On December 20th, 1995, the Dallas Stars completed what is now regarded as one of the most memorable and intriguing trades in National Hockey League history. General manager Bob Gainey acquired Hockey Hall of Fame center Joe Nieuwendyk from the Calgary Flames in exchange for powerful forward prospect Jarome Iginla, for whom the Stars used the 11th overall in 1995’s Entry Draft.
Gainey and the Stars felt the need to pull the trigger on the move, which helped Dallas set their top six and power play up to become true Stanley Cup contenders over the coming seasons.