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#7: Jean-Claude Tremblay, by Andrew Saadalla |
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At number 7 on my list of the top-10 best defensemen in the history of the Montreal Canadiens, I’ve opted to go with Jean-Claude “Jaycee” Tremblay. Personally, I didn’t know much about this player- perhaps his passing in 1994 when I was only 7 years old could justify my lack of knowledge. Nevertheless, he has not necessarily received as much attention from the media as some of the other greats on this top-10 list, and I can’t wrap my head around why that happens to be the case…
During his minor career, he would play on the left wing until an injury to a teammate forced his coach to move him to the blue line. In 1960, he was named the Most Valuable Player and would join the Canadiens during the 1961-1962 season. He was instantly recognized as one of the greatest defensemen to ever play in the National Hockey League, most notably for striking a perfect balance between defensive awareness and offensive prowess.
Tremblay was not the most intimidating player – his 5’11” and 170lbs frame didn’t necessarily scare any of his opponents. However, his smooth, seamless skating style and strides allowed him to maneuver with speed across 200 feet of ice, easily outskating most of his peers and setting up teammates for goals. His hockey sense combined with superior vision allowed him to make tape-to-tape passes often in full flight and through numerous defenders. Evidently, that explains his 306 assists (and 57 goals) in 794 regular-season games with the Canadiens.
During the playoffs, Tremblay elevated his game. In 108 postseason appearances with the Habs, he managed to score 14 goals and added 51 helpers to his name. He would play a key role in helping Montreal win 5 Stanley Cups in 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 and 1971. He would play his last season with the Canadiens in 1971-1972, opting to join the WHA Quebec Nordiques for a few years before retiring. He helped establish the Nordiques’ credibility with his otherworldly playing style and dominance, and believed he was instrumental in helping Quebec make the jump to the NHL as a franchise.
Shortly after his retirement and until his passing in 1994, Tremblay was a European scout for the Habs, a role offered to him by former team president Ronald Corey. How Tremblay was never inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame is beyond my comprehension, although I’ve heard rumblings that his decision to leave the Canadiens in favor of the Nordiques was not well-received and cost him a spot amongst the greats.
He would, however, be elected as a member of the World Hockey Association Hall of Fame in 2010, several years after his passing.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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