Montreal Canadiens: Looking Back on Montreal’s Expansion Draft History

1967: The end of the Original Six Era

With the end of the NHL’s fabled ‘Original Six’ era, so too came the end of one of the most successful eras in the Canadiens history, whereupon Montreal won eight Stanley Cup Titles in a 13-year span, including the NHL’s first season after expansion, in 1967-68. The 1967 NHL Expansion Draft was definitely a good first step for the NHL’s continued future in different markets, with numerous star players coming out of organizations where they had had little, if any chances. Having built up a reputation as the NHL’s No. 1 team for most of that era, the Canadiens were unfortunately the prime example of that.

Being made up of a core roster that saw little if any alterations in that 13-year period, Montreal lost their fair share of players in 1967, though most were, as stated, seen as bit parts/farmhands in the organization. Jim Roberts, a 5’10 defenseman who played a depth role for the Habs from 1963 to 67, was perhaps their most well-known departure, becoming a key veteran presence for the St. Louis Blues over their three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances, from 1967-68 to 1969-70. He would eventually find his way back to Montreal in 1971-72, in a one-for-one trade for skilled enforcer Phil Roberto.

Dave Balon had managed to come out of the New York Rangers farm system to become a serviceable offensive option in Montreal for four seasons, before ultimately being claimed by the Minnesota North Stars. In spite of posting a solid 47 points in 67-68 to finish fourth on Minnesota in scoring, Balon wound up returning to New York the season after, before eventually finding his way to another Expansion Team in the Vancouver Canucks in, like Roberts, 71-72.

Long-time veteran and innovator of the backup position, Charlie Hodge, was claimed by the Oakland (later California Golden) Seals to become their first starting goalie, after assuming the mantle of Montreal’s starter two seasons prior. In spite of putting up some solid numbers in his first season with 3 SO and a 2.86 GAA, Hodge eventually lost the starting job next season to Gary ‘Suitcase’ Smith, before finishing his career as a starter once more with the Canucks in 1970-71. Along with Noel Picard going from the Habs farm system to the man who tripped Bobby Orr, and Keith McCreary finding a role as a scoring instigator down the line, Montreal’s first Expansion Draft produced its fair share of stories, as well as successful careers from some of their less-heralded options.