Denis POTVIN

Denis Potvin is drafted first overall by the New York Islanders in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft. Islanders GM Bill Torrey fields numerous offers for the pick from Montreal Canadiens GM Sam Pollack, but chooses to draft the cornerstone defenseman instead.

Denis Potvin wins the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman after recording 98 points (31G, 67A) in 78 games, leading all defensemen in scoring. This marks the first of Potvin's three Norris’ and snaps Bobby Orr's eight-year streak of winning the award.

After Clark Gillies relinquishes his captaincy, Denis Potvin is named the third captain in franchise history and serves as captain until Oct. 8, 1987. Under his leadership, the Islanders win four Stanley Cup Championships and post a 347-210-83 record.

In a 9-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs, Denis Potvin scores his 271st NHL goal, surpassing Bobby Orr as the top goal-scoring defenseman in league history. Potvin’s 271st goal comes in his 900th game.

Denis Potvin becomes the first defenseman in NHL history to score 1,000 points after notching two goals in a tie against the Buffalo Sabres at Nassau Coliseum. Potvin’s 1,000th point game in his 987th game. He is one of three Isles to score 1,000 points, finishing with 1,052.

In an 8-5 win over the visiting Quebec Nordiques, Potvin becomes the first defenseman in NHL history to score 300 goals. Potvin’s 300th goal comes in his 1,025th game. Only four defensemen in NHL history have scored more goals than Potvin’s 310.