Bryan Trottier

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Drafted 22nd overall in 1974, Trottier made the Islanders' opening lineup in 1975 and immediately set a rookie record with 95 points, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy. His best offensive season came in 1978–79, when he scored a career-high 134 points to win the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer and the Hart Memorial Trophy as most valuable player. On December 23 of that season, he became the first Islander to score five goals in a game and set an NHL record with six points in a single period (four goals, two assists) — a record that has been matched but never broken. Trottier was the centerpiece of the "Trio Grande" line with Clark Gillies and Mike Bossy, a unit that at one point led the NHL in scoring. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy in the 1980 playoffs with 29 points in 21 games as the Islanders won the first of four consecutive Stanley Cups. On February 13 of the 1981–82 season, he recorded his second five-goal game, becoming the seventh NHL player with multiple five-goal games. He scored his 500th goal in 1990, becoming the 15th player to reach that mark and the second Islander after Bossy. Trottier ranks second in Islanders history in goals and first in assists and points.

In Their Own Story

On December 23, 1978, Bryan Trottier stepped onto the ice at Nassau Coliseum and delivered a performance that still stands unmatched. He scored four goals and added two assists in a single period, setting an NHL record for most points in a period that has been tied but never broken. That night, he also became the first Islander to score five goals in a game. The 1978–79 season would see him finish with 134 points, winning both the Art Ross and Hart trophies — a feat no other Islander has accomplished. When the playoffs arrived in 1980, Trottier elevated his game further, recording 29 points in 21 games to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Islanders captured their first Stanley Cup. He was the glue that held together the dynasty, with coach Al Arbour calling him the league's best all-around player, even over Wayne Gretzky. Arbour said, "Gretzky is an offensive genius for sure. But at this stage Trots gives you more things. Defensively, he's outstanding. And he's physically tough. He comes up with his 100 points a year, automatically, along with everything else!"

Reader's Guide

Bryan Trottier anchored the Islanders' four consecutive Stanley Cup victories between 1980 and 1983. In 1980, he defeated the Philadelphia Flyers to claim his first championship and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with 29 points in 21 games. The following year, alongside Mike Bossy and Clark Gillies, they overcame the Minnesota North Stars for a second title. During the 1982 campaign, Trottier led the team past the Vancouver Canucks, securing another ring. His fourth championship came in 1983 against the Edmonton Oilers. These victories cemented his legacy as a clutch performer under pressure. Beyond the Cups, Trottier captured the Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP in 1978–79 and the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer that same season. He was also the franchise's first Calder Trophy winner upon his debut in 1975–76. His jersey number 19 remains retired at Nassau Coliseum, honoring his status as an all-time great center who defined excellence in New York hockey history.

Did You Know?

• Trottier set an NHL record on December 23, 1978, by recording six points (four goals, two assists) in a single period — a record that has been matched but never broken.
• He was the first (and so far only) Islander to win both the Hart Memorial Trophy and Art Ross Trophy in franchise history, doing so in the 1978–79 season.
• Trottier became the seventh NHL player with multiple five-goal games when he scored five on February 13, 1982.
• He scored his 500th career goal on February 13, 1990, becoming the 15th player in NHL history to reach that mark and the second Islander after Mike Bossy.
• Trottier ranks first in Islanders history in assists and points, and second in goals.