Taking a Stand: Ken Linseman

This is Kenny Linseman. He was a real effective hockey player, but he forever soiled his legacy by creating a reputation as one of the dirtiest, peskiest players in the game.

He was nicknamed "The Rat," not for his antagonistic antics, but because Bobby Clarke thought he looked and skated like one. History will always remember The Rat as a yappy, &#!@ disturber.

But history will also remember The Rat every year at draft time. Ken Linseman took a stand against the 20 year old draft in the WHA, successfully claiming if was old enough to vote, he should be old enough to play pro hockey.

The fall out - the WHA raided junior hockey of its top players, and the NHL lowered its draft to 18 forever. The draft became even more of a wild card, and there was more pressure placed on junior, midget and drafted players at an earlier age.

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