Leading up to the 1973 draft, the New York Islanders had their sights on defenseman Denis Potvin for their first overall pick. But the Montreal Canadiens had plans of their own. Montreal GM Sam Pollock desperately wanted the talented defenseman and typically when Sam wanted something, Sam got it.
Pollock, had a habit of picking high draft picks from expansion teams. The California/Oakland Golden Seals was a particularly favorite target for Sam.
And in 1973 Sam was going to try the same thing, this time with the New York Islanders.
First-Hand Experience
Between 1968 to 1971 Pollock had plucked four top six picks from the California Golden Seals.