Longtime NHL defenseman Carol Vadnais passed away on Sunday at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer. The skillful offensive-defenseman enjoyed a memorable and prolific 17-year career. Vadnais was a six-time NHL All-Star. He twice lifted the Stanley Cup – first in 1968 with the Montreal Canadiens and again in 1972 as a member of the Boston Bruins.
During his five-year stay in Boston, Vadnais’ presence on the second defensive pairing allowed the Bruins to employ a dominant one-two punch of offensively-gifted, jet-like defenseman on separate pairings. Hall of Fame defenseman Bobby Orr led the way on the first unit. With Vadnais backing the legendary Orr on the second pairing, the Bruins were able to split their two quick-skating, puck-moving defensemen whom were each capable of rushing the puck up ice and producing artistry in an era when defenseman generally “stayed at home.”
His best statistical season came in 1974-75 as a member of the Bruins, registering 74 points in 79 games. This would be his final full season at the old Boston Garden. The Bruins completed a blockbuster trade on November 7, 1975, sending Vadnais along with superstar center Phil Esposito to the New York Rangers for their popular Hall of Fame duo of Brad Park and Jean Ratelle and spare defenseman Joe Zanussi.
It was an opinion-dividing megadeal that shook the NHL landscape. Fans of both teams struggled to come to grips with seeing Original Six arch-rivals suddenly pulling on the sweater of their favorite team.
Despite the disapproval of a segment of Rangers fans, Vadnais was productive during his seven-year stint at Madison Square Garden. Vadnais struck up a great partnership with a young Dave Maloney. He played an integral role in helping the Blueshirts reach the 1979 Stanley Cup Final. Vadnais contributed 11 points in 18 games during the 1979 playoffs.
The well-travelled defenseman will be remembered for his tremendous impact across the NHL map. Vadnais enjoyed successful stints with the Canadiens, California Golden Seals, Bruins and Rangers. He captained the Golden Seals during the tumultuous ownership of Charles O. Finley. According to the 2006 book “Shorthanded: The Story of the Seals,” Finley would often awake Vadnais from pre-game naps to ask him how the team was doing. During his stay with the Seals, he was famously ordered to work community service at a local zoo as a result of a speeding ticket.
In 1982, the New Jersey Devils claimed Vadnais in the waiver draft. 1982-83 would be his final season. Vadnais finished his career with 169 goals and 587 points in 1,087 career games.
He would go on to coach the Rangers as an assistant to Herb Brooks during the 1983-84 and 1984-85 seasons. Vadnais served as head coach of the Verdun Junior Canadiens of the Quebec Major Junior League in 1986-87. He then left hockey for good, working as a real estate agent in Montreal.
Vadnais is survived by his daughter, Michele and his two grandchildren. Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the great Carol Vadnais.
