For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page
“When he played for the Flyers, it was just outstanding, dominant hockey — the first of the huge, big men with small man’s skill.” – Bobby Clarke
Longevity – 3
After the insane trade that brought him from Quebec, Lindros played 8 seasons with the Flyers, leaving when he was only 26 years old. Due to injuries, he only played in more than 65 games twice in that span.
Peak – 4
He never reached the peak many thought he would, but at his best, he was still a force. He won the MVP at age 21 in the strike-shortened season of 1994-95, and then followed it up in 115 points the next season. With his overall game, he was a top-5 player in the league early in his career.
Popularity – 3
Lindros reminds me a bit of Pat Burrell. Came in as a #1 overall pick with huge expectations. Started off very strong. Struggled and the fans turned on him a bit. Then fans seems to embrace him a little more as time went on. The whole situation with his parents didn’t really help matter either.
Team Success – 3
The Flyers were very average during Lindros’ tenure. During his time here, they went 313-217-96 and won only 6 playoff series. They did reach the Cup Finals in 1997, but were blasted by the Detroit Red Wings. The team only won 3 playoff series in his other 7 years with the team.
Awards – 4
As mentioned earlier, MVP in 1994-95. He also made 6 all-star games in his 8 seasons as a Flyer. In 1996, he was 2nd-team all-NHL at center behind Mario Lemieux.
Stats – 3
When you look at rate stats, Lindros has some good standing in Flyers history. He had 659 points in 486 games (1.36 ppg) which is 0.28 higher than 2nd place, Tim Kerr (1.08). He also first in goals per game (0.60) and assists per game (0.76) respectively. Overall, he’s 5th in total assists and points, 8th in goals, and 11th in penalty minutes.
Historical Standing – 2
Maybe some hockey buffs can say I’m wrong here, but I don’t think Lindros will ever see the HOF. He is 102nd all time in goals and 128th in assists.
Excitement – 4
Lindros was a LeBron James-type prospect. Not just with the hype, but the fact that a person of his size wasn’t really supposed to able to do the things he did. Lindros stood 6’4”, 240 lbs, but was a deft passer and quick on his feet. He also had great physical strength, something that led to a lot of hits, and a lot of injuries. Obviously his ppg show that he was usually in the middle of things every night.
Total: 26
With Lindros, Philly thought we were getting our own Jordan, or Wilt, or Gretzky. But the cost of bringing Lindros aboard (a package that famously included 2-time cup winner Peter Forsberg, Ron Hextall, 4 other players, 2 first round picks, and $15 million) clearly wasn’t worth it. Despite not living up to the hype, Lindros still enjoyed an exciting career with Philadelphia, and we still don’t know what he could have been had injuries not taken their toll.
For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page
Add also, we still don’t know what could have been…if we had had a decent GM during his stay here.
I rememember being in the process of parking on the lower level of the King of Prussia Mall garage
when I heard on the radio that Erik Lindros, a revolutionary young talent, was coming here in a swap for ‘who cares?’ Much excitement and happiness was evident on talk radio that day - peak moment in his Philadelphia career from my point of view.
Selfish, coddled, underachieving non-leader. Robocenter. And franchise disappointment. Would like to hear Clarke’s private, candid thoughts on 88 and his helicopter parents. The Nordiques. Now there’s a name you won’t find in the U.S.A. Or Canada anymore.
Moral of the story: the Cinnabon was delicious as usual.
That’s funny. I was in a parking lot in Blue Bell when I heard the news. We were close enough to have a cinnabon together.
A bit of a testament to the impact of 88 that we can reminisce about “where we were” when we heard the news. I can’t tell you where I was when I heard we drafted McNabb, or Barkley, or signed Jerome Kearse or even Vick. But I remember Lindros news like yesterday. As far as I am concerned he lived up to the hype. It was pure enjoyment watching him play fo rthe next 5 years or so. IT was like watching evolution in front of your eye. It was Jim Brown on Skates. Alot of great players in sports don’t win the ultimate prize, and for Lindros it was more about injury and lack of the GM to find a goalie, then failings by Lindros. I would have rated him higher, but I am more of a hockey freak.
I lovedddd Lindros. He was by far the best Philly player Ive ever seen in any sport. he was a top 5 player his 1st yr, in many ways…..the guy could score on his own, pass, receive a pass, forecheck, kill penalties, fight….It’s such a shame his parents were so protective…it’s odd how parents can meddle into professional sport teams. He was a do it yourself kinda person….and couldve really used a sidekick or at least a round the clock enforcer…the Legion of Doom and Crazy 8′s were 2 of the best lines ever……..Even without the concussion and family meddling, he may have been doomed…he had knee injuries before the concussions started…..the only way he may have lasted is if he didnt need to score, fight and check for the entire game….it’s a shame the flyers needed everything….they gave up a ransom, but the chance to get him was worth it….esp since it took a while for those players to develop…..foresborg was not even in the nhl at the time….and neither was the draft pick (later Deadmarsh). Ricci was a good player…and hextall was ok…a random footnote…he was actually traded to the rangers later on that night…the rangers gave the nordiques even more….but I believe the nhl said the flyers had the deal, so the rangers couldnt get him a few hours later once they knew what the flyers agreed to send….correct me if my memory is fuzzy
My favorite Philadelphia athlete growing up…can’t believe he left here at the age of 26…
That was shocking to me too in retrospect.
If you had asked me w/o looking, I would have said 30.
Don’t think I paid a lot of attention to that stuff back then.