Norm Ullman

The Silent Superstar of the Original Six

In the pantheon of hockey greats, few names shine as steadily—yet as quietly—as Norm Ullman. He didn’t crave attention, didn’t need theatrics, and didn’t rely on brute force. What he did possess was a masterclass-level blend of consistency, skill, and endurance, all wrapped in an unassuming package. For two decades, Ullman was the embodiment of reliability—one of the smoothest-skating, sharpest stick-handling, and most productive centers of the Original Six era. Whether in a Detroit jersey alongside legends like Gordie Howe or later as a Toronto Maple Leaf, Ullman delivered year after year—game after game—quietly carving out one of the most underappreciated Hall of Fame careers in NHL history.

From Alberta Roots to Hockey Royalty

Born in 1935 in Provost, Alberta, Norm Ullman grew up in a hockey hotbed. He honed his skills on frozen ponds and quickly emerged as a standout junior player with the Edmonton Oil Kings. His on-ice awareness and innate playmaking ability stood out early, and by the late 1950s, Ullman had joined the Detroit Red Wings, stepping into a roster filled with future Hall of Famers. Despite the pressure, he thrived.

He became a full-time NHLer during the 1955–56 season and never looked back. Known for his exceptional conditioning, Ullman was a two-way force before the term was even popularized—backchecking with as much discipline as he scored goals. In an era known for its rough-and-tumble style, Ullman stood out by being elusive, cerebral, and lethal with the puck.

Career Stats and Accomplishments

• NHL Games Played: 1,410

• Goals: 490

• Assists: 739

• Points: 1,229

• Playoff Points: 83 in 106 games

• Seasons with 30+ Goals: 8

• Top 10 in NHL Scoring: 8 times

• All-Star Appearances: 11

• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame: 1982

• Named One of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players (2017)

• Led NHL in Goals (1964–65 season with 42)

• Most career faceoffs won during his era

Moments That Defined a Career

Part of the Most Iconic Trade of the Era
In 1968, Norm Ullman was at the heart of one of the most seismic trades in hockey history: a blockbuster deal between Detroit and Toronto that saw Ullman, Paul Henderson, and Floyd Smith sent to the Maple Leafs in exchange for Frank Mahovlich, Pete Stemkowski, and others. While Mahovlich often grabbed the headlines, it was Ullman who became the steady heartbeat of the Leafs’ top lines for years, consistently leading the team in scoring and bringing professionalism to a Toronto squad in flux.

Unwavering Durability and Two-Way Play
Ullman’s reputation for stamina and two-way excellence became legendary. He was one of the few top-line centers who also took pride in killing penalties, winning faceoffs, and shutting down the opposition’s best. Coaches leaned on him in every situation. Teammates praised his leadership-by-example, his work ethic in practice, and his uncanny ability to be in the right place on the ice at the right time—always.

Peak Season of 1964–65
That year, Ullman was electric—scoring 42 goals and 83 points, while remaining one of the league's most defensively responsible forwards. In today’s advanced stat world, his Corsi and faceoff win percentage would have been off the charts. But back then, it was simply known as “doing everything right.”

Top Cards for Collectors

• 1958 Topps #43 Norm Ullman (Rookie Card)
  A must-have for vintage hockey collectors. This rookie issue captures Ullman at the dawn of his NHL journey and features the classic Topps design with bold colors. High-grade examples are particularly tough due to centering issues and age.

• 1965 Topps #19 Norm Ullman
  Showcases Ullman in the heart of his scoring prime. The 1965 set is known for its oversized cards and vibrant team logos, and Ullman’s stoic presence makes this one of the standout cards from the mid-60s.

• 1971 O-Pee-Chee #204 Norm Ullman
  A beautiful late-career issue that captures him in a Maple Leafs jersey, this card resonates with Toronto fans and collectors of the O-Pee-Chee line. A great bookend to a career that spanned nearly two decades.

A Legacy Written in Consistency

Norm Ullman never needed a spotlight. He didn’t court controversy or flex for cameras. He let his play speak, and it spoke volumes—season after season. For 20 years, Ullman was a coach’s dream: always prepared, always productive, and always reliable. In an era filled with giants, he was the technician—crafting scoring chances, threading passes through traffic, and calmly stepping into faceoff circles like a chess master moving pieces in his mind.

He was the type of player you appreciated more with each watch. There was no wasted motion, no needless flair—just results. And while he may not have captured the same fame as his teammates or contemporaries, his career totals speak louder than hype ever could.

Even after his playing days ended, Ullman’s impact endured. He represented a generation of players who laid the groundwork for the professional standards of the modern NHL—on and off the ice. His inclusion in the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players was more than a nod to the past; it was a reminder of the timeless value of precision, grace, and commitment to the team.

In many ways, Norm Ullman was the ultimate pro. And in the long, storied history of the game, few have done it better—or more quietly—than #7.