Quote:
Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache
It’s not quite that simple.
The first expansion to 12 teams was in 1967, well before Gretzky arrived
When the WHA teams later merged into the NHL, as I understand it, they brought 4 teams. In inter league exhibition play, I understand the WHA actually has a winning record against NHL teams, and brought across some pretty notable names that didn’t dilute the talent pool
|
Hmm....I think theres still a case to be made there.
Most of the 'Pros' were barely professionals in any sense of the word. Then they expanded and had to fill out a crapload more rosters.
Goalies were bad enough, but some of these clods could barely skate...when they were sober.
Look at the NHL right now. A crappy 4th line Grinder or 7/8 Dman is still an Elite Athlete.
Look at the NHL in the 70s/80s...I cant even skate and I could have made the team.