"How do you stop Mike Gartner?" It was a question NHL opponents pondered in the 1980s and '90s, season after season. They didn't come up with many good solutions.

In the world's fastest sport, Gartner was the fastest player. Unlike many quick skaters, Gartner could handle the puck, pass it and get off blistering drives in full flight. His arsenal of shots -- all varieties and from all distances -- made him one of hockey's most dangerous forwards. He could score from everywhere and get there faster than anyone. Woe to the wing and defenseman assigned to check him -- and double-woe to the goalies he faced.

For more of Mike Gartner's 100 Greatest Players bio, please click here.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• OMJHL Rookie of the Year (1977)
• OMJHL First All-Star Team (1978)
• Played in NHL All-Star Game (1981, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1996)
• Signed as a underage free agent by Birmingham (WHA), May, 1978.
• Traded to Minnesota by Washington with Larry Murphy for Dino Ciccarelli and Bob Rouse, March 7, 1989.
• Traded to NY Rangers by Minnesota for Ulf Dahlen, Los Angeles' 4th round pick (previously acquired, Minnesota selected Cal McGowan) in 1990 NHL Draft, March 6, 1990.
• Traded to Toronto by NY Rangers for Glenn Anderson, the rights to Scott Malone and Toronto's 4th round pick (Alexander Korobolin) in 1994 NHL Draft, March 21, 1994.
• Traded to Phoenix by Toronto for Chicago's 4th round pick (previously acquired, Toronto selected Vladimir Antipov) in 1996 NHL Draft, June 22, 1996.