The Indianapolis Racers suspended operations 25 games into the season. They traded Gretzky to the Oilers after 8 games. On his 18th birthday in 1979 he signed his 21 year personal services contact with the Oilers.
The 70's really were fascinating with the rival league really disrupting the NHL and how quickly expansion teams were granted as a reaction.
The Canadiens run that comes to an end here was largely helped out by Sam Pollack pillaging the expansion teams like the Seals and Kings to accumulate draft picks. I believe Lafleur, Shutt, and Robinson picks all were acquired for past their prime names. These future picks went on to become the new core that won 5 cups.
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"Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
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