Phil Esposito
Philip Anthony "Espo" Esposito (b. February 20 1942 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada) is a former professional centre who played in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Blackhawks, the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers.
After a good but not overly extraordinary four seasons debut with the Hawks in 1963, where he centered Bobby Hull, Esposito was dealt to the Bruins in a blockbuster trade in 1967 along with Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield for Pit Martin, Jack Norris, and Gilles Marotte on May 15 1967. From then on, his career took a wholly different turn.
While both Stanfield and Hodge went on to become stars in Boston, Esposito became even much better. He went on to be the first player in NHL history to collect over 100 points (126 to be exact) in one season in 1969. He did the feat six times in his career. He also shattered the record for the most goals scored in a season with 76 in 1970-71. Along with his linemates Hodge and Wayne Cashman and of defenceman Bobby Orr, he conquered the Stanley Cup in both 1970 and 1972.
Espo was traded to the Rangers on November 7 1975 with Carol Vadnais for Brad Park, Jean Ratelle and Joe Zanussi. While his numbers had dwindled due to age, he still was a point leader in New York, averaging about a point per game for the Blueshirts on the full seasons he spent there. He retired in 1981.
Esposito became general manager and head coach of the Rangers in the middle of the 80's. His tenure earned him the nickname "Trader Phil" for the numerous trades he conducted.
Esposito was, with his brother, among the main persons responsible for the arrival of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL. He is today the team's radio colour commentator, as well as the co-host of a call-in radio show on XM Satellite Radio's Home Ice channel.
His younger brother Tony Esposito also became a great NHL player and Hockey Hall of Fame member. His son-in-law is former NHLer Alexander Selivanov.