July 8 is a significant date in NHL history, marked by memorable events that shaped the league.
In 1995, the NHL Draft saw defensemen dominate the early selections. The Ottawa Senators chose Bryan Berard as the first overall pick, making him the third American to earn this honor. However, the standout moment came when the Dallas Stars selected Jarome Iginla at the 11th spot. Iginla, who never played for Dallas, was soon traded to the Calgary Flames, where he became a franchise icon, scoring 625 NHL goals over his career.
In 1992, the Detroit Red Wings signed 37-year-old Mark Howe, son of the legendary Gordie Howe. Mark Howe played three more seasons with the Red Wings before retiring and joining his father in the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2011.
Another significant moment on this date was in 1999, when Dave Tippett began his NHL coaching career as an assistant with the Los Angeles Kings. Tippett went on to have a successful coaching career, including stints with the Dallas Stars and the Phoenix Coyotes, and eventually returned to the NHL as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers in 2019.
These events highlight the ongoing evolution and rich history of the NHL, with July 8 standing out as a day of significant player drafts, impactful signings, and coaching debuts. For more details on these historical milestones, bookmark nhltraderumor.com and sign up for our newsletter.
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