Reviving the Rangers: A Controversial Trade
In a surprising twist during the 1950s, New York Rangers General Manager Muzz Patrick found himself in desperate need of a trade to revive his faltering team, which hadn’t seen playoff action since the disastrous season of 1958-59. His solution arrived in the form of a controversial deal with the Montreal Canadiens, orchestrated by their exasperated leader, Frank Selke.
Doug Harvey and the Players’ Union
Selke was incensed that his star defenseman, Doug Harvey, was at the forefront of efforts to establish the National Hockey League’s first players’ union. Similar to the sentiments expressed by Toronto’s Conn Smythe, Selke was not supportive of unionization.
“Harvey was still one of the elite defensemen in the league,” noted Ben Olan, a hockey correspondent for the Associated Press, “but Selke mistakenly thought he was past his prime and wanted him gone.”
The Trade and Its Impact
The trade that left many Montreal fans stunned saw Harvey, along with defenseman Al (Junior) Langlois, shipped to the Rangers. Remarkably, Patrick did not just acquire Harvey for his defensive prowess; he also appointed him as the team’s coach, a groundbreaking decision in the NHL landscape at that time.
Harvey’s Legacy
Contrary to Selke’s belief that Harvey was nearing the end of his career, Doug not only led the Rangers to a rare playoff appearance but also clinched the prestigious Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman, reaffirming his status as a top athlete in the field.
The Players’ Union’s Evolution
As for the players’ union that Harvey was advocating for, it eventually materialized a few years later. Harvey later went on to represent the expansion St. Louis Blues, joining forces with fellow union advocate Glenn Hall, though by that time, the NHL Players’ Association had gained official recognition from the league.
