Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Larry Trader passes away
In some tragic news today, the NHL Alumni Association has revealed the passing of former defenceman Larry Trader, who played for multiple teams.
During the fall of 1982, Larry Trader was causing a stir at the Detroit Red Wings’ training camp. The defenseman, who was selected 86th overall by Detroit during the 1981 NHL entry draft, had become a coaches’ and teammate favorite in training camp. The head coach at that time, Nick Polano, even went so far as to mention the possibility of Trader beginning the regular season with the NHL club.
It wasn’t long, however, before Larry Trader’s time in the NHL was short-lived. Breaking into the NHL at just 19 years young, after only 15 games of service, the Red Wings reassigned him back to the OHL’s London Knights. It was to be the start of a professional career full of twists and turns.
Larry Trader, who sadly died Thursday at the age of 61, would never play more than 40 games in any one NHL season. His best year was in 1984-85 when he recorded 10 points, through three goals, and seven assists in 40 games with Detroit. That season was shortened for him, however, as knee surgery knocked him out of 29 games.
The NHL journey of Larry Trader saw him also represent the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens. His time with the Red Wings ended on August 7, 1986, as he was traded to the Blues in exchange for defenseman Lee Norwood.
But while his NHL career had its ups and downs, there was little denying Larry Trader at the junior and AHL levels. During his 1981-82 season, he scored 19 goals for the London Knights, with coach Paul McIntosh even juggling things by playing him at center, a move to which the Red Wings, who were trying to keep him strictly as a defenseman, did not like at all.
Throughout his time in the AHL, Larry Trader proved himself to be an offensive force, breaking the 50-point barrier on two occasions. He enjoyed his best season in 1985-86 with Detroit’s top farm team, the Adirondack Red Wings, where he scored 10 goals and 46 assists for 56 points, good enough for a spot on the AHL’s Second All-Star Team. He also helped Adirondack win the Calder Cup that year.
Prior to the 1985-86 NHL season, Red Wings coach Harry Neale was very complimentary about Larry Trader’s talents, but indicated that he must become more physically involved if he wished to make his mark at the NHL level.
On the international stage, Larry Trader represented Canada in the 1983 World Junior Championship. He tallied a bronze medal, putting up five points in seven games, matching the exact total of the future Red Wings legend by the name of Steve Yzerman. Trader also helped Team Canada win the Spengler Cup in 1986-87.
Larry Trader came from a hockey family too, as his cousin was Jim Peplinski, former captain of the Calgary Flames.
Rest in peace Larry, you will be missed. Our condolences go out to his entire family and friends.