February 9th marks a significant date in Montreal Canadiens history—not only because it commemorates Martin St. Louis’s debut with the team, but also because, 31 years ago, then-General Manager Serge Savard orchestrated what many consider the worst trade of his tenure. On that day, Savard exchanged veteran winger Mark Recchi and a 1995 third-round pick (which ultimately became Austrian player Martin Hohenberger, who never appeared in the NHL) in exchange for John LeClair, Eric Desjardins, and Gilbert Dion.
Recchi, at 27, was a proven NHL star who had already won a Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins and posted multiple 100-point seasons, some alongside superstars Mario Lemieux and Eric Lindros. In contrast, LeClair was 25 and had yet to score more than 19 goals in a season, although he contributed significantly to the Canadiens’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1993, with his best season tally at 44 points.
Eric Desjardins, also 25, was an integral part of Montreal’s defensive core, scoring a career-high 45 goals and playing a pivotal role in the 1993 Stanley Cup run, including a notable hat trick in the Finals. Gilbert Dionne, another 25-year-old, was a somewhat inconsistent scorer for Montreal, with modest goal totals and a reputation for frustration at times.
This trade was a turning point, particularly for Recchi, who led Montreal in scoring during the 1994-95 season and put up impressive point totals in subsequent years, but ultimately, he was traded back to Philadelphia in 1999. The Canadiens’ performance in the years following the trade was disappointing, with the team struggling to reach the playoffs despite Recchi’s best efforts.
Meanwhile, LeClair and Desjardins became cornerstones for the Flyers—LeClair as a three-time 50-goal scorer and one-third of the legendary Legion of Doom line, and Desjardins as a steady defenseman reaching new heights in point production. As for Dionne, his brief stint in Philadelphia was underwhelming, with limited NHL action following his trade from Montreal, ending mainly with the Florida Panthers.
Overall, this trade significantly benefited the Flyers, helping them become contenders and ultimately reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 1997. For Montreal, it marked a downturn, as they entered a bleak period following Patrick Roy’s departure. While Letsch played a meaningful role in Montreal, he couldn’t match the impact of LeClair or Desjardins in Philadelphia. To some younger fans, this trade is remembered for its controversial nature and the comments made by Letsch regarding the Max Pacioretty incident years later.
Fans should see this as a reminder of how pivotal trades can shape the fortunes of a franchise—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse—and why strategic decisions in the offseason are often scrutinized for decades to come.
Fan Take: This trade exemplifies how one decision can steer a team’s future in unexpected directions—fans should appreciate the historical lessons and drama behind these moves, as they remind us why every offseason player swap matters in the larger narrative of hockey’s unpredictable journey. Ultimately, it underscores the importance of evaluating trade value beyond immediate needs, as long-term impacts can redefine a team’s legacy.
