Pat Price, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey after being selected as the first overall pick in the 1974 WHA Amateur Draft by the Vancouver Blazers. His entry into the World Hockey Association marked the beginning of a career that would see him play for multiple teams across both the WHA and the NHL. Price's early years in the WHA were spent with the Vancouver Blazers, where he began to develop his skills on the ice.
In 1975, Price transitioned to the National Hockey League when he was drafted 11th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft. His time with the Islanders was a formative period, as he played alongside future Hall of Famers and contributed to the team's defensive lineup. Price's tenure with the Islanders lasted until 1978, during which he honed his abilities as a reliable defenseman.
Following his stint with the Islanders, Price was traded to the Edmonton Oilers in 1978. His arrival in Edmonton coincided with the team's early years in the NHL, and he played a role in their development during this transitional phase. Price's stay with the Oilers was relatively short, as he was soon on the move again, this time to the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1979.
Price's career continued to evolve as he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he spent two seasons. His presence on the blue line added depth to the Penguins' defense, and he became known for his steady play and ability to contribute offensively when needed. In 1981, Price was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, where he continued to showcase his defensive skills.
During his time with the Nordiques, Price became a fixture on the team's defense, playing several seasons in Quebec. His experience and veteran presence were valuable assets to the team as they competed in the NHL. Price's career with the Nordiques lasted until 1983, after which he was traded to the New York Rangers.
Price's tenure with the Rangers was brief, as he played only one season in New York before being traded to the Detroit Red Wings in 1984. With the Red Wings, Price continued to provide solid defensive play, contributing to the team's efforts on the ice. His time in Detroit marked the final chapter of his NHL career, as he retired from professional hockey in 1988.
Throughout his career, Pat Price played for a total of six NHL teams, bringing his defensive skills and experience to each.
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