1969 - NHL expands to Vancouver, Buffalo

The NHL's Board of Governors announce that expansion franchises have been awarded to the cities of Buffalo and Vancouver. The two new teams would begin play in the 1970-71 season.

This marked a second, smaller wave of expansion for the NHL after the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Oakland Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues were added to the league three years prior.

The Vancouver Canucks became the third NHL club based in Canada, following significant outrage over the fact a team hadn't already been added north of the border.

The two teams were allowed to make the first two picks at the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, with the Buffalo Sabres selecting future Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault first overall.

Neither team has won a Stanley Cup since entering the league 44 years ago.

Birthdays

1955 - Paul Holmgren

1963 - Ron Sutter

1963 - Rich Sutter

1980 - Joel Ward

1994 - Elias Lindholm