He may not be on this list for his career statistics, which although were good (465 career points over 17 years) to do not indicate a Hall of Famer, but Eddie Shack was one of the true characters of the game and at times the most popular. Shack could always be counted to deliver a unique interview and perspective that was different from his contemporaries. Shack was even the subject a novelty song (Clear the Track, Here Comes Eddie Shack) that went to number one in the Canadian charts. Shack was to many a “novelty” player himself but anyone who can last as long as he did is certainly no gimmick.

A solid goal scorer during his sting with Montreal, Stephane Richer gave Montreal fans a blast from the past and hope for a future with a French Canadian offensive star playing for Les Habitants. Richer was the first Montreal player since Guy LaFleur to score 50 goals a season. Richer accomplished that feat twice and was known throughout the NHL for his blistering shot. Once Richer’s skills eroded, he lacked the intangibles to remain an effective player late in his career and he bounced around the league. Still, Richer finished with 421 goals and had two Stanley Cup rings and was able to have an effective career.

Known for his strong defensive skills as a hockey player, Don Marshall did not necessarily come by those skills naturally. Upon joining the loaded Montreal Canadians, he was asked to focus on the defensive and checking attributes. It worked, and as Marshall would venture across various teams he was able to use these new-found skills while still able to contribute on offense. A quiet leader and a dependable asset, he was always considered a great teammate. He won’t make the Hall, but at some point, it would be nice if he received a few props from some of the teams he played for in the past.

Jimmy Thomson was the flashier of the “Gold Dust Twins” but along with his partner Gus Mortson, he provided the defensive backbone for the Toronto Maple Leafs for many years.  Like Mortson, Thomson was a very rugged player but he was a better passer then his defensive partner and he would have five seasons of 20 or more Assists.  He would anchor the Leafs to four Stanley Cups and individually he was a two-time Second Team All Star and was a three time leader in Defensive Point Shares.