Eric Lindros

Eric Lindros, born in 1973, Canadian professional ice hockey player. A strong skater and intimidating scorer, Lindros was the most highly acclaimed player to enter the National Hockey League (NHL) during the 1990s. But his career has been plagued by injuries, as well as highly publicized contract disputes that sidelined him for two entire NHL seasons.

Lindros was born in London, Ontario. His junior hockey career culminated in 1990-91, when he scored 71 goals for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League. Following that season, the NHL's Québec Nordiques (now Colorado Avalanche) made Lindros the first player selected in the 1991 amateur draft. Lindros, however, refused to sign a contract with Québec, and spent the 1991-92 season representing Canada in international tournaments, including the 1992 Winter Olympics. After an intense bidding war, Québec traded the rights to Lindros to the Philadelphia Flyers. In return, the Nordiques received six players, two first-round draft choices, and $15 million.

During his first two NHL seasons Lindros was hampered by knee injuries, but his bruising, powerful style still allowed the 6-ft 4-in (1.9-m), 240-lb (110-kg) center to pass the 40-goal level both years. He elevated his game in the 1994-95 season, which was shortened to 48 games by a labor dispute. Lindros led the NHL in scoring with 70 points (goals plus assists), and was voted the league's most valuable player (MVP).

Lindros's game continued to develop in 1995-96, when he scored 47 goals and passed the 100-point level for the first time. Despite missing 30 games because of injuries and league-imposed suspensions in 1996-97, Lindros captained the Flyers to their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1987, and led NHL playoff scorers with 26 points. In 1998 Lindros also captained Team Canada during the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan—the first Winter Games that allowed participation by NHL professionals.

Before the 2000-01 season Lindros rejected a contract offer from the Flyers and sat out the entire year. Philadelphia finally traded Lindros to the New York Rangers before the 2001-02 season. After joining his new team Lindros continued to suffer frequent concussions while playing, a health problem that threatened to end his career. He did, however, help Team Canada capture a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.