Today is Denis Potvin’s 65th birthday. The New York Islanders legend was the team captain for a team that was an unfashionable, but undeniable dynasty in the NHL.
The New York Islanders drafted Denis Potvin first overall in 1973 in the Islanders first NHL amateur draft. They were heavily wooed by the Montreal Canadiens to trade their number one pick, but ultimately decided against it.
Bill Torrey was right to identify Denis Potvin as a guy to build around. Seven years later he’d lift the first of four Stanley Cups alongside Denis Potvin.
A Legendary Career
In 1060 career NHL games from 1973 to 1988 Denis Potvin scored 1052 points.