The term “spare tire” when in connection with an NHL trade was coined by former Ranger Joe Zanussi. He was immortalized on November 7, 1975 when he was part of one of the biggest trades in NHL history. Rangers GM Emile Francis and Bruins GM Harry Sinden shocked the hockey world when they traded a pair of franchise centers for each other. Boston sent Phil Esposito and defenseman Carol Vadnais to New York in exchange for Jean Ratelle, Brad Park and Zanussi.
While the other four players were hockey household names, Zanussi immediately proclaimed himself “the biggest spare tire in NHL history.