#5
Defenseman • #5
Denis Potvin
"Captain Denis"
4 Stanley Cups
Hall of Fame 1991
Retired #5
310
Career Goals
742
Career Assists
1052
Career Points
Born: Ottawa, ON — October 29, 1953 • Drafted: 1973 • Islanders: 1973–1988
Denis Potvin was the cornerstone of the Islanders dynasty and their captain throughout the championship years. Selected first overall in 1973, he won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman three times (1976, 1978, 1979). A devastating hitter with exceptional offensive instincts, he broke Bobby Orr's all-time career scoring record for defensemen in 1986, finishing with 1,052 points. His captaincy and leadership defined the dynasty's identity. The chant "Potvin Sucks!" still echoes in Madison Square Garden to this day — the highest compliment from opponents.