Rangers Daily: NHL legend Ken Dryden dies at 78; Canadiens trade Carey Price
Understanding that this is largely a daily column focused on the New York Rangers, it would still be wrong not to lead with the news that we lost a true hockey legend early Saturday morning. Ken Dryden succumbed to cancer and died at 78.
The six-time Stanley Cup champion was one of the greatest goalies in NHL history. Dryden backstopped the entire Montreal Canadiens dynasty in the 1970s and won the Vezina Trophy as the League’s top goalie five times.
As a rookie with six games of NHL experience in 1971, he helped the Canadiens win the Cup and took home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. The following season, he was voted Calder Trophy winner as NHL rookie of the year. Yes, after already winning the Stanley Cup the previous spring.
Dryden also was an extremely intelligent and principled man. He earned a law degree, served in Canada’s Parliament, was president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and wrote several best-selling books about the sport he loved.
He sat out the 1973-74 season in a contract dispute and proceeded to work in a law office. The Cornell grad returned to the Canadiens the following season and closed his career by winning four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1976-79.
His final appearance in the NHL was Game 5 of the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, when the Canadiens wrapped up another title with a 4-1 win over the upstart Rangers. You might remember that the Rangers defeated Dryden and the Habs 4-1 in the opener of the seven-game series, and Montreal coach Scotty Bowman planned to bench his future Hall of Fame goalie in Game 2.
But backup Bunny Larocque was hit in the head by a shot during warmups, so Dryden got the start. He allowed only seven goals, winning the next four games and ending the Rangers’ memorable run. The Blueshirts had beaten Dryden and the defending champion Canadiens in the Quarterfinals in 1972 and 1974, twice ending Montreal’s hopes for a repeat; he lost only one other playoff series (the 1975 Semifinals against the Buffalo Sabres) in his career.
There’s so much to say about Dryden, the goalie legend and the man behind the mask. But my friend and former colleague Dave Stubbs is better suited to do so. He’s a legend himself, and experienced Dryden’s greatness in person.
Please give a read to Dave’s story about Dryden over at NHL.com
All we can add is the obvious. The hockey community, and world in general, lost a great one Saturday.
New York Rangers news and analysis
The Rangers are counting on youngsters Gabe Perreault, Scott Morrow, Brennan Othmann, and Brett Berard to make an impact this season. But what if they are not ready for the NHL yet? We break down which Rangers must step up if the kids don’t this season.
Igor Shesterkin fell from No. 1 to No. 3 in the annual NHL Network ranking of top goalies. Here’s why the Rangers goalie dropped in the ranking, and why there’s a good chance he can regain the top spot a year from now.
Speaking of rankings, here’s our breakdown of the best goalie tandems in the NHL, including the Rangers pair of Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick.
ICYMI: earlier in the week, Gabe Perreault stated that his goal is to “make the team, find a spot” on the Rangers’ opening-night roster.
Popular former Rangers bottom-six center Kevin Rooney signed a PTO with the New Jersey Devils.
NHL news and rumors
ESPN: The Canadiens traded Carey Price, their all-time winningest goalie, and a low-round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks for defenseman prospect Gannon Laroque. Price hasn’t played since 2022 due to a knee injury, and the Canadiens needed to clear the final season of his $10.5 million salary-cap hit off their books.
San Jose Hockey Now: Sheng Peng breaks down why the Sharks were willing to take on that heft contract, knowing Price will never play in the NHL again.
Montreal Canadiens: The Habs posted this video tribute to Price on their website.
Sportsnet: The Calgary Flames signed forward Connor Zary to a three-year, $11.325 contract.
TSN: Derek Ryan, who played 606 NHL games, announced his retirement Friday. He played 36 games with the Edmonton Oilers last season.
Sportsnet: Oilers forward Zach Hyman continues to rehab following surgery to repair torn ligaments in his wrist and said he’s not shooting a puck yet — nor is he sure whether he’ll be ready to play by opening night.
New Jersey Hockey Now: James Nichols gives his take on the four players that the Devils invited to camp on PTO, including Rooney, who began his career with New Jersey.
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