In 1991, Eric Lindros was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques first overall, but he wouldn’t sign with the franchise, so NHL fans experienced one of the messiest sagas ever for a year. Eventually, we look back on one of the most monumental trades in NHL history. However, one of the teams involved didn’t survive to enjoy the riches of the deal. Then, let’s see what could have been if Eric Lindros stayed a Quebec Nordique or became a New York Ranger! Stay tuned!
When the Nordiques drafted him in 1991, most knew he did not want to play for the Nordiques. There were two legitimate reasons to be frightened as a Nordiques fan about Lindros not playing. First, he forced a trade from the Salt Ste. Mary Greyhounds to the Oshawa Generals. Then, to prove he did not want to play in Quebec City, he would not wear their jersey when they drafted him. Lindros would not play for the Nordiques.
During the 1991-92 season, Lindros held out. The Nordiques attempted to sign him to a 10-year $50-million deal, which Lindros rejected. At the 1992 draft, everyone knew Quebec would deal Lindros because as a Major Junior player, he could re-enter the 1993 draft freely. Thus, the offers poured in. As many as 14 teams were willing to make offers for Lindros, including the Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and New York Rangers. Unfortunately for Quebec, the main attraction of Detroit’s offer, Centre Steve Yzerman, claimed he would not play if Detroit dealt him to Quebec. New Jersey, Montreal, and Calgary dropped out. All 14 teams, aside from the Leafs, Blackhawks, Flyers, and Rangers, were no longer serious contenders by the draft.
Once the draft arrived, the Nordiques began fielding offers. The Nordiques wanted Forward Wendel Clark, Goalie Felix Potvin, Defenseman Dave Ellet, Centre Peter Zezel, multiple draft picks (most likely future first-round picks), and cash in a Leafs-Lindros deal. The Blackhawks reportedly offered Goalie Ed Belfour, Forward Steve Larmer, Defenseman Steve Smith, additional players, draft picks, and over $10 million US. The Nordiques liked these two potential deals, but the Flyers and Rangers both one-uped them. New York offered Forward Alexei Kovalev, who Quebec coveted, Centre Doug Weight, Forward Tony Amonte, Forward Sergei Nemchinov, Defenseman James Patrick, multiple first-round picks, $20 million, and either Goalie John Vanbiesbrouck or another Goalie, Mike Richter. The Flyers offered Forward Peter Forsberg, Forward Mike Ricci, Defenseman Steve Duchesne, Goalie Ron Hextall, Defenseman Kerry Huffman, the seventh overall pick in the 1992 draft, a 1993 Philadelphia first-round pick, and $15 million US. The two offers were so good, the Nordiques agreed to both.
Thus, arbitration became necessary. Apparently, Philadelphia needed assurances Lindros would suit up in Flyers colours. While they were contacting Lindros’ family for these assurances, Nordiques Owner Marcel Abut agreed to the Rangers’ offer. Arbitrator Larry Bertuzzi ruled in Philly’s favour, so the seventh pick became a 1994 Philly first and Forward Chris Simon. After, the Nordiques went on to have a spectacular 1993 season, but the Montréal Canadiens beat them in six games in the first round. The Nordiques relocated after 1995, and the Colorado Avalanche won two Stanley Cup championships in 1996 and 2001, largely thanks to the Lindros deal and the pieces it brought back.
Now, let’s play a what-if: What if Lindros agreed to the $50-million offer in 1991 before the season? In 1992, the Nordiques finished with an atrocious 52-point season, but having Lindros and future legends Mats Sundin and Joe Sakic could have easily boosted them into a playoff spot. We would have seen the Battle of Quebec a year early, but a godly Patrick Roy probably would propel Montréal to victory. In 1993, Quebec would take a step back without Ricci or Duschene, who both scored at a point per game, but their three-headed monster would’ve likely led them to a 45-29-10 record for 100 points, meaning Montréal would have home-ice advantage in this Battle of Quebec. Once again, they would probably fall once again, maybe in seven games. In reality, the Nordiques missed the postseason in 1994, but Lindros would have elevated them into a playoff spot. I doubt they would have beat Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils, though. In the Nordiques’ final season in 1995, which was lockout-shortened, they lost to the Rangers. With Lindros, who won the Hart Trophy and led the league with 70 points, they could have beaten New York and Philadelphia, whom the Rangers eventually lost to in real life, and we would see a re-match between Quebec and New Jersey.
This time, I believe the Nordiques’ hunger for revenge could have propelled them to a Stanley Cup championship, so they might not relocate with such economic success due to jersey sales. (Specifically Lindros jerseys) I guess we’ll never know what could have been if Lindros stayed with the Nordiques. If he were a Ranger, I’m sure they would have won the 1995 cup, too, along with the 1994 chip. The pieces they would have sent do not equal Lindros in 1994 or 1995, assuming the goalie is Vanbiesbrouck and not Richter, who had a spectacular run in 1994. What we do know is the Lindros trade sparked ramifications all over the league for many years. Thank you for rewinding with me back to when Eric Lindros was a Quebec Nordique, and I hope you enjoyed the ride!
