Following two seasons with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, Barry Long signed with the Edmonton Oilers in the summer of 1974. Long made an immediate impact with his new team as he was voted their best defenseman and most valuable player in 1974-1975.
After another stellar season with the Oilers, Long was traded to the Winnipeg Jets early in the 1976-1977 season. Often paired with captain Lars-Erik Sjoberg, Long was a stalwart on the Jets' blue line and helped lead the Jets to two AVCO Cup championships.
Long was a two-time WHA Second Team All-Star and was selected for the mid-season All-Star Game on four occasions.
Long's rights were reclaimed by the Detroit Red Wings following the 1978-1979 season, but the Jets re-acquired him a year later and he finished his playing career with the Jets. Long went on to coach the Jets and in 1984-1985, he led them to their best record they would achieve in 17 NHL seasons. |
