Walt Poddubny

Who was Walt Poddubny?

Walter Michael Poddubny was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and coach who played eleven seasons in the National Hockey League from 1981–1982 until 1991–1992.

Poddubny was drafted 90th overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. He played 468 career NHL games, scoring 184 goals and 238 assists for 422 points.

He was acquired by the New York Rangers for Mike Allison on August 18, 1986, in a trade considered to be Phil Esposito's best during his three years as the team's general manager. Poddubny was the leading scorer in each of his only two Rangers campaigns, with 87 points in 1986–1987 and 88 the following season. He was the recipient of the New York Rangers Fan Club's Frank Boucher Trophy for the most popular player on and off the ice in both years and the team's Most Valuable Player Award from the Professional Hockey Writers Association in 1987.

After his career in the NHL, Poddubny coached several hockey teams including six seasons as head coach of the Anchorage Aces.

He died at the age of 49, after collapsing at his sister's house in Thunder Bay. The cause of death was heart attack.