During the NHL’s hiatus, we at Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for July 5th, featuring Connor McDavid.
Today in Hockey History
Connor McDavid Signs Extension With Oilers
2017: The Edmonton Oilers top pick from the 2015 NHL Draft inks an eight-year, $100 million deal. McDavid helped Edmonton reached the post-season for the first time in about a decade in 2016-17. The former Erie Otters star gets 30 goals and 100 points on his way to the Hart Trophy for league. MVP.
McDavid’s new contract starts in the 2018-19 season and he reaches 100 points two more times. He finishes the current season 2019-20 with 97 points after he’s sidelined with an injury. The current COVID-19 pandemic also halts his chance at a fourth straight 100-point season.
Other Notable Events
1978: Harry Howell takes over as head coach for the Minnesota North Stars. He replaces Lou Nanne, who becomes the team’s new general manger.
1979: The Boston Bruins hire Fred Creighton as their new head coach to replace Don Cherry. Creighton lasts only 73 games before he’s fired after not getting along with Harry Sinden. Cherry led Boston to the Stanley Cup Final twice, but the B’s didn’t win a title. His last game in charge was the 1979 semifinal, which was known as the “Too Many Men” on the ice game. The Bruins lose to the Montreal Canadiens in overtime of that Game 7. Cherry coaches the Colorado Rockies for one season before going into broadcasting.
1995: The New York Islanders hire Mike Milbury as their new head coach. He adds general manager duties on Dec. 12 and stays with the team in some form until June 2006. Milbury goes 56-111-24 in his three terms as coach.
2000: The Columbus Blue Jackets name Dave King as their first coach in team history. He lasts two-and-a-half seasons before being fired in Jan. 2003.
2013: Daniel Alfredsson signs a contract to play with the Detroit Red Wings. The Swedish forward leaves the Ottawa Senators after 17-years in Canada’s capital. He won the Calder Trophy for top rookie in 1996 and was captain from 1999-2013. Alfredsson also led the Sens to a Final appearance in 2007. He plays one year in Detroit before retiring with Ottawa in Dec. 2014.
Jarome Iginla signs the Bruins after a stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He gets his 12th and final 30-goal season with the club.
Happy Birthday to You
1957: Doug Wilson
1969: John LeClair
1975: Chris Gratton
1980: Trent Hunter
1986: Alexander Radulov
1987: Cam Talbot
1995: Danton Heinen
