Keith Acton, a Canadian ice hockey player, embarked on his professional career after being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft. Selected in the sixth round as the 103rd overall pick, Acton began his journey in the National Hockey League (NHL) with determination and skill. His debut with the Canadiens came in the 1979-1980 season, where he quickly demonstrated his abilities as a center.
Acton's tenure with the Canadiens was marked by steady development and growth. During the 1981-1982 season, he achieved a personal best, scoring 88 points, which included 36 goals and 52 assists. This performance highlighted his offensive capabilities and earned him a spot in the NHL All-Star Game that year. His time with Montreal culminated in a trade to the Minnesota North Stars in 1983, where he continued to be a reliable player.
With the North Stars, Acton maintained his reputation as a consistent performer. He played two seasons in Minnesota before being traded to the Edmonton Oilers in 1985. Joining the Oilers proved to be a significant move for Acton, as he became part of a team that was a powerhouse in the NHL during the mid-1980s. In 1988, Acton achieved the pinnacle of hockey success by winning the Stanley Cup with the Oilers, contributing to the team's depth and experience.
Following his stint with the Oilers, Acton was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 1988. His role with the Flyers was that of a seasoned veteran, providing leadership and stability to the team. Acton spent four seasons in Philadelphia, where he was known for his defensive play and faceoff proficiency. In 1992, he was traded to the Washington Capitals, where he played for a brief period before moving to the New York Islanders.
Acton's career with the Islanders was short-lived, as he was traded to the New Jersey Devils in 1993. With the Devils, he continued to play a supporting role, offering his experience and knowledge to the younger players on the team. Acton retired from professional hockey after the 1993-1994 season, concluding a career that spanned over 15 years in the NHL.
Throughout his career, Acton was recognized for his work ethic and ability to adapt to various roles on the ice. He played in over 1,000 NHL games, scoring more than 500 points. After retiring as a player, Acton transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive knowledge of the game to various teams in the NHL as an assistant coach.
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