Today in Flyers History: Eric Lindros traded to Philadelphia

Originally drafted by Quebec, Eric Lindros was officially traded to the Flyers back in 1992.

Eric Lindros was the first overall pick for the Quebec Nordiques back in 1991. However, he had already publicly addressed that he would not play for the franchise. While he would end up with the Flyers the following season, it took a lot to get him there.

Before that took place, Lindros sat out the entire 1991-92 season. He continued his OHL career, appearing in 13 games for the Oshawa Generals. He also appeared internationally for Canada as well. Playing with the Olympic team, Lindros helped the team earn their first medal since 1968.

After that season, the Flyers would pay a hefty price to bring Lindros to Philadelphia. Turns out the New York Rangers would do the same. Both teams had a deal in place and would need an arbitrator to decide his fate.

It would end in the Flyers’ favor as they were deemed to have made the deal over an hour before the Rangers. The team sent over a haul including the rights to Peter Forsberg, Mike Ricci, Ron Hextall,  Steve Duchesne, Kerry Huffman, a 1992 and 1993 first round pick and $15M.

Lindros spent almost 10 years with the Philadelphia franchise. He posted four 40+ goal seasons and seven 70+ seasons. He even posted 115 points during the 1995-96 season.

Lindros earned the Hart Trophy as the MVP of the lockout shortened 1995 season. He led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1997 before being swept by the Detroit Red Wings.

It was after that when things began to deteriorate. Multiple concussions, a rib injury and a fragile relationship with then GM Bobby Clarke forced Lindros to publicly criticize the team.

After originally refusing to trade him, Lindros sat out the entire 2000-01 season. It was only after that did Clarke trade him. Coincidentally enough, it was to the Rangers.

Overall, he scored 290 goals and posted 659 points in a Flyers uniform. Aside from his first year in New York, it was clear his best days were behind him. He played five more seasons in the league before hanging up the skates.

Lindros was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996. His number was retired by the Flyers before a game in January of 2018. He has since mended his relationship with the team, recently becoming an ambassador for them.