On occasion, there are players that emerge as strong contributors but also become examples of wasted opportunities for more. Along these lines, let’s take a look at an Atlanta Flames stalwart that had a chance to be something more but just couldn’t quite put it together.
Eric Vail is #36 on our countdown.
Player, 1973-81 A Toronto kid, Vail played his junior hockey in the OHA with Niagara Falls, Soo and Sudbury. He was selected by Atlanta in the second round of the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft. Vail went pro right away, splitting the 1973-74 season between the Flames and their Central League affiliate on Omaha.