Nov 30, 2017
A nostalgic look back at my favorite hockey heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the Rangers during the 60's,70's and 80's.
In Episode #7 we look back at two of the most eagerly awaited free agents ever signed by the Rangers during the late 70's. Swedish stars Ulf Nilsson a Center and Anders Hedberg a Right Winger. Both arriving together in June of 78 after 4 brilliant years with the WHA Winnipeg Jets.
*Both have been elected to the Jets Hall of Fame.
* Along with Superstar Bobby Hull they formed one of the most prolific lines in Hockey called the "Hot Line".
*Hedberg was voted as one of the top 100 Rangers
* Nilsson scored 27 goals in an injury shortened first year with the Rangers while Hedberg notched 33.
* Hedberg holds the Rangers all time scoring record for a European player with 397 career points.
* Hedberg won the Bill Masterson Trophy in 84-85
* Hedberg was named an NHL All- Star during the 84-85season
* Nilsson and Hedberg won 2 WHA Championships with the Jets
* Nilsson's career was negatively impacted after a severe ankle injury from a Dennis Potvin check at MSG
* Both players paved the way for other Swedish/European players to leave Europe and play in the Rugged WHA and NHL