Claim: In the 1950-51 season, the Chicago Black Hawks and Detroit Red Wings made the biggest trade in NHL history at the time, which resulted in the Black Hawks starting the season with a strong 7-3-2 record before falling into a slump after 27 games where their record went down to 11-10-6; which was still above .500, but after team members Jack Stewart, Gus Bodnar, and Bill Gadsby ran into injuries, the next 43 games saw the team go on a 2-37-4, resulting in a last place finish for the second consecutive season.
Evidence: In the off-season, the Black Hawks and Detroit Red Wings made the biggest trade in NHL history at the time, as Chicago sent Jim Henry, Gaye Stewart, Bob Goldham and Metro Prystai to Detroit for Harry Lumley, Jack Stewart, Al Dewsbury, Don Morrison and Pete Babando. Chicago started the season off playing very good hockey, as they went a solid 7–3–2 in their opening 12 games. The Black Hawks then fell into a slump, however, 27 games into the season, they were still playing over .500 hockey, as their record was 11–10–6, and fighting with the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens for a playoff spot. Chicago then ran into injuries, as team captain Jack Stewart ruptured a disc in his back, ending his season after only 26 games, while Gus Bodnar and Bill Gadsby would also run into severe injury problems, as the Black Hawks would go on to a 2–37–4 record in their last 43 games, finishing in last place for the second consecutive season.