Tim Kerr

Lore & Background

Kerr was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1980. Though initially a winger with hands that could bruise an opponent's face as well as beat an opposing goaltender, it took three seasons before he staked his reputation as a lethal sniper. Kerr missed the majority of the 1982-83 season with knee issues and a broken leg, but turned things around starting in the 1983-84 season. That's when he began his team-record run of four consecutive 50-goal campaigns, in the process setting the NHL single-season record for power play goals with 34 in the 1985–86 season.

During the first round of the '85 playoffs, against the New York Rangers, Kerr set a still-standing NHL single-game record by scoring four goals in a span of 8:16 in the second period of an eventual 6–5 victory at Madison Square Garden which enabled Philadelphia to sweep the best-of-five series. The next season was particularly interesting, in that in September 1985 he was hospitalized with aseptic meningitis at the outset, but recovered sufficiently to set a career best of 58 goals.

The following year, Kerr again victimized NHL goaltenders for 58 goals, finishing second in the NHL to Wayne Gretzky. However, Kerr's ascension into the ranks of NHL superstars was hindered by injuries and bad luck. In the 1985 playoffs, a knee injury hampered his ability to play in the final two rounds of the postseason. In 1987, a shoulder injury suffered in the second round cost him the entire final two series against the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers.

As a result of the setback, Kerr endured five shoulder operations in a 14-month period and missed all but a handful of the 1987-88 regular season, while being largely ineffective in Philly's seven-game loss to the Washington Capitals in the Patrick Division Semifinals. While Kerr would rebound and play 69 games and score 48 goals in 1988-89—a feat which earned him the Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to the sport—he never again played more than half the schedule the rest of his career.

He was left exposed in the 1991 expansion draft, and after being claimed by the San Jose Sharks, was quickly dealt to the New York Rangers. One more season with the Hartford Whalers ensued, before his retirement at age 33.

Reader's Guide

Tim Kerr is a former NHL right winger known for his goal-scoring prowess, particularly on the power play. He played 13 seasons, primarily with the Philadelphia Flyers, and set multiple franchise and NHL records. His career was marked by four consecutive 50-goal seasons, a single-season record for power play goals (34), and a playoff record for fastest four goals in a game (8:16). Injuries, including a shoulder problem requiring five operations, limited his later career. Off the ice, he owns a real estate company and has been involved in minor league hockey ownership.

Did You Know?

• Kerr is one of only 15 players in NHL history with four 50-goal seasons.
• He won the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1989 for perseverance and dedication to hockey.
• Kerr ranks 2nd all time in career playoff shooting percentage (20.3) among players with 40+ playoff goals.