On July 21, the NHL saw several significant events that left lasting impacts on the league. One of the most notable moments occurred in 1996 when Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest scorer in NHL history, signed with the New York Rangers. This move reunited him with his former Edmonton Oilers teammate, Mark Messier. Gretzky cited the opportunity to play with Messier and the Rangers’ commitment to winning a championship as major factors in his decision. This duo led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Final in 1997 before Gretzky retired in April 1999.
In 1997, another significant event took place when Lindy Ruff was hired as the head coach of the Buffalo Sabres. Ruff’s tenure with the Sabres lasted 15 seasons, during which he guided the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 1999, though they ultimately fell to the Dallas Stars.
Additionally, on July 21, 2016, Auston Matthews, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, signed his first NHL contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews, a native of Scottsdale, Arizona, made an immediate impact by scoring 40 goals in his rookie season, helping the Maple Leafs return to the playoffs and earning the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
Conclusion
These moments highlight the historical significance of July 21 in the NHL, showcasing key signings and appointments that have shaped the league’s history. For more updates on NHL history and current news, visit NHLTradeRumor.com and stay connected with the latest happenings.
