Fansided

Looking back at the 5 worst trades in NHL history

By Dave Stevenson

BOSTON,MA. - 1980's: Patrick Roy #33 of the Montreal Canadiens makes stick save against the Boston Bruins in game at the Boston Garden. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON,MA. - 1980's: Patrick Roy #33 of the Montreal Canadiens makes stick save against the Boston Bruins in game at the Boston Garden. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images
Photo by Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images /

3. Tom Kurvers For A First Round Pick (Eventually Scott Niedermayer)

The Toronto Maple Leafs were desperate early in the 1989-90 season. They started off 1-5 and needed defensive help. However, the Leafs had already given up their 1990 first-round pick. So Toronto gave the New Jersey Devils their 1991 first-round pick in exchange for defenseman Tom Kurvers.

Kurvers was decent with the Leafs. He helped them turn around their season and make the playoffs, though they lost in the first round to the St. Louis Blues in five games. During that season, Kurvers had 15 goals and 52 points in 70 games. Not bad.

Here’s where it gets ugly. The Leafs had a horrible season in 1990-91, winning just one of their first 11 games and four of their first 21. Luckily for them, the Quebec Nordiques were very interested in finishing in last place since Eric Lindros was available in the 1991 draft. So they deliberately made themselves worse by trading some of their best players.

At least the Leafs didn’t hand Lindros to the Devils. But Toronto still finished third-to-last in the NHL, which means New Jersey got the third overall pick. With that pick, the Devils selected future Hall of Fame defenseman Scott Niedermayer.

Along with the Calgary Flames passing on Martin Brodeur and Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello winning the Scott Stevens arbitration case, this helped New Jersey build a dynasty that won three Stanley Cups together.

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