This striking road red dureen gamer by Wilson was worn by Bob Gainey during the 1977-78 NHL season. Gainey was a career Montreal Canadien, spending all of his 16 seasons with the club. He served as team Captain for the legendary franchise during 8 different seasons in the decade of the 1980’s. Bob is recognized as one of the greatest defensive forwards in the history of the sport. He was the player called upon to shut down the opposing team’s top scoring line, and was perhaps the most successful player ever at doing so. He was also a relentless penalty killer whose mark was felt as the Habs rolled to title after title.

Bob won 5 Stanley Cup championships in Montreal. He was the winner of the Conn Smythe award for playoff MVP in 1979, thus cementing one of hockeys greatest all-time dynasties as the Habs won their 4th consecutive Stanley Cup. Gainey was the recipient of the first (4) Frank J. Selke trophies as the best defensive forward in hockey, an award that may have been created to honor Gainey himself. There is never a conversation that discusses the greatest defensive forwards of all time that doesn’t include this man’s name. He is considered by many to be the glue that kept this storied franchise strong as personnel changes were made and a 1970’s dynasty was dismantled. His induction into Hockey’s Hall of Fame came as no surprise to anybody that watched this man play the game.

Sewn to the inside hem of this fabulous dureen is a chain stitched “77” indicating use during the 1977-78 season. The game wear is spectacular consisting of many stick marks, board burns, board paint transfer, great inner-pilling, un-repaired holes and by our count 14 team-sewn repairs. Sewn between the shoulders is the all original nameplate which is certainly a treat to collectors in the know. Shown above are photo matches of Gainey wearing this exact jersey. This sweater was worn during the heart of one of hockey’s most storied dynasties and during the season which saw Bob win his first of 4 consecutive Frank J Selke awards. To our knowledge, no finer Gainey jersey has ever been offered in our hobby. This is a true Hall of Fame quality offering.