July 26th has been a notable day in hockey history, marked by significant player signings, trades, and retirements.
One notable event on this day occurred in 1989, when Hall of Fame defenseman Larry Robinson signed with the Los Angeles Kings. This move came after a remarkable 17-season tenure with the Montreal Canadiens. Robinson's career stats include 197 goals and 883 points in 1,202 games. He also won the Norris Trophy twice as the league's best defenseman. Throughout his 17 seasons, he never missed the playoffs and contributed to six Stanley Cup championships with the Canadiens.
In 1994, a trade between the Buffalo Sabres and the Los Angeles Kings saw defenseman Sean O'Donnell head to the Kings in exchange for Doug Houda. O'Donnell debuted with the Kings the following season and played eight seasons with the team over two stints during his 17-season NHL career.
Kris Draper, a long-time player for the Detroit Red Wings, announced his retirement on July 26, 2011, after 20 seasons in the NHL. Originally drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, Draper was traded to the Red Wings for just one dollar, a move considered one of the best value investments in franchise history. Draper played 1,137 games in Detroit, amassing 158 goals and 361 points.
David Quinn was appointed as the new head coach of the San Jose Sharks on July 26, 2022, replacing Bob Boughner. In his first season, Quinn led the Sharks, who were in a rebuilding phase, to a 22-44-16 record.
In other news, Ian Moore, after receiving his economics degree from Harvard University, signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks of the NHL. After playing nine games with the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks' American Hockey League affiliate, he was called up to the Ducks, where he played the final three games of the NHL regular season.
Around the league, the Chicago Blackhawks signed Arvid Soderblom to a two-year deal worth an average annual value of $2.75 million. The Pittsburgh Penguins were speculated to be interested in acquiring Carey Price from the Montreal Canadiens, potentially taking on his contract which is destined for long-term injured reserve (LTIR).
