Danny Grant’s path to NHL stardom didn’t begin in Montreal, but the seeds were planted during his brief time with the Canadiens in 1967-68. In just 22 games, he scored three goals, and despite contributing during Montreal’s successful Stanley Cup run, he remained Calder-eligible heading into the next season. A major step came over the summer when he was traded to the Minnesota North Stars along with Claude Larose in exchange for a first-round pick that became Dave Gardner.
The move proved transformative. Grant burst out of the gate with Minnesota, scoring three goals and adding three assists in his first five games. And on November 9, 1968, he delivered a defining early milestone, his first NHL hat trick, scored fittingly against the Detroit Red Wings, the team he would later join. In the North Stars’ 6-4 win, Grant found the net once in each period, including two power-play markers, showcasing the scoring touch that would come to define his career.
His first goal, scored at 8:16 of the opening frame with assists from Danny O’Shea and Bill Collins, chased Red Wings starter Roger Crozier from the game after just five shots. Detroit turned to Terry Sawchuk, but Grant wasn’t done. His second goal, at 11:54 of the middle period, stood as the game-winner, the first of 21 he would record over his NHL career. Ray Cullen played a major supporting role, assisting on two of Grant’s tallies while enjoying a five-point night of his own.
By the time the 1968-69 season wrapped up, Grant had firmly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young talents. His 34 goals and 65 points earned him the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in a tightly contested race with Oakland’s Norm Ferguson. Brad Park, Gerry Desjardins, and Andre Lacroix also received strong consideration, but it was Grant who stood tall.
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NHL Hockey Trivia: Danny Grant
Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia
1. With which NHL team did Danny Grant win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year?
2. How many goals did Danny Grant score during his Calder-winning 1968-69 season?
3. Which team did Danny Grant score his first NHL hat trick against?
4. Danny Grant later became a 50-goal scorer with which NHL team?
5. Danny Grant was traded from Montreal to Minnesota in a deal involving which future first-round pick?
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