Gary Nylund

Gary Nylund (born October 28, 1963) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey player who played in 608 National Hockey League games for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Islanders.

Overview
Nylund was born in Surrey, British Columbia and raised in North Delta, British Columbia. He was selected third overall by Toronto in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft.

Nylund became the first NHL player to change teams via free agency requiring compensation when he left the Maple Leafs after signing an offer sheet with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1986.

Following his retirement, Nylund became a firefighter in Delta, British Columbia. He was awarded the Medal of Bravery in 2004 for his part in saving the lives of two fellow firefighters in a 2001 chemical fire at a paper mill on Annacis Island in B.C.

Nylund was a part-owner and assistant coach of the BCHL Surrey Eagles franchise from 2010 to 2012, and returned in a coaching role for the 2015-16 season.

Awards

 * WHL Second All-Star Team – 1981
 * WHL First All-Star Team – 1982