Even the staunchest, dyed-in-the-teal-sweater Sharks fan would have trouble recalling Joe Murphy. With a little prompting, said fan might locate a flicker — late ’90s? Outspoken? Something about the draft?
Yes, yes, and a resounding yes. Joe Murphy was the first pick in the 1986 NHL draft, to Detroit. He got his skates wet with the Red Wings. He moved on to Edmonton and won a Stanley Cup in 1990.
“I can’t believe this has happened to me,” he said in the triumphant Oilers dressing room. “I’m the happiest man in the world.