1970–71 California Golden Seals season



The 1970–71 California Golden Seals season was the Seals' fourth in the NHL, but their first as the Golden Seals. The Seals finished 7th in the West Division and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Off-season
Oakland Athletics owner Charlie O. Finley bought the team in the offseason for approximately $4,500,000. He announced that the name of the team was being changed to Bay Area Seals, but two games into the season changed it again to California Golden Seals, in an attempt to draw fans from across the state of California, in particular from nearby San Francisco. Along with the name change came new green and gold colours, and a new logo and uniforms.

Several other changes occurred in the Seals' front office after Finley bought the team. Unhappy, General Manager Frank Selke Jr. quit in October 1970. His replacement, Bill Torrey, lasted only a month before resigning himself. Coach Fred Glover took over the responsibilities of General Manager after Torrey's departure in November.

Amidst the shake-up of the Seals from a business point of view the on-ice performance of the team suffered greatly. The team won only 20 games, and had but 45 points, last in the NHL. It was the worst season in their history up to that point in time.

Captain Ted Hampson was traded to the Minnesota North Stars late in the season, and was replaced by Carol Vadnais.

Playoffs

 * The Golden Seals did not qualify for the post season.

Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes †Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Seals. Stats reflect time with the Seals only. ‡Traded mid-season

Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games played; TOI= Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average

Awards and Records

 * The Golden Seals did not win any awards this season.

Transactions
The Golden Seals were involved in the following transactions during the 1970–71 season:

Awards and Records

 * Gary Smith, most losses by a goaltender in one season (48)