In the history of most National Hockey League franchises, there are a handful of players that don’t seem particularly important outside of that market, but are crucial in terms of the culture and history of that club. For the Calgary Flames, Jim Peplinski is one such player.
Peplinski was a consistently good Flame, but his longevity and leadership capabilities elevated him to importance. He’s #45 on our countdown.
Player, 1980-90, 1994-95; Vice-President Business Development, 2001-present An Ontario kid originally, Peplinski was selected by Atlanta in fourth round of the 1979 NHL Draft. He went pro in 1980-81, leaping directly from the OMJHL’s Toronto Marlboros to the NHL’s since-relocated Calgary Flames without spending any time in the minors whatsoever.