Steve Shutt

The first left-winger to score 60 goals in a season, famous for his accurate slap shot and ability to convert 'garbage goals'.

via Wikipedia: Steve Shutt · see source

Stephen John Shutt (born July 1, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League from 1972 to 1985. He spent 12 of those seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and one with the Los Angeles Kings. Partnered with Jacques Lemaire and Guy Lafleur on the top line, Shutt became the first left-winger in NHL history to score 60 goals in a single season, scoring the historic goal on April 3, 1977, against the Washington Capitals. He won five Stanley Cups with Montreal (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979) and was named to the NHL First All-Star team in 1977 and the Second All-Star team in 1978 and 1980. A masterful scorer known for his accuracy and rebound collection, he is now enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Quick Facts

Played for: Montreal Canadiens; Los Angeles Kings
Position: Left wing
Shoots: Left
Born: 1 July 1952
Birthplace: North York, Ontario, Canada
Draft: 4th overall
Drafted by: Montreal Canadiens
Hall of Fame: 1993

Reader's Guide

Stephen John Shutt's playing style relied on remarkable spatial awareness rather than elite skating speed or size. He consistently found dead areas of coverage by anticipating puck movement or arriving late on plays. His arsenal included a wrist shot known for superior accuracy, allowing him to pick corners or hit the five-hole with consistency. While he was a masterful goal scorer generally, his slap shot stood out for its unusual power and precision.

This skill allowed him to dominate as a power-play point man despite not being a defenseman. Shutt's effectiveness around the net earned him comparisons to 'garbage collectors' like Nels Stewart, Gordie Drillon, Phil Esposito, and Corey Perry. He could corral pucks with his skates and protect them with his body. His career spanned from 1972 to 1985, culminating in five Stanley Cup victories.

Post-retirement, he worked as a television commentator, served as an assistant coach for Montreal (1993–1997), and spent 19 years at Toromont Industries. He also participated in the Heritage Classic in 2003 against Edmonton oldtimers.

Did You Know?

Shutt scored his historic 60th goal of the 1976-77 season on April 3, 1977, against the Washington Capitals.
He attributed his fast hands and reflexes to playing with about fifteen kids on a small ice surface as a child.
In North York, Shutt was a middle school classmate of rock star Geddy Lee and introduced him to future Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson.
Shutt participated in the Heritage Classic on November 22, 2003, playing for the Canadiens' old-timers against Edmonton.