The Chicago Blackhawks desperately need to upgrade their blue line. Duncan Keith is starting to show his age and Brent Seabrook has declined well ahead of schedule. When people discuss the best defensemen of all-time, Doug Harvey’s name is sadly often not mentioned. He has won seven Norris Trophies, which is tied with Lidstrom.
Harvey is the most successful pre-Bobby Orr defenseman. He helped lead the Montreal Canadiens from 1947 to 1961. Harvey also spent time with the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and St. Louis Blues.
From 1951 to 1962, Harvey was named to the All-Star team each season (10 first-teams and a second-team). He won seven Norris Trophies in eight years from 1954 to 1962. Harvey won six Stanley Cups, all with the Canadiens.
His overall game and excellent skating ability would make him a great fit in today’s era. Many consider him the precursor to Orr because of how involved he was in all three zones. In 1,113 games, Harvey put up 88 goals and 452 assists for 540 points. Considering the era he played in, that’s mighty impressive. Harvey was also not afraid to dish out punishment, accumulating 1,051 penalty minutes.
Is it risky to pick someone who played more than 50 years ago? Absolutely. But I believe Harvey’s overall well-rounded skillset would translate well in today’s game. And very few defensemen were as prolific as he was in his prime.