Phil Esposito: 1966-67 Topps 63

Phil Esposito 1966-67 Topps 63 NHL Hockey Card (Front)

Phil Esposito 1966-67 Topps 63 NHL Hockey Card (Back)

1966-67 Topps NHL Hockey Card Checklist

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Card Notes

Phil has averaged 25 goals per season for his first two full years in the NHL. When you compare his record to Bobby Hull who scored only 31 goals in his first two seasons, you can readily see the value in this big left winger.

En Français

Phil a compté une moyenne de 25 buts par saison durant ses deux premières années complètes dans la LHN. Lorsque vous comparez ce record à celui de Bobby Hull qui compta seulement 31 buts durant ses deux premières saisons, vous pouvez facilement réaliser la valeur de ce robuste ailier gauche.

Details

True, it’s undeniable that Phil Esposito had a great start to his NHL career. And, simply kept that momentum going until he retired. But, I don’t think it’s fair to compare his stats to those of Bobby Hull.

In the Golden Jet’s first year, the Blackhawks were dreadful, finishing just two points ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs for last place in the 1957-58 NHL season. Hull did only score 13 goals but his 47 points were good for second on the team behind Ed Litzenberger. Not bad for a rookie.

That number improved to 18 in 1958-59 as the team improved and the pieces started to fall in place for what would be a Stanley Cup championship team in just a few short years.

It should also be noted that Bobby Hull jumped right out of junior to play all 70 games for Chicago in 1957-58. Esposito was in his third season of pro hockey by the time he was a ‘rookie’ in 1964-65. He was a standout in the EPHL and CPHL before getting a 27 game trial with the Blackhawks in 1963-64.

When Phil did become a full-time Blackhawk, the team was well established, making it much easier to score against other team’s 2nd and 3rd lines.

Of course, 1966-67 would be Esposito’s last year in Chicago. The trade of the decade would take place in the off-season, sending Phil, Ken Hodge and Fred Stanfield to the Boston Bruins. Going to Chicago were Gilles Marotte, Pit Martin and Jack Norris.

Phil Esposito NHL Career Stats

Regular Season

Playoffs