This Day in Hockey History
2010 - Ilya Kovachuk traded to New Jersey
After nine years with the team that drafted him first overall back in 2001, Ilya Kovalchuk, along with Anssi Salmela, was traded from the Atlanta Thrashers to the New Jersey Devils for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier and a first round pick in 2010.
Kovalchuk remained with the Devils until 2013, helping the team to an Eastern Conference Championship in 2012 and famously signing a 17-year, $102 million with the team that was later voided by the NHL due to salary cap circumvention.
The Russian forward later agreed to a 15-year, $100 million deal with New Jersey, only to retire in 2013 in order to continue his career in the KHL.
1997 - Mario Lemieux scores 600th career goal
Mario Lemieux scored his 600th goal in a 6-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks. While it marked a significant milestone, it certainly wasn't the prettiest goal of his career.
The goal was scored in his 719th game, one more game than it took Gretzky to reach the same mark. Lemieux did, however, become the first player to score 600 goals while spending his entire career with one team.
1989 - The Great One's first hat-trick in California
Wayne Gretzky recorded his first hat-trick as a member of the Los Angeles Kings in a 5-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres.
The Great one went on to register six hat-tricks during his time with the Kings.
Birthdays
1961 - Denis Savard
1969 - Joe Sacco, Dallas Drake
1983 - Lee Stempniak