Trade completed between the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins involving a star on this day in history
Photo credit: NHL.com
On this day, August 3rd, 1979, the Detroit Red Wings completed a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins when they traded Nick Libett for Pete Mahovlich.
Pete Mahovlich was originally a 2nd overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1963 NHL Draft. Mahlovich played his first few years of his career as a Wing, but was shipped out to Montreal on June 6th, 1969.
Four Cups As A Hab
He'd spend the next eight years of his career wearing the Montreal Canadiens crest, and would win four-Stanley Cups. He'd be a desirable forward due to this fact, being a part of a legendary Habs team that was a legitimate dynasty.
Mahovlich would end his time in Montreal in 1978, before he'd be traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins for Pierre Laroche and future considerations.
This would be the second time that year he'd play for the Penguins (playing 57 games for them in 1977-78). The "Little M" brother of Frank would be popular in Pittsburgh with chants of "Pete, Pete".
Though he was a fan favorite, he wasn't long for Pittsburgh. He'd soon find himself wearing a winged wheel once more for the Red Wings.
Mahovlich's return to the Red Wings wouldn't be as romantic as you'd think, as he'd soon find himself in the AHL by the 1980-81 season, where he'd been in Adirondack. Past his prime, he'd still be a key piece in winning the Calder Cup that year.
Nick Libett would play the last two seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, playing a total of 982 NHL games, and scoring 505 points (237-268).
"Little M" Mahovlich played a total of 884 games in the NHL, scoring 773 points (288-485) split between the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Montreal Canadiens.
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