. After the 1981/82 season, Guy's production had dipped and in his final year in the NHL in '83/84, he only posted 46 points in 64 games. 

How was he acquired? On September 6, 1983, the Calgary Flames traded Guy Chouinard to the St. Louis Blues for future considerations. I have scoured the internet to find out what the future considerations were, but no site really had anything to add. 

1983/84 OPC Guy Chouinard #78

When I think of Dave Andreychuk, I think: Hall of Famer (2017), 2nd most Power Play Goals in NHL history with 274 and Stanley Cup Champion (2004 with the Lightning). I also think of him playing for the Sabres, Leafs, Devils or Lightning. However, he also suited up for 3/4 of a season with the Bruins and then spent the last 14 games of that season (1999/00) with the Colorado Avalanche. Now, I vaguely remember him getting traded, but when I dug deeper, I realized that he was part of the trade that brought Ray Bourque to the Avalanche! I also remember that was my senior year of High School and I was working a lot, was in a pop punk band and also had a girlfriend in college who I would go visit a lot at Pitt (before breaking up with her before my graduation - sorry Miranda). I wasn't watching too much hockey that season because I was trying to have the time of my life. So, the fact Andreychuk played for the Avs was really a blur to me. One night when I was packing up some eBay sales, I was adding in some base cards to a package, and I looked through the hockey cards I was putting in a team bag as "extra packing material" and I noticed an Andreychuk Topps card I almost sent away. I sat down in my computer chair and thought, "Holy crap! This would be a good one to put on the blog!" That Andreychuk card never made it in as packing material. It ended up in my blogging box that I keep. Dave wasn't exactly stellar for the Colorado Avalanche. In his 14-game stint, he only added 1 goal and 2 assists. He also wasn't very effective in the playoffs as he only contributed 5 points in 17 games, but he definitely played for them and below is proof in photo form.

How was he acquired? On March 6, 2000, the Boston Bruins traded Ray Bourque and Dave Andreychuk to the Colorado Avalanche for Martin Grenier, Samuel Pahlsson, Brian Rolston and a 2000 1st Round Draft Pick.

2000/01 Topps Dave Andreychuk #157

On to another Hall of Famer. While I do remember Jari Kurri as a New York Ranger (even though he had his shortest stint of his career with 14 games played). I remember him as an Anaheim Mighty Duck a little less. In the lockout shortened season in 1994/95, Kurri played in the Finnish Elite League (SM-liiga) for Jokerit. While playing on this team, he was on a line with Teemu Selanne. After the lockout ended, Kurri was traded from the Los Angeles Kings to the New York Rangers. After that short stop, he signed with the Ducks. Hoping to play on a line with Selanne and Paul Kariya, but he was shifted to the 2nd Line instead. After that lone season in 1996/97, Kurri bolted from the Ducks to sign with the Avalanche where he would finish his NHL career in 1997/98. 

How was he acquired? On August 14, 1996, the Anaheim Mighty Ducks signed Jari Kurri.

1996/97 Fleer Ultra Gold Medallion Jari Kurri #G-3

If you know hockey, you definitely know who Jacques Plante is. Plante is a goaltending legend. A Hall of Famer, 6-time Stanley Cup Champion, 8-time All-Star, 7-time Vezina Trophy Winner and also a rare feat of winning a Hart Trophy as a goalie. You probably remember him as a Montreal Canadien, like we all do. However, he played for the New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs and....Boston Bruins? Yep, you heard that correctly. Plante played the last half of his last NHL season (1972/73) with the Bruins. He would suit up for 8 games with the Bruins going 7-1 with a 2.00 GAA and a .927 Save %. However, his time in the playoffs that season for them was pretty brutal. He only got into 2 games but was 0-2 with a 5.00 GAA and a Save % of .841. After that season, Jacques accepted a $1 million, 10-year contract to become the coach and GM of the Quebec Nordiques (who at the time in 1973 were in the WHA). After Plante became upset with his team, he resigned at the end of that season and signed with the Edmonton Oilers in the WHA and played 31 games for them. In training camp the next season, he would retire after his youngest son had passed away. 

How was he acquired? On March 3, 1973, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Jacques Plante to the Boston Bruins for a 1st Round Pick in 1973 (used on Ian Turnbull) and future considerations (Eddie Johnston). 

2023/24 Upper Deck Boston Bruins Centennial Jacques Plante #71

This next one is a personal favorite of mine and also an airbrush job on the card. Wilf Paiement is the player. Paiement is usually most noted for his lengthy suspension back in 1978 when Dennis Polonich was talking trash to Wilf and Paiement struck Polonich across the face with his stick. This resulted in severe facial lacerations, smashed nose and reconstructive surgery and a concussion. Paiement was suspended for 15 games for the incident and also had to pay Polonich $850,000 due to an injury settlement after he sued Paiement. However, Paiement was actually a pretty decent player. Drafted by the Kansas City Scouts 2nd overall in 1974, Paiement had a 14-year NHL career of 946 games and 814 points. He also amassed 1,757 PIM's. I remember him when he played for the Penguins his last season in the NHL. He fought someone that year (for the life of me I don't remember who it was, but I remember my dad and his buddies being impressed). From then on, I always knew who Wilf Paiement was. Sadly, his last year in the NHL and his second shortest stint with a team was with my hometown Penguins in 1987/88 where he would play in 23 games (he played 9 games with the Rangers in '85/86 and I couldn't locate a card from him with the Rags). After his retirement, he was the last active player who had played for the Kansas City Scouts. 

How was he acquired? September 10, 1987, the Pittsburgh Penguins claimed Wilf Paiement off waivers from the Buffalo Sabres.

