Following a three-year drought without making the playoffs after a disastrous loss in the 1958-59 season, the New York Rangers’ general manager Maz Patrick faced pressure to make a move to save his position. Interestingly, he received crucial information from an unlikely source—the Montreal Canadiens.
Frank Selke, the Canadiens’ manager, was upset that his star defenseman, Doug Harvey, was involved in efforts to establish the NHL’s first players’ union. Like Toronto’s Conn Smythe, Selke opposed the idea of players’ unions. Although Harvey was still regarded as one of the league’s top defensemen, Selke believed he was past his prime and wanted to trade him out of Montreal. To everyone’s surprise, Selke sent Harvey to the Rangers, along with defenseman Al (Junior) Langlois.
What made this even more remarkable was that Patrick signed Harvey not only to play as a defenseman but also to serve as a coach—an extremely rare move in the NHL at that time. Despite Selke’s assumptions, Harvey proved he was still at the top of his game, leading the Rangers to a rare playoff appearance and earning the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman. Notably, Harvey’s influence extended beyond the ice, as he was instrumental in the eventual formation of the NHL Players’ Association, which was officially recognized a few years later.
Fan Take: This story underscores how dynamic the hockey world can be, illustrating that significant player moves can reshape teams and even influence the broader landscape of the sport. It highlights the importance of leadership and bold decisions in hockey’s evolution, inspiring fans to appreciate the strategic and human elements behind the game.
