1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Claude Larose #231 Montreal Canadiens

Description

1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Claude Larose #231 Montreal Canadiens Every championship team needs heart and soul grinders and this 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee Claude Larose #231 Montreal Canadiens celebrates one of the most beloved role players of the 1960s and 1970s Habs dynasty. Larose was the classic energy winger who could check, agitate, kill penalties and chip in timely goals, earning the trust of coaches Toe Blake and Scotty Bowman on rosters loaded with Hall of Fame talent. The timing of this card adds extra hobby appeal because 1972-73 was a transitional season in pro hockey with the WHA raiding NHL rosters, the Summit Series inspiring a new generation and Montreal proving its depth by winning the Cup despite increased competition for players. Larose played a valuable part in that depth with responsible two way shifts and veteran leadership. Over a 14 year NHL career Larose won five Stanley Cups with Montreal in 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969 and 1971, scored 21 goals three times, and totaled 226 goals and 257 assists for 483 points in 943 games with Montreal, Minnesota and St. Louis. He was admired for his stamina, corner work and willingness to stand up for teammates, traits that made him a fan favorite at the Forum and a respected opponent across the league. After his NHL days he brought the same work ethic to the WHA, closing a long pro journey that embodied perseverance. This 1972-73 O-Pee-Chee card features Larose smiling in the red Canadiens sweater with the large crest logo, tan border and yellow nameplate that define the set. The reverse is the true Canadian O-Pee-Chee bilingual back with English and French career notes highlighting his fine penalty killing and his path through the organization, complete stats and PRINTED IN CANADA at the base, confirming it is not a US Topps card and not a puzzle back. It is a must for Canadiens team set builders and for collectors who appreciate unsung heroes behind the dynasty years. corners exhibit light wear with slight softness at the lower corners as seen in the front scan, edges show minor tan border roughness with no heavy chipping or color breaks, front surface retains good gloss with clean red and blue inks, centering is approximately 60/40 left to right and 55/45 top to bottom with full yellow ribbon visible, back shows clean cardboard with sharp print and normal light toning, no creases wrinkles or writing apparent in the sleeve, supporting a conservative raw grade estimate of EX 5 that fairly reflects light age wear while confirming a solid presentable vintage example. Claim this five time Cup winner for your shelves and round out your 1970s Montreal wings with an authentic high character card. Grade Estimate: EX 5