For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we look at how the Detroit Red Wings acquired fan favorite and current Toronto Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan.
Before Brendan Shanahan presided over the Toronto Maple Leafs massive re-build, he was the “missing piece” that finally put the puzzle together for the Detroit Red Wings. In 1996, the missing piece that would finally net the Red Wings their Cup was the trade that sent Brendan Shanahan. And it was one where, well, you could see it coming from a mile away.
In the season preview to the 1996-1997, the Detroit Free Press noted that Shanahan “tore the C off his sweater” and was ready to move on.