Vaclav Nedomansky
Inducted:
2019
Václav Nedomanský is a Hall of Fame forward who made history as the first Czechoslovak player to defect to North America and compete in the NHL.
After a prolific 12-season career with Slovan Bratislava, where he led the Czech league in goals and points three times, he joined the WHA in 1974, posting a 56-goal, 98-point season in 1975–76. In 1977, he signed with the Detroit Red Wings, becoming one of the NHL’s first major European stars.
Over six NHL seasons with Detroit, St. Louis, and the New York Rangers, Nedomanský tallied 122 goals and 278 points in 421 games. Internationally, he earned Olympic silver and bronze medals and was named Best Forward at the 1974 IIHF World Championship.
His trailblazing career was honored with induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019.
Nedomansky's Awards and Records
- First Czechoslovak player to defect to North America and play in the NHL (1974)
- Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee – Class of 2019
- IIHF Hall of Fame Inductee – 1997
- Paul Deneau Trophy Winner (WHA's Most Gentlemanly Player) – 1975–76
- Led Czech League in goals and points three times: 1966–67, 1971–72, 1973–74
- Best Forward at the 1974 IIHF World Championship
- Olympic Silver Medalist – 1968; Bronze Medalist – 1972
- IIHF All-Time Czech Team – 2020
Teams
Slovan Bratislava (1962-1974)
Toronto Toros (1974-1976)
Birmingham Bulls (1976-1977)
NHL Teams
Detroit Red Wings (1977-1982)
St. Louis Blues (1982-1983)
New York Rangers (1982-1983)
Numbers Worn:
14
Stats
Seasons:
6 (1977-1983)
Games Played:
421
Goal:
122
Assist:
156
Points:
278
Penalty Minutes:
88