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The 10 best trades in the history of the New York Rangers

By Steve Paulus

Canadian professional hockey player Mark Messier of the New York Rangers hoists the Stanley Cup championship award trophy over his head as teammates American Brian Noonan (#16) and Canadian Glenn Healy (#30) look on during the opening night of the 1995 NHL season, Madison Square Garden, New York, January 20, 1995. The 1994-95 Season was shortened to the 1995 Season because of a lockout in Fall 1994. The Rangers opening game was against the Buffalo Sabres and they lost 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
Canadian professional hockey player Mark Messier of the New York Rangers hoists the Stanley Cup championship award trophy over his head as teammates American Brian Noonan (#16) and Canadian Glenn Healy (#30) look on during the opening night of the 1995 NHL season, Madison Square Garden, New York, January 20, 1995. The 1994-95 Season was shortened to the 1995 Season because of a lockout in Fall 1994. The Rangers opening game was against the Buffalo Sabres and they lost 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /
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Canadian ice hockey player Lorne ‘Gump’ Worsley (1929 – 2007) (left), goalkeeper for the New York Rangers, in action on the ice during a game against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, December 3, 1961. Worsley’s teammate Doug Harvey (right) and the Bruins’ Don McKenney both keep their eyes on the puck. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images)
Canadian ice hockey player Lorne ‘Gump’ Worsley (1929 – 2007) (left), goalkeeper for the New York Rangers, in action on the ice during a game against the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden, New York, New York, December 3, 1961. Worsley’s teammate Doug Harvey (right) and the Bruins’ Don McKenney both keep their eyes on the puck. (Photo by Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images) /

#5 Doug Harvey acquired from Montreal for Lou Fontinato.

June 13, 1961

This trade has to be classified as a steal.

“Leapin’ Lou” Fontinato was a fan favorite and one of the toughest players in the NHL. As a Ranger, he set an NHL record with 206 penalty minutes in 1955-56 and led the league in that category three times. His 1959 fight with Gordie Howe is legendary and it left him with a broken nose and dislocated jaw. All of that tough play took its toll and when Montreal made Doug Harvey available, the Rangers jumped at the chance to make the trade.

Doug Harvey is acknowledged to be one of the greatest defensemen to play the game. In 14 years with Montreal he won six Norris Trophies and was a first team All-Star nine out of 10 years.

An outspoken critic of the lack of players’ rights, he ran afoul of Montreal management when he was one of the organizers of the first players association. To teach him a lesson, the six-time Stanley Cup champion was dealt to the Rangers, one of the worst teams in the league.

The 37 year old Harvey responded by playing three seasons in New York, winning the Norris Trophy in 1962 and making the First All-Star team. He also led the Rangers into the playoffs for the first time in four years.

He is one of three Rangers to win the Norris Trophy. It’s hard to believe, but after his Ranger career ended, this great hockey player hung on for five more years, bouncing from one minor league team to another before retiring in 1969.

Lou Fontinato played only two seasons after the trade, forced into early retirement when he ran into the boards avoiding a check from Vic Hadfield and was temporarily paralyzed.

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