NHL mock draft: How all-time greats fit 2018 needs
Center. . Jean Beliveau. 9. player. 95.
It’s hard to imagine Jean Believeau wearing a sweater for any team other than the Montreal Canadiens. However, this exercise is all about blasphemy, so let’s imagine the 10-time Stanley Cup winner (as a player) as a center for the New York Rangers.
Following the Derek Stepan trade, there’s not a true first-line center on Broadway. Mika Zibanejad is very close to being one, but his durability issues prevent him from being one. Beliveau would give the Rangers their new face of the franchise and star center.
He won two Hart Trophies (1956 and 1964) and finished in the top five numerous times. Beliveau served as the Canadiens captain from 1961 to 1971. Montreal won five Stanley Cups during that span.
Beliveau ranks in the top 50 in career points, goals, and assists. He’s one of the greatest leaders of all-time. Arguably even better than Messier. Beliveau played in 13 All-Star Games and made 10 All-Star teams.
It takes a special breed of athlete to survive in New York. Beliveau lasted a very long time in Montreal, not just as a player, but also as an executive. He’s clearly got what it takes to make it in The Big Apple. Beliveau would significantly help the Rangers rebuild, giving them a future captain and face of the franchise once Henrik Lundqvist’s time is up.