Adam Graves
Adam Graves | |||
---|---|---|---|
![]() Graves in 2008 | |||
Born |
Tecumseh, Ontario,Canada | April 12, 1968||
Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | ||
Weight | 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb) | ||
Position | Left wing | ||
Shot | Left | ||
Played for |
Detroit Red Wings Edmonton Oilers New York Rangers San Jose Sharks | ||
National team |
![]() | ||
NHL draft |
22nd overall,1986 Detroit Red Wings | ||
Playing career | 1987–2003 |
Adam Scott Graves(born April 12, 1968) is a Canadian former professional hockey player. He played 10 seasons with theNew York Rangersof theNational Hockey League(NHL). He also played for theDetroit Red Wings,Edmonton OilersandSan Jose Sharksin a career that spanned from 1987 to 2003. He finished his career with 329 goals, 287 assists and 1,224 penalty minutes. He is currently a New York Rangers special assistant with Prospect Development and Community Relations.[1]Graves was born in Tecumseh and grew up in Toronto.
Playing career
[edit]As a youth, Graves played in the 1981Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournamentwith aminor ice hockeyteam fromWexford, Toronto.[2]
Graves started playing Junior B hockey withKing City, Ontario,north of his birthplace inToronto.Graves then joined theWindsor Spitfiresof theOntario Hockey League(OHL) in 1985–86 and averaged over one point per game as a rookie in the OHL. He was drafted 22nd overall by theDetroit Red Wingsin the1986 NHL Entry Draft.[citation needed]
The 1986–87 season was his breakout year, when he scored 45 goals for the Spitfires. He led his team to the OHL championship in theMemorial Cuptournament. In the 1987–88 season, Graves played primarily for the Spitfires, but was called up to play nine games with Detroit.[citation needed]
The 1988–89 season would be Graves' first season as an NHL regular. He played in 56 games for the Red Wings while splitting time with the Adirondack minor league club, but was only able to score seven goals. During his brief tenure with the Red Wings, with whom he amassed 60 penalty minutes in 1988–89 and 13 in 1989–90, Graves earned the reputation as an agitator who played on the edge and often went over it.[citation needed]According to Hockeyfights.com, he took part in 52 fights in his NHL career.
On November 2 of the 1989-90 campaign, Graves was involved in a blockbuster trade with theEdmonton Oilers.Along with Graves, the Oilers receivedPetr Klima,Joe MurphyandJeff Sharplesin exchange forJimmy Carson,Kevin McClellandand Edmonton's fifth-round draft pick in the1991 NHL Entry Draft.The trade was lamented at the time in Edmonton —- the high-scoring Klima had run-ins with the law and a history of substance abuse, Sharples was coming off a shoulder injury, and Murphy and Graves were considered to be underachievers given their high draft status.[3]Red Wings general managerJim Devellanowas reluctant to part with Graves, but felt that obtaining Detroit-area native Carson was worth it.[4]The trade paid immediate dividends for the Oilers, as Klima finished with 30 goals, while Graves and Murphy provided depth up front. Graves would go on to score 11 points in the playoffs, en route to defeating theBoston Bruinsfor the Edmonton Oilers' fifthStanley Cup.[citation needed]
"It was such an excellent team atmosphere," said Graves of his brief stint with the Oilers. "We were together as any group of guys in the league. Everyone felt that they were a part of the team- no one felt left out. Because of that, even if you had a small role on the team, you were happy. You were glad to be able to give whatever little you could to the team. You did everything you could. I have many wonderful memories in my two years with the Oilers. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the team."[citation needed]
But Graves spent only two seasons with the Oilers before they allowed him to leave as a free agent at the conclusion of the 1990–91 campaign. He signed anoffer sheetfor five years and $2.44 million with theNew York Rangers,where he would join former Edmonton Oilers teammatesMark MessierandJeff Beukeboom.Neil Smith,the general manager of the Rangers, was familiar with Graves, having earlier served as the Red Wings' director of scouting. In 1991-92, Graves' first season with the Rangers, he scored 26 goals, helping the team to a 105-point,Presidents' Trophy-winning regular season that was punctuated by a major disappointment in the playoffs. Graves finished fifth in the voting for theFrank J. Selke Trophyas the best defensive forward in the league.[citation needed]
Graves’ performance was marred by an ugly incident in Game 2 of thePatrick Divisionfinals against thePittsburgh Penguins,when he fractured the left wrist of superstarMario Lemieuxwith a vicious two-handed swing of his stick. Lemieux was adamant that Rangers head coachRoger Neilsonhad "engineered a hit" that sidelined him for five games.
