Another great player who changed professional hockey for the better through his play and decisions. On the former, Bobby was a fast skater, hence his nickname (he was blonde too). He also perfected a mean slapshot. I think he’s a major reason why there are restrictions on stick modifications; the puck’s flight via his slapshots were unpredictable, leading to goalie injuries. Sure, it was during the waning days of helmets and masks being optional but these weren’t going to counter a mean, six-ounce piece of vulcanized rubber in the face much.
With the latter, his defection to the WHA’s Winnipeg Jets helped raise the pay of other professional players. I don’t think he was ready to retire from Chicago but they asked, what will it take and he answered off the cuff, “a million dollars!” An outrageous sum in 1972, today it’s $7.2 million, a steal given the packages worked out to dodge the salary cap and how out of control it is with the other pro sports.
Much like his hero Gordie Howe, he had a very talented son we all know as Brett Hull and they share spaces on the all-time scoring records. It’s rare when a fantastic athlete has a child that’s equally gifted. See Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan.
Thanks for all you did Bobby! You had your personal shortcomings (a nasty divorce) yet you were a memorable player with a good sense of humor. When I was watching a special about Gordie, you joked at a farewell ceremony for him, “I’ve enjoyed every slashing moment of playing with you!”