What happened: New York dealt its first-ever draft pick and Dave Lewis on March 10, 1980. The return was 29-year-old two-way center Butch Goring.

Why it matters: Goring filled a second-line role that helped balance the roster. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy during the 1981 title run, while Harris never won the Cup.

By the numbers: Goring produced six goals and 11 points in 12 regular-season games after the trade, then added seven goals and 19 points in 21 playoff games.

What to watch: Future deadline retrospectives can weigh championship returns against the core players sent elsewhere.

Sources

  • r/hockey