"It was intentional, no question about it," Lemieux said of the incident during the Stanley Cup finals that season. "I've never been hit that hard in my life. I'm not saying Roger Neilson told Graves to go after me, but he told his players to go after me."
Graves was assessed only a minor penalty on the play and allowed to take part in Game 3, in which he scored the first goal of a 6-5 overtime victory. After he was suspended for the remainder of the series, the Penguins rallied to win the next three games and the series on the way to the Stanley Cup championship.
Although Graves continued to improve in the 1992–93 season, tallying 36 goals and 65 points, the Rangers failed to make the playoffs.[citation needed]
During the 1993–94 season, Graves scored 52 goals, setting a New York Rangers' franchise record for most goals in a season. (Jaromír Jágrwould later score 54 in 2005–06). In the spring of 1994, Graves helped the Rangers win their first Stanley Cup since the 1939–40 season. Graves was awarded a roster spot on the NHL's second All-Star team at the position of left wing, and was the recipient of theKing Clancy Memorial Trophyin recognition of his continuing work with charitable causes. Graves is one of the seven alumni of the Oilers dynasty to win the Stanley Cup with the 1993–94 New York Rangers, along with Jeff Beukeboom,Glenn Anderson,Kevin Lowe,Craig MacTavish,Mark Messier andEsa Tikkanen.[citation needed]
Graves remained productive during his tenure with the Rangers, being a consistent 20 to 30 goal scorer until the 1999–2000 campaign. Although the Rangers would not return to the hey-day of their 1993–94 campaign, Graves remained one of the team's most popular players. After winning theBill Masterton Trophyin 2001, he was traded to theSan Jose Sharksin exchange forMikael SamuelssonandChristian Gosselin.Graves played with the Sharks organization for two years, totalling 49 total points, before announcing his retirement in April 2004.[citation needed]
Currently, Graves is an instructor at the New York Rangers' youth hockey camp.[citation needed]
Personal life
[edit]Graves grew up in Toronto (North York) andCaledon, Ontario[5]with his parents Robert Henry (a police officer stationed inCabbagetown, Toronto,died 2000) and Lynda Sophia (Surgeoner) Graves (died 2013).[6]Graves has two older sisters, Richenda and Lynette, as well as a younger adopted brother, Mark. The Graves family also took in as many as 40 foster children.[7]He and his wife, Violet, are the parents of four children.[8][9]They reside inOakville, Ontario.[10]
Awards
[edit]During the 1993–94 season, Graves was awarded with the King Clancy Memorial Trophy which is given annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership qualities or has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community. Graves also won the NHL foundation award during the 1999–2000 season. This award is given annually to the player who applies core values of hockey, commitment and teamwork to enrich the lives of people in the community.[citation needed]
During the 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1998–99 and 1999–2000 seasons, Graves received theSteven McDonaldAward, given annually to the Rangers player who goes "above and beyond the call of duty", named after a paralyzedNew York Police Departmentofficer Steven McDonald.[citation needed]
The Players' Player Award which is given to the best "team player" as voted on by the players was also won by Graves in 1991–92, 1992–93, 1994–95 and 1998–99. In the 1992–93 and 1993–94 seasons, Graves won the Rangers Most Valuable Player Award given to the Rangers most valuable player as voted on by the media. Also during the 1992–93 season, Graves was given the "Rangers Good Guy" award. During the Rangers' Stanley Cup-winning season, Graves was awarded theFrank BoucherTrophy, given by the Rangers Fan Club given to the most popular player on and off the ice. Yet another fan club award Graves was awarded the "Rangers Fan Club Ceil Saidel Memorial Award" during the 1995–96, 1996–97 and 1999–2000 seasons. This award is for dedication on and off the ice.[citation needed]
