What if Eric Lindros played with the Quebec Nordiques after he got drafted...?

Question

I did some thinking and I tried to think of a "decent" hockey question. Although, nowadays, AT&T seems to be a related to hockey...so this is the best I could do:

What if Eric Lindros played in Quebec after he got drafted and did not refuse to play there...

How would his career be different Do you think he could of prevented all those concussions that had plagued his career? Would there still be a team in Quebec meaning no team in Colorado as we know it today? If there were a team in Quebec today, do you think Lindros would be playing there currently? How would of Philadelphia fared without him? How would the NHL be different?

What do you think?

Discuss.

Thank you.

--Yahoo suggested: Sports > Football (American)--

Answer 1

I don't think that the Avalanche would even be in existence, If he didn't take his ball and go home there would still be a Quebec team. He may have been the spark they needed. The Flyers would have had a handful less firepower, but then again where did that really get them anyway (no offense Joe 1975?). I think the real question would be, If Colorado never came about where would Patrick Roy have gone? If it was to the Nordiques that very well may have started a Canadian world war!!!

Answer 2

Interesting question.  

Remember he did that in this jr. career with Esposito.  Although Lindros was a good player, I always found that his lack of wanting to learn French was silly.  When I read Jean Beliveau's book, he was so comfortable with the Quebec Aces because they all spoke French.  Then when he was drafted by the Habs, the GM thought it was important for Beliveau to learn English, to talk with the American media, and to be able to understand the teams he was playing against.  So, he bunked him up with some old lady in Montreal that spoke French and English.  She taught him English, fed him, and basically acted like a mother, while the Habs payed her for the service.  I imagine that would have been very awkward, and I respect Beliveau for that...

Now Lindros, I lost a bit of respect when he refused to play for not getting his way.  Not to say he is not a good player.  With that said (sorry, I am blabbing)...

I think he would have done fine in Quebec.  He would have been their Mats Sundin.  He still wouldn't have won a Cup, but he would have been their rock star.  I think there may still be a team in Quebec if they would have had him and another power forward.  No, I think Lindros' career would be over.  I think the Flyer would have picked up somebody else other than Lindros, and they still would be about the same.  How would the NHL be different?  Hmmm.  Just imagine if Roy wasn't sent to the Avs.  Crazy to imagine.  

Great question.  Glad it was not placed in football.  You made me think early in the morning.  

Answer 3

if lindros stayed in quebec there would be no forsberg or roy since thibault was part of the montreal trade, which means no cups. Sakic would have been relegated to the second line and thus not being the dominant the player he still is. Concussions? well you cant change that he still would have played the way he did however he would not have 9 concussions since quebec isnt in the same conference as Scott Stevens.

Answer 4

well i watched eric play hackey in the o.h.l and then watched him go to the nhl and i tell u this is quebec would of had him he would of been lost there and they would have a good team but not a great team..that team was all built on the guys they got from philly,,now the question is what kind of team would philly be if they did not get eric think about it

Answer 5

The Avalanche would've been worse. Yes Forsberg was a tremendous talent but the players they got in the deal were better than Lindros alone

The key was Peter Forsberg who was better than Lindros

Also:

Ron Hextall, Chris Simon, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Steve Duchesne and a 1st rd pick (Jocelyn Thiabault)

Thiabault was a key part of the trade that brought Roy to Colorado. Without him the Avs likely give up another young player ie: Ricci

They still trade Sundin to Toronto howeer w/Lindros they are sstill a prenial playoff team

Answer 6

First of all, how in the world can any athlete refuse to play where he was drafted to? There are millions of players that only can dream of being in the NHL and this player thinks he can pick his team right off the bat? Actually, I believe his Mama thought he could pick his team! He was a Mama's boy when he played juniors and I'm sure she had something to do with his refusal.

I have no respect for Lindros. It's a shame, with his size and ability he could have been a star by now but being a prima dona caught up to him.

On the other hand, I wish him the best because concussions are very serious injuires and I hope he doesn't have any ill effects from them.