21. Ralph Backstrom

The forgotten third center of the Montreal Canadians, Ralph Backstrom, was a forgotten grinder on the great Hans team of the ’60s. As he was primarily on a checking line (and not French Canadian), he was not necessarily the poster boy of Canadians Hockey. Still, Backstrom was a multi-time All-Star and a pivotal member of many Stanley Cup wins. Like many, Backstrom bolted for the WHA and was a force there. Similar to others on this list, Ralph Backstrom’s tenure in the World Hockey Association might be to his detriment for Hall consideration.

Should Ralph Backstrom be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 95.1%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 2.1%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0.9%

No opinion. - 0.2%

No way! - 1.6%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada
Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 1980
Position: Center
Games Played: 1032 (304 in WHA)
Notable Statistics:
278 Goals (100 in WHA)
361 Assists (153 in WHA)
639 Points (253 in WHA)
+71 Plus/Minus (-18 in WHA)** ***
389 PIM (103 in WHA)
N/A Blocked Shots*
N/A Hits*
N/A Takeaways*
N/A Giveaways*
55.8 Point Shares****

116 Playoff Games (38 in WHA)
27 Goals (10 in WHA)
32 Assists (18 in WHA)
59 Points (28 in WHA)
+3 Plus/Minus (+3 in WHA)****
68 PIM (12 in WHA)
N/A Blocked Shots*
N/A Hits*
N/A Takeaways*
N/A Giveaways*

*These stats were first implemented in the 2007/08 Season.
**Plus/Minus was first calculated in the 1959-60 Season.
***Plus/Minus was not calculated in the WHA until the 1974-75 Season.
****Point Shares are not calculated in WHA Games.
Played For: Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens
Non-NHL Teams: Chicago Cougars (WHA)
Denver Spurs (WHA)
New England Whalers (WHA)
Team Canada (1974 Summit Series)
Montreal Junior Canadiens (QJHL)
Ottawa-Hull Canadiens (EOHL)
Major Accolades and Awards: Stanley Cup Rings (6) (Montreal Canadiens 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968 & 1969)
Calder Trophy (1959)
NHL All-Star (6) (1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1965 & 1967)
WHA Paul Daneau Award (1) (1974)
Memorial Cup Championship: (1) (Ottawa-Hull Canadiens 1958)
Notable Top Ten Finishes: 2 Top Ten Goal Finishes
2 Top Ten Assist Finishes
2 Top Ten Point Finishes
2 Top Ten Plus/Minus Finishes
4 Top Ten Even Strength Goal Finishes
1 Top Ten Power Play Goal Finish
1 Top Ten Short-Headed Goal Finish
2 Top Ten Game-Winning Goal Finishes
1 Top Ten Shots Finish***
1 Top Ten Shooting Percentage Finish***
1 Top Ten Offensive Point Shares Finish***

***Plus/Minus, Shots, and Shooting Percentage was first calculated in the 1959-60 Season
Rankings: None