Since this thread is about the NHL Draft (not stupid pissing matches), how about I pull out my inner
@Source.
Through the 40s, 50s and 60s, if not for 4 Howe led DET cup wins, all 4 American teams would have only 1 cup win during those 30 years. (note: After camping with them as a 15yo, Howe's first contract offer was with the NYR - he turned it down because he was homesick). The 2 Canadian teams dominated. Why? No draft. Players were signed directly by clubs. The Canadian teams benefited in 2 ways. Since almost all players were Canadian, there were obvious hometown pulls from the 2 dominant Canadian cities. Plus, teams were allowed to "sponsor" junior teams. Montreal made famous use of this. Both factors created a virtual pipeline to the 2 NHL clubs.
The first "draft" was in 1963. However, it was still possible to sign directly with a team. Until expansion hit in the late 60s and rules were changed, the draft was mainly for unsigned players. A grand total of THREE players drafted in 1967 actually made it to the NHL. That was pretty typical of the early years.
The first "real" NHL Draft as we know it was was in 1969. 49 out of the 84 players drafted played in the NHL. They averaged over 300 games played each.
