Carol Vadnais

Carol Marcel Vadnais (born September 25, 1945 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman who played seventeen seasons in the National Hockey League from 1966–67 until 1982–83. Vadnais won two Stanley Cups during his career, in 1968 with the Montreal Canadiens and in the 1971–72 Boston Bruins season.

Playing Career
Originally a forward, Vadnais was shifted to defense in his final year of junior hockey with the Montreal Jr. Canadiens. In his first NHL training camp, he made the Montreal Canadiens lineup for the 1966-67 season. He was left unprotected and would be claimed by the expansion Oakland Seals in 1968. He would soon be named the team captain.

In 1972, Vadnais was acquired by the Boston Bruins in an attempt to bolster their blueline for a Stanley Cup run. The move paid off, and Vadnais helped the Bruins capture the 1972 Stanley Cup.

Vadnais was involved in a blockbuster trade in 1975 as a part of the deal that sent star forward Phil Esposito to the New York Rangers.

Vadnais played 1087 career NHL games and scored 169 goals and 418 assists for 587 points, as well as adding 1813 penalty minutes. In his best statistical season (1974–75), he scored 18 goals and set career highs with 56 assists and 74 points. He represented Canada at the 1976 Canada Cup and in the 1977 World Championship.

Legacy

 * Ranked No. 52 on the all-time list of New York Rangers in the book 100 Ranger Greats (John Wiley & Sons, 2009).