The 2010s were a heck of a decade for the NHL. In a decade with countless memories, here are the five that took our breath away.
Ten years can seem like an eternity in the hockey world. Your favorite team could have won a Stanley Cup, made a big trade or signing, or re-wrote the history books. In any case, a lot took place and there is so much to choose from, With that being said, here are my five moments that defined the past decade.
I will preface this article by saying that I couldn’t decide between a top five or top 10 list, seeing as all the moments I am about to mention (and honorably mention) are all pretty incredible. I decided to go with the five best moments, in my own opinion, that defined the decade (in no particular order) and most likely will not be accomplished in the next decade. The comment section can be where you guys debate what you think is worthy or not of making this list as well as ranking them.
Hall for Larsson, Subban for Weber and Stamkos re-signs – June 29, 2016
In what was probably the most shocking day in reference to news, the NHL saw two blockbuster deals and a re-signing in the span of 30 minutes. First, the Edmonton Oilers traded Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils in return for defenseman Adam Larsson.
The hope was that Hall, an elite talent, would get teams to budge on moving a top defenceman to help boost the Oilers defense. It would have worked, except the return wasn’t as elite. This move was ultimately the downfall of Chiarelli, as the Oilers barely improved and Hall won the Hart Trophy not too long after being dealt.
Minutes later, there was an even bigger trade. The Montreal Canadiens traded P.K. Subban to the Nashville Predators in exchange for Shea Weber. Rumors were circulating around Subban on how he was viewed by some in Montreal.
Regardless of the love, hate relationship within one another, GM Marc Bergevin made the move for an older, larger salary cap player, who would eventually become the next captain. Maybe that’s what Montreal was after, but either way, the spotlight went down to Tampa Bay after this trade.
After these two trades were announced, Steven Stamkos saw the opportunity to re-sign in Tampa Bay just two days away from free agency. Stamkos took to twitter to announce his new eight-year , $68 million deal while on the golf course with friends.
These moves were big-time ones for the teams involved and still show to this day. Subban has never been the same, Hall won an MVP and Stamkos took a pay-cut to build a Cup team, which they have still yet to win.