Draft Week Post #9: 1971

The first draft I remember really paying attention to was 1970, because the Canucks were coming into the league and there was a fuss about it at all Esso stations.

The next year was more infamous than anything, an absolute ripper that caught the nation’s eye and didn’t let it go for a couple of weeks.

Marcel Dionne (in photo) and Guy Lafleur were in the spotlight for a huge series between St. Catherine’s (OHA) and Quebec (QMJHL) but things got so out of control they never did complete the series.

The draft that summer featured two original 6 teams with selections one and two; Montreal chose Guy Lafleur over Marcel Dionne and most would agree it was a wise move.

Others wonder if Dionne might have been the better player for Sam Pollock to select, but those who remember the politics know well it wasn’t an option.

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All kinds of trades today, and a rumor tonight that Ryan Smyth may be headed to the Flames. I think this is going to be a very interesting draft.

YK Oil’s brilliant work is up over at C&B and speeds is doing his 31 over at hockey symposium. Christmas eve, folks. Christmas eve.