1987/88 OPC Wilf Paiement #180

The next player up is another Hall of Famer. This player never won a Stanley Cup, never sniffed the Cup Finals, never won an NHL Award. Even with all of that, he still scored 708 goals during his career. Give up? It's Mike Gartner. I always liked Mike Gartner and felt it was always hard to root against a guy who was such a great player and smooth skater. Does anyone remember what teams he played for? Capitals, yes, Rangers, yes, Leafs, yes, Coyotes, yes, Minnesota North Stars....uhhh....yes. When I was thinking about guys to put on this blog, to be honest, Gartner was not one of them. When I stumbled across this card in a repack, I got from the Dollar Tree, I knew I had to add this. I couldn't remember Gartner's time with the North Stars. If you would have put a gun to my head with multiple choice answers, I would have gotten this wrong. Gartner played the last half of the '88/89 season with the North Stars and 3/4 of the '89/90 season with them for a total of 80 games. 

How was he acquired? On March 7, 1989, the Washington Capitals traded Larry Murphy and Mike Gartner to the Minnesota North Stars for Dino Ciccarelli and Bob Rouse.

1990/91 Bowman Hat Tricks Mike Gartner #8

Selected in the 9th Round in 1994, this next player was selected 2 picks after the Quebec Nordiques drafted Tim Thomas - yes, that Tim Thomas. Give up? Evgeni Nabokov. Nabokov was a terrific netminder who won 40 + games 3 years in a row for the San Jose Sharks. He even won the Calder Memorial Trophy for Rookie of the Year back in 2001. He finished his career with 353 Wins which is good for 24th all-time in the NHL. Not bad for a 9th rounder. Most will remember Nabokov for his time with the Sharks and also his 3 seasons with the New York Islanders. Did you know, Nabokov finished his career with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014/15? I sort of remember this, but it's vague. He wasn't exactly himself while suiting up with the Lightning. In his last 11 games in the NHL in Tampa Bay, he had a record of 3-6-2 with a GAA of 3.15 and a Save % below .900 of .882. Looks like Evgeni knew when to hang them up. He is currently the goaltending coach for the San Jose Sharks. Good for Mr. Nabokov!

How was he acquired? On July 1, 2014, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed Evgeni Nabokov to a 1 year deal worth $1.55 million.

2014/15 Upper Deck Evgeni Nabokov #420

Steve Thomas never reached 1,000 points. He almost got there during his 20-year NHL career. With 1,235 career games under his belt, he potted 933 points (421 goals, 512 assists). Thomas ended his career with a 44-game season with the Detroit Red Wings in 2003/04. In those 20 years he played, Thomas wore 6 NHL sweaters. Leafs, Blackhawks, Islanders, Devils, Red Wings and Mighty Ducks. Yup, Thomas was a Mighty Duck back in 2002/03. He played 12 games for them and was a point-per-game player with 13 points! This card depicting Thomas in his Mighty Ducks sweater was found in the same re-pack as the Gartner above. 

How was he acquired? On March 11, 2003, the Chicago Blackhawks traded Steve Thomas to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for a 2003 5th Round Draft Pick. 

2003/04 Pacific Steve Thomas #11

Wendel Clark was tough as nails. Drafted 1st overall in the 1985 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, he was beloved in every city he played in. Just like Steve Thomas, Clark played for 6 different teams during his career. Injuries however, played a part in Clark's retirement and overall play during the final seasons of his career. He had 2 stints with teams for less than 15 games in the final 2 years of his NHL career. I heard an interview on a podcast several years ago from a former Islanders player saying after games Clark would have bags of ice on every joint on his body. He was clearly taking a beating and just showing up night after night and giving it his all. That's why everyone loves him. He was a competitor. You can't really say anything bad about him. One day I went down a rabbit hole and did a deep dive on Wendel Clark's career and had no idea he even played for the Chicago Blackhawks or the Detroit Red Wings. I saw he played 1 more game for the Blackhawks (13), so I decided to make Wendel's "He played there" for the Detroit Red Wings because, I clearly don't even remember this. He had 1 or 2 Red Wings cards made that year and one was an autograph, so I found a cheaper option to show you Clark in a Wings uniform. I was talking to my friend Nick on X one night and asked if he had a Wendel Clark card in a Red Wings uniform he said, "No, but I know a guy who sells on Sportlots, here's his username, look to see if he has one and let me know." Sure enough the guy had one. Fast forward to the huge card show I just went to in August, and I got the Wendel Clark card from Nick's friend for free. Thank you, Clint. I appreciate the card. I know you'll probably never read this, but if you do, here is another huge thanks from me.

How was he acquired? On March 23, 1999, the Tampa Bay Lightning traded Wendel Clark and a 1999 6th Round Draft Pick to the Detroit Red Wings for Goaltender Kevin Hodson and a 1999 2nd Round Draft Pick (Sheldon Keefe).

1999/00 Pacific Wendel Clark #136

We will end with another goalie. "The Beezer" John Vanbiesbrouck. Yes, he made a racial slur against Trevor Daley and is pretty much a jerk, but he is an NHL legend. He won 374 games in his career which puts him at 19th on the NHL All-Time Goalie Wins Leaders. Beezer was known mostly for his time with the New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers (Rat Pack years). He also suited up shortly for the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils. I really wanted to show you a Beezer card on this blog from his time with the Devils, but I couldn't find one that was affordable (COMC has one for $10, but I'm not made of money - sorry), so for this blog, you will have to settle for a John Vanbiesbrouck card from his time with the Islanders.

How was he acquired? June 25, 2000 the Philadelphia Flyers trade John Vanbiesbrouck to the New York Islanders for a 2001 4th Round Pick (Jordin Tootoo).

2000/01 Topps Stars John Vanbiesbrouck #94

As always, thanks for reading.