Curtis Leschyshyn
Only NHLer to play for two relocated franchises before and after.
Curtis Michael Leschyshyn (born September 21, 1969) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 1,033 games in the National Hockey League. He is notable for being the only NHL player to have played for two relocated franchises both before and after relocation—the Nordiques/Avalanche and the Whalers/Hurricanes—and for having played for three new teams in their inaugural season (two relocated and one expansion).
- Born
- September 21, 1969
- Nhl games played
- 1033
- Nhl draft
- 1988, first round, third overall by Quebec Nordiques
- Career high goals season
- 9
- Career high points season
- 32
- Stanley cup championship
- 1996 with Colorado Avalanche
- Teams played for
- Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes, Minnesota Wild, Ottawa Senators
Lore & Background
Leschyshyn began his NHL career with the Quebec Nordiques after being drafted third overall in 1988. He played through the team's rebuilding years, posting a career-high nine goals and 32 points in 1992–93 and helping the Nordiques reach the playoffs for the first time in his career. When the franchise relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche in 1995–96, Leschyshyn remained with the club and won the Stanley Cup that season, scoring a goal and three points in 17 playoff games.
After starting the 1996–97 season with Colorado, he was traded to the Washington Capitals, then dealt again within a week to the Hartford Whalers. He scored the overtime winning goal in his first game with the Whalers. The franchise relocated to Carolina in 1997, becoming the Hurricanes, and Leschyshyn played three more seasons there. He was left unprotected in the 2000 expansion draft and selected by the Minnesota Wild, playing in the Wild's inaugural game. He finished his career with the Ottawa Senators, signing a three-year, $6 million contract in 2001.
Reader's Guide
Curtis Leschyshyn's career is defined by his unique association with franchise relocations and inaugural seasons. He is the only NHL player to have played for both the Nordiques and the Avalanche, and for both the Whalers and the Hurricanes, making him a living link between the old and new identities of two teams. Additionally, his time with the Minnesota Wild in their first season made him the only player to have appeared for three new teams in their inaugural NHL season—two relocated and one expansion. He also played for both national capital city franchises, the Capitals and the Senators. While his offensive numbers were modest—his best season being nine goals and 32 points—his durability allowed him to reach 1,033 games. His career illustrates the transient nature of professional hockey, as he was traded multiple times and moved with two franchises. His Stanley Cup win with the Avalanche in 1996 stands as the pinnacle of his playing days.
Did You Know?
- He was drafted third overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1988 NHL entry draft.
- He played in the first ever game for the Minnesota Wild on October 6, 2000.
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