New York Islanders Turbulent History with NHL Expansion Draft

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Jan 28, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wayne Gretzky and Cuba Gooding Jr. at a press conference before the 2017 NHL All Star Game skills competition at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

1979: The Big One

The biggest NHL expansion was in 67 when six teams were added to the ranks to double the size of the league. The 1979 expansion, however, brought us the great one, Wayne Gretzky.

The 79 expansion saw the NHL absorb four WHA teams: the Edmonton Oilers, Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques and Winnipeg Jets. As rival leagues do now, some NHL teams owned the rights to players who had opted to play in the WHA. The four new teams could protect two goalies and two skaters. Denying any NHL rights holders from selecting them and staying with the team.

The Isles were denied their rights to goaltender Marcus Mattsson who stayed with the Winnipeg Jets. But were able to reclaim Kelly Davis and Dave Langevin. The later of the two would stay with the Isles for six seasons and be a part of their dynasty years, winning four cups.

In terms of protection, the NHL teams were again able to protect 15 skaters and two goaltenders. Which left the likes of defensemen Pat Price and Gerry Hart exposed.

Price was taken by the Oilers and would have a decent NHL career bouncing around a number of teams but amassing 261 points. Hart, who was already 32 at the time, went to Quebec and would stay in the league only another three years.

Again the Isles were able to shed some dead weight on their roster.