June 17th has been a day of significant events and milestones in hockey history, marked by draft selections that shaped franchises, stunning Stanley Cup upsets, and memorable individual achievements.

One of the most noteworthy events that occurred on this day was the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. The Quebec Nordiques made history by selecting Swedish center Mats Sundin as the first overall pick. This marked the first time a European-born player was chosen first in the NHL draft. Sundin went on to have a remarkable career, playing for the Nordiques, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vancouver Canucks. He holds numerous records for Swedish players in the NHL, including the most goals (564) and points (1,349). Sundin's impact on the Toronto Maple Leafs was particularly profound, where he served as captain for over a decade and became a franchise icon.

June 17, 1995, witnessed the beginning of an unexpected Stanley Cup Final series. The Detroit Red Wings, who had dominated the regular season and won the President's Trophy, hosted the New Jersey Devils in Game 1. The Devils, entering as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, defied expectations. This Stanley Cup Final marked a significant moment for Scotty Bowman, as he became the first coach to lead four different teams to the Final. It was also the first Stanley Cup Final appearance in the New Jersey Devils' franchise history.

On June 17, 2021, Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning achieved a notable milestone during the Eastern Conference Final. He became the first Lightning player to score in six consecutive playoff games, and the first NHL player since Martin Havlat in 2006 to accomplish this feat. Point's goal in Game 3 was his 33rd career playoff goal, tying him with Martin St. Louis for third in franchise history.

Coaching changes have also been a theme on this day. On June 17, 2022, the Philadelphia Flyers appointed veteran coach John Tortorella as their new head coach, replacing interim coach Mike Yeo.

Trades and player transactions have also occurred on June 17th throughout the years. In 1975, the Montreal Canadiens traded goaltender Wayne Thomas to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a first-round pick in the 1976 Amateur Draft.

These events, spanning from groundbreaking draft selections to surprising Stanley Cup appearances and individual scoring achievements, highlight the rich and diverse history of hockey on June 17th. These moments have shaped careers, franchises, and the overall narrative of the sport, leaving lasting memories for fans and players alike.