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Bob Gainey was named the 15th General Manager in the history of the Montreal Canadiens on June 2, 2003, and officially assumed the position on July 1 of the same year. Described as the world's best all-around player by legendary Soviet national team coach Viktor Tikhonov, Bob Gainey brought many elements to the Montreal Canadiens during his 16-year NHL career. The left winger was a tenacious competitor, relentless checker and a respected team leader. His presence on the Canadiens’ roster helped the team win the Stanley Cup five times in the decade between 1976 and 1986. Under Roger Neilson, he starred with the hometown Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey Association. Gainey was blessed with immense speed along with a great desire to win. His ability to shut down the best players on the opposition impressed many scouts. Montreal Canadiens general manager Sam Pollock knew a surefire NHLer when he saw one and made sure he chose Gainey in the first round of the NHL Amateur Draft in 1973. As a rookie, Gainey demonstrated his commitment to defensive hockey and his clean but feared bodychecking. He showed even more poise as a sophomore in 1974-75, when he played on a line with Jacques Lemaire and Yvan Cournoyer. Following his third NHL season, Gainey was picked to represent his country in the inaugural Canada Cup in 1976 and his combination of speed, tenacity and physical play enabled him to fill an important role on the victorious Canadian contingent. While helping Montreal win four consecutive Stanley Cup titles from 1976 to 1979, Gainey became a star despite never being a flashy scorer. His name appeared in the game summary less frequently than most of his teammates, but without him the Canadiens might not as won as easily. Gainey exploded for 16 points when the Canadiens won the Cup for the fourth straight time in 1979. In the finals, the Rangers won the first game and started strongly in the second. Gainey's winning goal in game two shifted the momentum in Montreal's favour and sent the Habs on their way to the Cup. For his immense contribution, he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy. Gainey's style of play and ability to check and skate with the NHL's top forwards inspired the league to create a new post-season award. Beginning in 1978, the NHL presented the Frank J. Selke Trophy to the top defensive forward in the game. Fittingly, Gainey was the recipient in each of the first four years it was awarded. Prior to the 1981-82 season, Gainey was named Serge Savard's successor as captain of the Canadiens. As one of the few remaining players from the 1970s, he was expected to oversee the passing along of the organization's winning tradition to the younger players. In 1983-84, with Gainey as captain and leader, the Canadiens embarked on a great run to the semifinals. Gainey and linemates Guy Carbonneau and Chris Nilan played a key role in shutting down the top guns on the heavily favored Bruins and Nordiques before giving the defending champion Islanders all they could handle in the semis. The veteran captain hoisted the Stanley Cup for the fifth time in his career in 1986. Playing with great poise, Gainey scored five goals and recorded 10 points while patrolling his wing with customary efficiency. His leadership helped the team register consecutive 100-point seasons in 1987-88 and 1988-89. In the latter of those, the Habs reached the finals, then succumbed to the Calgary Flames in six games. Following the series, Gainey announced his retirement. After leaving the NHL, Gainey signed on for a year as player-coach of the Epinal franchise in French hockey's first division. He made a triumphant return to North America and was appointed general manager of the Minnesota North Stars in January 1992. In his first year behind the bench, he guided the team to the second Stanley Cup finals, appearance in franchise history and he remained with the organization when it relocated to Dallas in 1993. In Texas, Gainey helped build the team into a league powerhouse. Gainey stepped down as coach in 1995 to focus solely on the duties of general manager. He masterminded the acquisition of key performers such as Joe Nieuwendyk, Pat Verbeek, Brett Hull and Ed Belfour, who augmented homegrown U.S. talent like Derian Hatcher and Jamie Langenbrunner. The Stars won the Presidents' Trophy for having the most points in the NHL in 1998 and 1999. In the second of these seasons, Dallas won the first Stanley Cup in the history of the franchise. An unqualified success since entering the NHL, Gainey was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
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