October 2nd has been a significant date in hockey history, filled with memorable moments, milestones, and transactions. Here's a look at some of the notable events that have occurred on this day throughout the years.
Captaincy Announcements and Transactions
October 2nd has seen several notable captaincy announcements. In 1997, the Vancouver Canucks named Mark Messier their captain, replacing Trevor Linden. Messier held the role for three seasons before returning to the New York Rangers in 2000. Four years later, in 2001, Mario Lemieux was named captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins for the fourth time in his career, taking over from Jaromir Jagr. Steve Smith, a three-time Stanley Cup winner, was named captain of the Calgary Flames in 1999, though his tenure was cut short due to a neck injury.
Trades have also been common on this day. In 1991, Steve Smith was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks by the Edmonton Oilers for Dave Manson and a draft pick. In 2000, the Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs swapped defensemen, with Alexander Karpovtsev going to Chicago and Bryan McCabe heading to Toronto. The Maple Leafs benefited from this trade, as McCabe played 523 games over the next seven seasons, recording 83 goals and 297 points.
Debuts and Milestones
October 2nd, 1999, was a night of firsts and milestones. The Atlanta Thrashers played their first regular-season game in franchise history, hosting the New Jersey Devils. Although the Devils won 4-1, Kelly Buchberger, the Thrashers' captain, scored the first goal in the team's history. On the same night, Ray Bourque of the Boston Bruins scored his 386th career goal, surpassing Paul Coffey as the highest-scoring defenseman in NHL history. Also, on Oct 2, 1999, the Canucks picked up a season-opening 2-1 win over the Rangers, with Kevin Weekes making 32 saves to pick up his first NHL career win.
Other notable events
In 2009, the NHL season began in Europe, with the Florida Panthers defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3 in a shootout in Helsinki, Finland. Ville Koistinen had a standout performance in his home country, scoring a goal in regulation and another in the shootout. Goaltender Tomas Vokoun made 52 saves in the win.
Birthdays
October 2nd is also a popular day for NHL players' birthdays. Glenn Anderson, born on this day in 1960, is the only Hall of Famer among them. He leads the group in goals (498), assists (601), and points (1,099) and won six Stanley Cups during his career. Donald Harold Luce was born on October 2nd, 1948.
Recent News (October 2, 2025)
- The Toronto Maple Leafs are the NHL's most valuable franchise, worth $4.25 billion.
- The Rangers are taking a cautious approach with J.T. Miller as he recovers from a lower-body injury.
- Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau left Wednesday's preseason game against the Canucks with an undisclosed injury.
- The Oilers acquired goaltender Connor Ingram from the Utah Mammoth.
- Evgeny Kuznetsov has signed with KHL club Metallurg Magnitogorsk.
- Erik Johnson announced his retirement after 17 NHL seasons.
October 2nd continues to be a date filled with action and significance in the world of hockey.
