In 1975, the Rangers dealt all their muscle save Brad Park to the Blues for JD. Teddy, Bugsy Butler, and the late Bert Wilson went to the Blues and JD and Billy Collins came to the Rangers. Giacomin had a bad knee and Villemure had bad eyesight and Francis figured JD would be the future Ranger goalie at 22. Who knew that JD was always hurt and had to retire at 29.
The Rangers didn’t wait that much longer to trade Park. One month into the 1975-76 season, Park was dealt to Boston. That was the official end of the Rangers late 60s early 70s resurgence. Esposito and Vadnais didn’t do badly with the Rangers, but the guys who went to Boston, Ratelle and Park, were actually invigorated by the trade and their skills didn’t taper off. Phil and Carol went from great to good, while Jean stayed great and Brad got even better.