In 1993, Graves also awarded the "Crumb Bum Award" given annually for services to New York youngsters as voted on by the media. Another "Good Guy" award Graves won was The Sporting News "Good guy" award in 2000. Along with other professional athletes such asAl Leiter,Troy AikmanandTerry Cummingsthis award was given to charitable and community service efforts. Graves is now an instructor at theNew York Rangersyouth hockey camp. He focuses on instilling pride in the youngsters attending the camp.[citation needed]
He also won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in the 2000–01 season.[citation needed]
On February 3, 2009, the New York Rangers retired Graves' No. 9 jersey before a game against theAtlanta Thrashers,joining fellow 1994 Stanley Cup champion teammatesBrian Leetch,Mark Messier andMike Richteras well as Ranger greatsRod GilbertandEd Giacominin the rafters ofMadison Square Garden.[11]#9 was also retired for Graves by his junior hockey team, the Windsor Spitfires.[citation needed]
In the 2009 book100 Ranger Greats,the authors ranked Graves at No. 13 all-time of the901 New York Rangerswho had played during the team's first82 seasons.[12]
Awards and achievements
[edit]- Member of twoStanley Cupwinning teams:1990with theEdmonton Oilersand1994with theNew York Rangers
- Selected to oneNHL All-Star Game:1994
- Named to thesecond All-Star team:1993–94
- Winner of the1994King Clancy Memorial Trophy
- Winner of the2001Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
- New York Rangersretired his jersey number 9 on February 3, 2009
Career statistics
[edit]Regular season and playoffs
[edit]Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
1984–85 | Richmond Hill Dukes | MetJHL | 25 | 23 | 33 | 56 | 29 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
1985–86 | Windsor Spitfires | OHL | 62 | 27 | 37 | 64 | 35 | 16 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 10 | ||
1986–87 | Windsor Spitfires | OHL | 66 | 45 | 55 | 100 | 70 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 17 | 32 | ||
1986–87 | Adirondack Red Wings | AHL | — | — | — | — | — | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | ||
1987–88 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 9 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
1987–88 | Windsor Spitfires | OHL | 37 | 28 | 32 | 60 | 107 | 12 | 14 | 18 | 32 | 16 | ||
1987–88 | Windsor Spitfires | M-Cup | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | ||
1988–89 | Adirondack Red Wings | AHL | 14 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 28 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 17 | ||
1988–89 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 56 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 60 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | ||
1989–90 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 13 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
1989–90 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 63 | 9 | 12 | 21 | 123 | 22 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 17 | ||
1990–91 | Edmonton Oilers | NHL | 76 | 7 | 18 | 25 | 127 | 18 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 22 | ||
1991–92 | New York Rangers | NHL | 80 | 26 | 33 | 59 | 139 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 22 | ||
1992–93 | New York Rangers | NHL | 84 | 36 | 29 | 65 | 148 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
1993–94 | New York Rangers | NHL | 84 | 52 | 27 | 79 | 127 | 23 | 10 | 7 | 17 | 24 | ||
1994–95 | New York Rangers | NHL | 47 | 17 | 14 | 31 | 51 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8 | ||
1995–96 | New York Rangers | NHL | 82 | 22 | 36 | 58 | 100 | 10 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 4 | ||
1996–97 | New York Rangers | NHL | 82 | 33 | 28 | 61 | 66 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 12 | ||
