Don Lever's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks as the third overall pick in the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft. Lever, a left winger, quickly established himself as a reliable player for the Canucks. His debut season in the NHL saw him playing 75 games and scoring 20 goals, a promising start for the young athlete.
Throughout his time with the Canucks, Lever became known for his consistent performance on the ice. Over the course of eight seasons with Vancouver, he played in 593 games and scored 186 goals. Lever's ability to maintain a steady scoring pace made him a valuable asset to the team. In the 1974-75 season, he helped the Canucks reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, marking a milestone for both Lever and the team.
In 1980, Lever was traded to the Atlanta Flames, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a forward. His tenure with the Flames was brief, as the team relocated to Calgary the following year. Lever adapted to the change and played for the newly formed Calgary Flames, contributing to their efforts in the NHL.
Lever's career took another turn when he was traded to the Colorado Rockies in 1981. His experience and leadership were recognized, and he was named team captain. Lever's role as captain was short-lived, however, as the Rockies moved to New Jersey and became the Devils. He continued to serve as captain for the Devils, guiding the young team through its early years in the league.
In 1983, Lever was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he spent the final years of his NHL career. During his time with the Sabres, Lever continued to be a steady presence on the ice, contributing both offensively and defensively. He played his last NHL season in 1986-87, retiring with a total of 1,020 games played, 313 goals, and 367 assists.
Lever's career in the NHL spanned 15 seasons, during which he played for five different teams.
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