BOSTON - A first-round draft pick of the New York Rangers in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft (14th overall), Rick Middleton played his first pro season in New England with the Providence Reds of the American Hockey League. He compiled 36 goals and 48 assists for 84 points in 63 AHL games and then spent his first two NHL seasons with the Rangers, recording 46 goals and 44 assists for 90 points in 124 New York games. He came to the Bruins in a May 26, 1976 trade for Ken Hodge and embarked on an outstanding career in a Boston uniform.
His No. 16 goes to the TD Garden rafters as the 11th number honored by the Bruins on Thursday night. Here are 16 fun facts about Middleton's career as a Bruin (in no particular order):
16 Fun Facts: Rick Middleton
Nifty's No. 16 will be raised to the TD Garden rafters on Thursday
