Ken Dryden

In September 1973, Dryden announced that he would not play in the 1973-74 season so he could article for the firm of Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt in Toronto. He made this decision not just because his degree required it, but also because the Canadiens would not meet his financial demands. Dryden believed he was one of the best goalies in the NHL and wanted to be paid like it.

While living in Toronto, Dryden remained connected to hockey by playing defense in an industrial league in Toronto and doing television commentary for the World Hockey Association's Toronto Toros. The Canadiens suffered in Dryden's absence. They played horribly behind three different goalies, Wayne Thomas, Michel Plasse, and Michel "Bunny" Larocque. Though the team made the playoffs, Montreal lost in the first round.