1997–98 | New York Rangers | NHL | 72 | 23 | 12 | 35 | 41 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
1998–99 | New York Rangers | NHL | 82 | 38 | 15 | 53 | 47 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
1999–00 | New York Rangers | NHL | 77 | 23 | 17 | 40 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2000–01 | New York Rangers | NHL | 82 | 10 | 16 | 26 | 77 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
2001–02 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 81 | 17 | 14 | 31 | 51 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 6 | ||
2002–03 | San Jose Sharks | NHL | 82 | 9 | 9 | 18 | 32 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
NHL totals | 1,152 | 329 | 287 | 616 | 1,224 | 125 | 38 | 27 | 65 | 119 |
International
[edit]Year | Team | Event | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1988 | Canada | WJC | 7 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 4 | |
1993 | Canada | WC | 8 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | |
1996 | Canada | WCH | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
1999 | Canada | WC | 10 | 5 | 2 | 7 | 8 | |
Junior totals | 7 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 4 | |||
Senior totals | 25 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 18 |
Transactions
[edit]- November 2, 1989: Traded by the Detroit Red Wings, along withPetr Klima,Joe MurphyandJeff Sharplesto the Edmonton Oilers in exchange forJimmy Carson,Kevin McClellandand Edmonton's 1991 5th-round draft choice.
- September 3, 1991: Signed as a free agent by theNew York Rangers.
- 2001: Traded by the New York Rangers with future considerations to the San Jose Sharks forMikael Samuelsson.
See also
[edit]- List of NHL players with 50-goal seasons
- List of NHL players with 1000 games played
- List of NHL players who have signed offer sheets
References
[edit]- ^NYRangers.com Bio Page.ArchivedJuly 12, 2007, at theWayback Machine
- ^"Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA"(PDF).Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.2018. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 2019-03-06.Retrieved2019-01-17.
- ^"Edmonton Oilers history: Jimmy Carson, Kevin McClelland, draft pick traded to Detroit Red Wings for Petr Klima, Joe Murphy, Adam Graves and Jeff Sharples, Nov. 2, 1989".
- ^"Archives".Los Angeles Times.3 November 1989.
- ^Lapointe, Joe (17 April 1994)."Rugged, Aggressive, A Hockey Throwback; New York-New York Spotlight on Graves".The New York Times.
- ^"Lynda GRAVES Obituary (2013) - Toronto Star".Legacy.com.
- ^Heartbreak Strikes Good PeopleNY Times, February 9, 2000
- ^Adam Graves to Have Number Retired by Rangers
- ^Diamos, Jason (28 November 2000)."HOCKEY; Graves Struggles On and Off the Ice (Published 2000)".The New York Times.Archivedfrom the original on 2019-03-28.
- ^"Catching up with Adam Graves".
- ^Graves No. 9 to be retired in 2008-09ArchivedJanuary 27, 2008, at theWayback Machine
- ^Cohen, Russ; Halligan, John; Raider, Adam (2009).100 Ranger Greats: Superstars, Unsung Heroes and Colorful Characters.John Wiley & Sons.p. 186.ISBN978-0470736197.RetrievedFebruary 3,2020.
External links
[edit]- Biographical information and career statistics fromNHL.com,orEliteprospects.com,orHockey-Reference.com,orThe Internet Hockey Database
- Madison Square Garden, Adam Graves and My First Day as a Ranger — by Jeff Ulmer
- 1968 births
- Living people
- Adirondack Red Wings players
- Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy winners
- Canadian ice hockey right wingers
- Detroit Red Wings draft picks
- Detroit Red Wings players
- Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the United States
- Edmonton Oilers players
- King Clancy Memorial Trophy winners
- National Hockey League All-Stars
- National Hockey League players with retired numbers
- New York Rangers players
- San Jose Sharks players
- Ice hockey people from Toronto
- Stanley Cup champions
- Windsor Spitfires players