Gilmour made his NHL debut with the Blues in the 1983-84 season. Over the next five seasons, he developed into a reliable center, known for his playmaking abilities and defensive acumen. His performance in the 1986 playoffs, where he helped the Blues reach the Conference Finals, solidified his reputation as a clutch player.
In 1988, Gilmour was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he reached new heights. During the 1988-89 season, he played a crucial role in the Flames' journey to winning the Stanley Cup. Gilmour's contributions were vital, as he scored the Cup-winning goal in Game 6 of the Finals against the Montreal Canadiens. His time in Calgary was marked by consistent offensive production and a strong two-way game.
The next chapter of Gilmour's career began in 1992 when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was in Toronto that he became a fan favorite and team leader. Gilmour's 1992-93 season was particularly remarkable; he set a franchise record with 127 points and led the Leafs to the Conference Finals. His performance earned him the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's best defensive forward and a nomination for the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player.
Gilmour continued to be a driving force for the Maple Leafs until 1997, when he was traded to the New Jersey Devils. His tenure with the Devils was short-lived, and he soon found himself with the Chicago Blackhawks. Gilmour's leadership and experience were invaluable to the teams he played for, even as his offensive numbers began to decline.
In 2000, Gilmour signed with the Buffalo Sabres, where he played for two seasons before being traded back to the Maple Leafs in 2003. Unfortunately, his return to Toronto was cut short due to a knee injury, which ultimately led to his retirement from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Gilmour was known for his tenacity, vision, and ability to perform under pressure. He played in over 1,400 NHL games, amassing more than 1,400 points.
🏒