| Born: | Dec 4, 1953 | Draft: | 1973 Rangers, 14th Overall |
| Hometown: | Toronto, Ontario | Position: | Right Wing |
| Known For: | Canada Cup Champion (1985) | Shoots: | Right |
| National Team: | Canada | Current Status: | Retired |
Rick Middleton (born December 4, 1953) is a retired Canadian ice hockey player, having played his final year in the NHL with the Boston Bruins during the 1987-88 season. Drafted 14th overall in the 1973 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers, Middleton played in two seasons with the Rangers. While his first season was cut short due to injuries, his two years combined saw the forward score 48 goals and 90 points in 124 games. In 1976, Middleton was traded to the Bruins for forward Ken Hodge, who was ten years older than Middleton.
Middleton would play in 12 seasons with the Bruins, amassing an impressive 898 points in 881 games, including two 100-point seasons. Middleton became a three-time All Star, won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1982, and served as the Bruins’ captain in the final three seasons of his NHL career. Middleton’s number 16 is also retired by the Bruins in 2018. Middleton appeared in two Canada Cup tournaments, winning a silver medal in 1981 and a gold medal in 1984. He appeared in one season in Switzerland, producing 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 17 games with EHC Bülach.
Middleton’s 1985-86 season, the first of three years he served as captain, was cut short when he was struck by a puck to the temple, resulting in a concussion. Despite returning the following season and scoring 31 goals, Middleton’s post-concussion syndrome were the cause of reoccurring headaches. Middleton retired in 1988, having played in 1005 NHL games and registering 988 points. He now serves as the president of the Boston Bruins Alumni, and held a position with ESPN as a studio analyst from 2002 to 2007.
Rick Middleton Statistics
Deeper Dive
- Boston Bruins Retire Rick Middleton’s No. 16
- Hockey Hall of Fame Debates: Rick Middleton
- The Worst Trades in NHL History
Achievements
- MetJBHL Rookie of the Year (1971)
- OHL Most Outstanding Player (Red Tilson Trophy) (1973)
- AHL First All-Star Team (1974)
- AHL Rookie of the Year (Red Garrett Memorial Award) (1974)
- Canada Cup Runner-Up (1982)
- NHL Gentleman Conduct (Lady Byng Trophy) (1982)
- 3x NHL Second All-Star Game (1981, 1982, 1984)
- NHL Second All-Star Team (1982)
- Canada Cup Champion (1985)
- Jersey #16 Retired (2018)