1967-68 Topps NHL Hockey Cards

The 1967-68 Topps NHL hockey card set consists of 132 cards featuring players from just the Original 6 teams (Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks). Collectors will forever be bewildered as to why Topps did not include the six expansion teams that joined the league that season (Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Oakland Seals, Minnesota North Stars).

Top rookie cards in the collection include: Jacques Lemaire, Derek Sanderson and Rogie Vachon.

Because expansion franchises were excluded, greats like Terry Sawchuk (L.A. Kings) were not available on cardboard that year. Glenn Hall had a workaround – he didn’t get a card as a member of the St. Louis Blues but did have an All-Star card as a member of the Blackhawks.

1967-68 Topps NHL Checklist

1967-68 NHL Standings

1967-68 NHL Scoring Leaders

1967-68 NHL Season

As mentioned, the 1967-68 NHL season marked the end of the Original 6 era with the league doubling in size from six to twelve teams. The teams were split into two divisions with all six new teams stuffed in the West Division.

Of the six in the East Division, only the Detroit Red Wings would not have finished first place in the West. The fifth place Toronto Maple Leafs had three more points than the first place Philadelphia Flyers. Yet, the Buds were denied entry into the post season.

Of course, this allowed for a brand new team to compete in the Stanley Cup final. The St. Louis Blues, a team that finished third in the West with 70 points, met the Montreal Canadiens in the final, a team that finished first in the East with 94 points. As was suspected, the Habs swept the Blues for the championship. Yet, in a losing effort, Glenn Hall of the Blues was named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy.

The Boston Bruins were beginning to take shape as a contender in the National Hockey League. They reached the post season for the first time since 1958-59. Boston was swept in the first round by the Canadiens. But, Bobby Orr won his first of eight consecutive Norris Trophies and Derek Sanderson was named Calder Trophy winner as rookie of the year. Both integral pieces in the championship teams in the near future for the Bruins.

For the second year in a row, Stan Mikita of the Chicago Blackhawks was a triple crown winner, taking home the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy and Lady Byng Trophy. He led the league with just 87 points, a three point edge over former teammate Phil Esposito of the Bruins. Stan was second in goal scoring with 40, four behind teammate Bobby Hull. The following year, Hull would set a new NHL record with 58 goals.

Jacques Lemaire was the only future Hockey Hall of Fame member to make his NHL debut in 1967-68. Members Bernie Geoffrion and Dickie Moore appeared in their final games. Geoffrion with the New York Rangers and Moore with the St. Louis Blues.