Throwback Thursday: Today in 1989, Toronto Maple Leafs Darryl Sittler named to Hockey Hall of Fame

Today in 1989, Toronto Maple Leafs legend Darryl Sittler was selected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Drafted by the Leafs eighth overall in the 1970 draft, Sittler played all but four seasons of his 15-year career with Toronto.

Sittler took a few years after being drafted to find his game in the NHL. A rookie in 1970-71, he scored only 10 goals and 18 points in 49 games. Year two picked up as he scored 32 points in 74 games, and his third year was his true breakout campaign.

In 1972-73, the 22-year-old Sittler scored 29 goals and 77 points. From there, his career took off and the following year he was named captain. Those early years were tough for the Leafs as they embarked on a rebuild.

Between 1974 and 1981, Sittler dressed in 605 games scoring 317 goals and 751 points.

His best year in the league came in 1977-78 when he scored 45 goals and 117 points in 80 games.

On February 7th, 1976, Sittler posted the best offensive game in league history scoring a whopping 10 points. Sittler had two assists in the first period, three goals and two assists in the second, and another hat trick in the third as the Leafs beat the Bruins 11-4.

Sittler was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers on January 20th, 1982 for the rights to Rich Costello, Hartford’s second-round pick in 1982 (used to pick Peter Ihnacak) and future considerations.

Also named to the HHOF that year was Herbie Lewis and Vladislav Tretiak.

On Twitter: @zjlaing