Randy Carlyle – Defenseman (1976-1993)
Randy Carlyle was drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2nd round (30th overall) in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft. Over 17 NHL seasons, Carlyle played with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins and Winnipeg Jets.
Younger fans may only remember Randy Carlyle as the former coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs (2012-2015), but he had a Hall of Fame worthy career as a player as well.
With the induction of Doug Wilson into the Hockey Hall of Fame this year, every eligible defenseman to win the Norris trophy has been inducted except for Randy Carlyle. It really only seems like a matter of time before Carlyle receives his call to the Hall.
I feel that if you were at one time the best player at your position, even if it was just for a season, you should be in the Hall of Fame. Randy Carlyle was voted best defenseman in 1981 while playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins after leading all defenseman in assists (67) and points (83).
Randy Carlyle has great career numbers as well. He’s ranked 31st in most career points by a defenseman (647), 31st in most career assists by a defenseman (499) and 44th in most career goals by a defenseman (148).
Carlyle also represented Canada in the 1989 World Championships, won a Stanley Cup as coach of the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and is an “Honoured Member” of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honours
Norris Trophy Winner 1981
1st NHL All-Star Team 1981
11th in Hart trophy voting 1981
7th in Norris trophy voting 1985
13th in Norris trophy voting 1982
7th in Team All-Star voting 1985
12th in Team All-Star voting 1979
12th in Team All-Star voting 1982
13th in Team All-Star voting 1986
17th in Team All-Star voting 1988
Played in four NHL All-Star Games
“Honoured Member” of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame
Career Statistical Achievements
31st Most NHL Career Points by a Defenseman (647)
31st Most NHL Career Assists by a Defenseman (499)
44th Most NHL Career Goals by a Defenseman (148)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Assist Leader 1981-82 (64)
NHL Defensemen Point Leader 1980-81 (83)
NHL Defensemen Assist Leader 1980-81 (67)
NHL Defensemen Assist Leader 1981-82 (64)
Top 10 in NHL Assists by a Defensemen for three seasons
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for two seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for two seasons
International Play
Team Canada 1989 Ice Hockey World Championships