Picture this: it’s January 25, 1997. You’re general manager Dean Lombardi. Your San Jose Sharks team is 17-24-5 and in last place in the Pacific Division, but they also sit just three points out of a playoff spot. It’s your first full season flying solo as GM (co-GM Chuck Grillo flew the coop the previous March), and you want to show you can make an impact trade.
Chicago Blackhawks general manager Bob Pulford gets you on the line: would you be interested in trading for the expiring contract of Ed Belfour? You know, the talented, temperamental goaltender? The same Ed Belfour who, while currently mired in a goaltending controversy and getting outplayed by Jeff Hackett, has two Vezina Trophies and has played in three All-Star Games?