Nine key players in Nordic history

As part of the 40^e Anniversary of the first game of the Nordiques of Quebec in the National Hockey League in 1979, here are nine players who have marked the history of the team.

Marc Tardif (1975-1983)

Although he has had his best years in the World Association, Marc Tardif has nevertheless been one of the Nordic leaders in their early years in the NHL. The player from Granby was also the first captain of the Nordiques in the big league. He is ranked ninth among the NHL's top scorers (244) behind Réal Cloutier (284), another scoring player of the day.

Alain Côté (1977-1989)

Beyond the famous goal he was denied in the playoffs of 1987, Alain Côté was the seventh player to have collected the most points (293) in the history of the Nordiques. The native Matane athlete has played his entire NHL career with the Quebec team of which he has been a mainstay.

Michel Goulet (1978-1990)

Rather reserved outside the rink, Michel Goulet often ignited the Coliseum with his electrifying game. Top scorer in the team's history with 456 goals in 813 games, he has recorded four consecutive seasons of 50 goals and more from 1982-1983. After being traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1990, a concussion forced him to retire in 1994. The Peribonka player remains the one who has played the most games in the NHL's Nordic uniform.

The Stastny brothers (1980-1995)

Best pointer in the franchise history with 1048 points in 737 games, Peter Stastny made the rain and the weather in Quebec with his brothers. Anton (636 points) and Marian (241) respectively occupy respectively the third and 10th ranks of the most prolific pointers Nordiques. Both the way they joined the team, after fleeing Czechoslovakia, and the sparkling performances of the Stastny trio on the ice rink, left their mark on Quebec hockey fans.

Dale Hunter (1980-1987)

A true plague for the opponent, Dale Hunter was an important figure in the Nordiques during the seven seasons he spent in Quebec before being traded to the Washington Capitals. His passion and drive also made him one of the favorites of the team's fans. The Ontario striker is the player with the most penalty minutes (1545) in the club's history.

Joe Sakic (1988-1995)

First-round pick of the Nordiques in 1987 (15^e in total), Joe Sakic carried the team on his shoulders until his move to Colorado in 1995. The former captain crossed the 100-point mark in one season three times as a member of the Nordiques. He helped bring the playoff team back in 1992-93 after a six-year absence.

Mats Sundin (1990-1994)

First overall pick in the 1989 draft, Mats Sundin helped restart the Nordiques from his first skating with the team in 1990-1991. In his third season with the formation, the great Swede has amassed no less than 114 points in 80 games and has established himself among the best players in the league.

SPECIAL MENTIONS

Daniel Bouchard (1980-1985) is the goalie with the most wins (107) with the Nordiques in the NHL.

Captain of the team from 1982 to 1985, Mario Marois is the defender who has amassed the most points (200) with Fleurdelisé.