Here's the tale of Rangers goalie Davie Kerr.
When the Rangers won their third Stanley Cup in 1940 their goalie was Davie Kerr, regarded among the top puck-stoppers of the decade.
By all means, Kerr figured to remain a Blueshirt for many more seasons but that would not be the case.
Still in his prime – and only one year from winning the Stanley Cup and Vezina Trophy, Kerr demanded a $10,000 contract.
Rangers boss Lester Patrick turned a thumbs-down whereupon Kerr – who deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame – prematurely retired.
Writing in The Hockey News' "Top 100 Goalies Of All-Time Issue, Ken Campbell lauded Kerr with the following critique:
"In an era when athletes were forced to shut up and play, Kerr stood up for his rights and essentially ended his career in his prime because he felt that he wasn't making a fair wage."
And after this Davey had played every minute of every game in each of his last five seasons.
Campbell: "Kerr played his angles without peer and seemed to have a book on every shooter. But, it was Kerr's inability to angle for a better contract that ultimately led to him leaving the game at 31 when he had more to give!"
