Martin Gélinas

Canadian ice hockey left winger who played 1,273 NHL games over 20 seasons, known for clutch playoff performances and reaching five Stanley Cup Finals.

Martin Gélinas was born in Shawinigan, Quebec in 1970. Edmonton Oilers selected him seventh overall in the 1988 NHL Draft — the player acquired in the famous trade that sent Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles. His 16-season career produced 311 goals and 311 assists for 622 career points. He appeared in five Stanley Cup Finals — with Edmonton (1990), Vancouver (1994), Calgary (2004), and Carolina (2006 — appearing twice) — winning none. He is considered one of hockey's great ironies: the player who replaced Gretzky and yet whose career is defined by near-misses at the championship. He was one of the most consistent checking forwards of his era — valued for his defensive commitment, penalty-killing ability and timely scoring rather than individual statistics. His story is one of professional sport's most poignant: present for five championship opportunities across three different decades and franchises, never winning one.

Gélinas was a versatile left winger known for his strong two-way play and ability to contribute in various situations. He possessed good size and skating ability, making him effective along the boards and in traffic around the net. His hockey intelligence and work ethic made him a valuable role player who could play up and down the lineup.

Gélinas is remembered as a consummate professional who brought consistency and leadership to every team he played for during his lengthy NHL career.

• NHL regular
• One of hockey's ironies — five Finals losses