Yves Courteau, a former #1 overall pick in the QMHL in 1980, made an impressive NHL debut with the Calgary Flames in 1984, assisting on two goals in his first NHL game. He was never able to secure a full-time position in the NHL and eventually retired due to injury.
Yves went into the 1982 NHL Entry draft as a projected top ten pick but fell to second round and was drafted 32nd overall by the Detroit Red Wings. While Yves enjoyed his best seasons in junior, playing alongside Mario Lemieux, the Red Wings traded Yves to the Calgary Flames.
Yves made a successful NHL debut on October 13, 1984, collecting two assists. He scored his first career goal ten days later. Even with the early success, Yves never secured a full-time job in the NHL. After two season in the Flames organization, Yves was traded to the Hartford Whalers. In his second training camp with the Whalers, Yves suffered a shoulder injury, that would eventually cause him to retire.
Yves never earned a NHL card. Here is my version of a 1985-86 OPC Yves Courteau rookie card.
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| 1985-86 OPC #270 Yves Courteau (RC) |
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| 1985-86 OPC #270 Yves Courteau (RC) |
