Bob Gainey (HHOF ’92)
Soviet national coach Viktor Tikhonov considered him the world’s best all-around player. Bob Gainey’s was certainly a factor in the Montreal Canadiens’ five Stanley Cups in ten years. Drafted in 1973, he played for the Habs his entire career. Representing Canada in the 1976 Canada Cup, he was never a flashy scorer but his presence on the ice made opponents think twice. When Montreal won the cup in 1979, Bob Gainey received the Conn Smythe for playoff MVP. Following two 100-point seasons for the Habs in the late eighties, Gainey retired. Hired on as the GM and coach of the Minnesota North Stars, he moved to Dallas with the team to build a perpetual playoff powerhouse. The Stars won the President’s Trophy twice in 1998 and 1999, and won the Stanley Cup in the latter year. Named GM of his beloved Canadiens in 2003, many expect Gainey to continue his unflagging success.
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