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Eric Lindros could have starred in a reality TV show if not hockey. For a whole year, he refused to sign with the Quebec Nordiques. To get something out of having drafted him first overall back in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, the Nordiques shopped him around looking for the best deal. Within an hour and a half the morning of the 1992 draft, on June 20, the Nordiques traded Lindros to both the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers. It took until June 30th before the matter was settled, in the Flyers’ favor.

At the 1991 entry draft, everyone wanted center Eric Lindros, called the “complete package.” But the Nordiques had first pick, and Lindros made clear his absolute refusal to play for them. He explained that his reasons were financial and because he did not want to live in French-speaking Quebec. After his career was over, he claimed, “The decision to not play for Quebec was based solely on the owner [Marcel Aubut]. It had nothing to do with language, culture, city.” Lindros declined to put on the sweater when drafted, and then he failed to report. Instead, he played for the Canadian Olympic team (which won silver) and waited to be traded.

During the “Eric auction,” the Nordiques found not one but two good deals and ended up trading Lindros twice. The Flyers had been scouting Lindros for four years and repeatedly asked Nordiques president Marcel Aubut for permission to talk to Lindros. He would say, “Not until we have a deal.” At about 10:30 am on June 20th, the Flyers’ general manager, Russ Farwell, and president, Jay Snider, had that deal. Aubut gave them Lindros’ phone number. According to Lindros’ agent, Rick Curran, “The Flyers called to receive comfort that Eric Lindros would be willing to play in Philadelphia. They received that comfort.” Aubut even checked in on the call around 11:30 am.

Meanwhile, the Rangers were unaware of the Flyers’ agreement, so they discussed a deal with the Nordiques. Liking this option better, the Nordiques agreed at about 11:50 am. Around noontime, Aubut told Snider they were accepting the Rangers’ offer instead. “The guy who made the deal claimed he hadn’t made a deal,” said Farwell. “So it’s in dispute. It has to be sorted out with the league, with the arbitrator.”

The Flyers immediately filed a complaint with the NHL. They had the choice between letting NHL President John Ziegler decide or placing the matter in the hands of an outside arbitrator. They chose the latter in the hopes that everything would be settled while Ziegler was still attending meetings. At the time, some NHL officials commented that trades were not official until they were submitted in writing. They cited a 1991-92 trade that had been nullified because the fax was not received before the deadline. As it happened, it took a whole week for the arbitration.

Toronto lawyer Larry Bertuzzi served as arbitrator. He interviewed 11 witnesses, resulting in 400 pages of testimony. For him, the key was that Aubut gave the Flyers permission to contact Lindros, indicating that the deal had in fact been made. Bertuzzi announced, “Having considered the matter carefully and having reviewed and assessed the evidence of all witnesses, I find that Philadelphia made an enforceable deal with Quebec.” He put a pin in the whole situation saying, “The decision was black and white – and orange.”

The Rangers conceded gracefully in a statement by General Manager Neil Smith, “The New York Rangers are naturally disappointed by the arbitrator’s decision. However, we have an exciting, young, winning team and will continue to pursue every opportunity to make it even better.” On the victorious side, the Flyers expressed their excitement when President Snider said, “This is a great, great day for the Flyers. I don’t think any of us have ever experienced the highs and lows that we went through last week. . . . Today, we’re up on top of the mountain again.”

With the Philadelphia trade deemed valid, the club gave up five players (Ron Hextall, Mike Ricci, Steve Duchesne, Kerry Huffman, and Peter Forsberg) and $15 million in return for Lindros’ rights. The original deal included the Flyers’ first-round draft pick, but because of the double dealing, they selected their own choice (Ryan Sittler, son of former Flyer and Hockey Hall of Famer Darryl Sittler). Instead, the trade would include Philadelphia’s first-round picks for 1993 and 1994. According to Farwell, “We drew a line going into the negotiations for Lindros, and we did not step over that line. It’s been proven lately that a dominant player is the key to a successful team in a successful year. I think we might get to where we want to go more quickly.” He further justified the trade, “Very seldom do you get a chance to trade for this kind of player. I think the general feeling is that once in every 10 years this kind of guy comes along.” Rather than fans being upset over the high cost, Flyers ticket sales sprang up dramatically.

Lindros seemed satisfied with his new team, saying, “Philadelphia has a great, young, up-and-coming team, and it will be a lot of fun to be part of it.” He continued, “I’m happy I’m in Philadelphia because it’s a great place to be and a great place to play. Everything I’ve heard about it is really positive. I don’t know much about the city or the organization. I know that they’re building a new Spectrum, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

It did not take Lindros very long to prove his worth. During the 1994-95 season, No. 88 won both the Hart Memorial Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award. He played for the Flyers until 2000, averaging 1.36 points per game and making playoffs most of those seasons. They came the closest to winning the Stanley Cup when they lost the finals in 1996-97, as he led the scoring during playoffs. Controversy still followed him, and the Flyers took away his captaincy in 1999-2000. Lindros then missed the next season with a concussion and a contract dispute. The Flyers traded him to the Rangers, of all teams, on August 20, 2001. He finished his NHL career with Toronto in 2005-06 and Dallas in 2006-07. During his time in the NHL, Lindros continued to represent Canada. He played in the 1998 and 2002 Olympics, taking home a gold medal in the latter. Lindros was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

Additional Sources:
In her personal history, Kyle Hurst hated her toe picks and wanted to skate on a hockey team like her brother. With age comes wisdom, and realizing how poorly she skates, she now much prefers watching the professionals. Writing about history for her day job, Kyle enjoys combining her two loves by writing hockey history. She still hates toe picks.

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