Fred Stanfield, a key member of the Bruins' two Stanley Cup teams in the early 1970s, passed away Monday at the age of 77.
The Bruins acquired Stanfield from the Chicago Blackhawks in 1967 in one of the most lopsided trades in NHL history. In that deal, Boston received Stanfield, Phil Esposito and Ken Hodge in exchange for Gilles Marcotte, Pit Martin and Jack Norris.
Stanfield established himself as the Bruins' second-line center over the next several years, playing between Johnny Bucyk and Johnny "Pie" McKenzie during the 1969-70 and 1971-72 championship seasons. He also played at the point on the Bruins' lethal top power-play unit.
Stanfield topped 75 points in three straight seasons from 1970-73, with a career-high 79 in 1971-72. He averaged over a point per game during both the 1970 and 1972 postseasons.
With the Bruins in need of goaltending help after the 1972-73 season, Stanfield was traded to the Minnesota North Stars for Gilles Gilbert. He would go on to play five more seasons split between Minnesota and the Buffalo Sabres.
Stanfield still ranks 20th in Bruins history in assists (274) and 28th in points (409).
