Frank Nighbor NHL Hall of Fame

Frank Nighbor Hall of Fame NHL

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Frank Nighbor

Inducted:
1947

Frank Nighbor NHL Hall of Fame

Player Stats

5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
160 lb (73 kg; 11 st 6 lb)

Born: 
January 26, 1893
Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

Died:
April 13, 1966
Pembroke, Ontario, Canada

Position:
Centre

College:
NA

Frank Nighbor was one of the most complete forwards in early NHL history, known for his exceptional two-way play, defensive skill, and scoring ability. Playing from 1917 to 1930, Nighbor starred primarily with the Ottawa Senators, where he earned a reputation as a gentlemanly yet highly effective player. He was a pioneer of the “poke check” and other defensive techniques, making him a threat both offensively and defensively.

Nighbor helped lead Ottawa to multiple Stanley Cup championships, combining leadership, hockey intelligence, and consistent performance in a physically demanding era. His sportsmanship and skill earned him the inaugural Lady Byng Trophy in 1925, recognizing both his performance and conduct. Nighbor’s influence extended beyond statistics, as he helped define the modern two-way forward. Frank Nighbor’s remarkable contributions were honored with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1947.

Nighbor's Awards and Record:

  • 5x Stanley Cup Champion (1915, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1927)
  • Hart Memorial Trophy (1924) — The first recipient in NHL history
  • 2x Lady Byng Trophy (1925, 1926) — The first recipient in NHL history
  • NHA Goal Scoring Leader (1917)

      NHL Teams

      Ottawa Senators (1917-1930)
      Toronto Maple Leafs (1929-1930)

      Number Worn:
      6, 72

      NHL Stats

      Seasons Played:
      13 (1917–1930)
      Games Played:
      349
      Goals:
      139
      Assists:
      98
      Points:
      237
      Penalty Minutes:
      249
      Playoff Games:
      20
      Goals:
      4
      Assists:
      9
      Points:
      13
      Penalty Minutes:
      13
      Stanley Cup:
      5 (1915, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1927)