Brian Propp was drafted 14th overall by the Flyers in the 1979 NHL Draft, and really had an illustrious playing career in the NHL. He made his Flyers debut the following season after his draft year, to which Propp managed to score the game-winning goal in his first career game against the New York Islanders, en route to a two point night. Propp was on a line with two elite players in Bobby Clarke and Reggie Leach to start his rookie campaign, through his first 20 games. He was then placed on a line with Ken Linesman and Paul Holmgren, to which they formed instant chemistry.
For his efforts, Propp managed to tally 75 points in his rookie season, thus surpassing Richard (Rick) Martin’s left-wing rookie scoring record, that was set with 74 points in 1971-72. Propp led the Flyers to the 1980 playoffs, where he led all rookie left wingers in goals (5), assists (10), and points (15). The Flyers eventually lost in the Stanley Cup Finals in Game 6 against the New York Islanders.
The young Flyer in Propp, flashed his beautiful hands in the 1986-87 season, as he finished runner-up to Wayne Gretzky in playoff scoring by potting 12 goals, and 16 assists for a total of 28 points in 26 games played. Moreover, Propp finished the playoffs with a +11 rating, and he potted 5 Power Play goals to boot. The Flyers eventually fell to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Talk about camaraderie with a budding superstar in Propp. In game 1 of the 1989 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens. Propp sustained a concussion from a hard hit from Defenseman Chris Chelios. Chelios apparently hit him with his elbow, to which Propp fell to the ice. His teammates were furious over the non-call, to which they had some payback for Chelios. Finally, with 1:37 left in regulation in Game 6. Flyers netminder Ron Hextall slammed Chelios into the boards, and Hextall began to pummel him with blows, of course in retaliation for the hit on Propp from game 1. Eventually, Hextall was suspended for 12 games for taking matters in his own hands. Before the hit from Chelios, Propp was on a tear in the playoffs, as he potted 14 goals through his teams first 15 games.
Propp was a point machine until his 11th season in the NHL (1989-90), as this was the first time he failed to tally at least 65 points in a season. Unfortunately, later that season Propp was traded away by the Flyers. However, he will always be remembered as a Flyer legend that performed in any situation the coaching staff asked of him.
The superstar in Propp, is ranked 2nd all-time in Flyers history in Goals (369), 3rd in assists (480), third in points (849), 2nd in even strength goals (246), 7th in shorthanded goals (20), and 3rd in Power Play goals with (103). For his efforts, Propp was inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame in 1999, but there should be no reason he shouldn’t get voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame tomorrow, as well. He will always be a Flyers legend, and one that is beloved by the great fans of Philadelphia. Propp can be seen on many occasions greeting fans before the games on the concourse of the Wells Fargo Center or Xfinity Live.
NHL Records:
Most career assists by a left winger in the Playoffs with 84
Most career points by a left winger in the Playoffs with 148 points, 64g,84a
Most points by a rookie in the Stanley Cup Finals with 6 in 1980
Most career Power-Play Goals by a left winger in playoffs with 27
Most goals by a player not to make Stanley Cup Finals in theplayoffs with 14
My friend and I are working on a campaign to get our friend, Brian Propp, inducted.
My main focus is on his after hockey-playing “career”: giving his time for hockey-related charities/causes; formerly managing an ice rink; playing with the Flyers Alumni Association, etc.