Vladislav Tretiak

It truly was Tretiak's greatest dream to play for the National Hockey League (NHL). He mentioned his desire to play for the NHL to the great Wayne Gretzky, and asked Gretzky if he would be able to earn as much as the Islander's all-star defenseman Denis Potvin. Gretzky believed Tretiak could without a doubt. It was this discussion, as well as Tretiak's continued performance, that led to him being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens. He petitioned the Soviet Federals to allow him to leave the country to play for the Canadiens, but his request was denied. They could not let their prize goalie leave the country.