# 1981–82 Quebec Nordiques season

The 1981–82 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques' third season in the National Hockey League. The Nordiques had a successful regular season, qualifying for the playoffs, but they had a better playoff, making it to the Wales Final before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders.

## Off-season

During the off-season, the four divisions of the NHL were re-aligned to better reflect the geographical locations of the teams. Quebec remained in the Adams Division with the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres, while the Minnesota North Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs were replaced with the Hartford Whalers and the Nordiques' provincial rival, the Montreal Canadiens. The Nordiques signed Marian Stastny out of Czechoslovakia, the brother of Peter Stastny and Anton Stastny. Quebec replaced team captain Marc Tardif with Robbie Ftorek prior to the season. Ftorek did not remain the Nordiques captain for long, as he was traded to the New York Rangers in December, and was replaced with Andre Dupont.

## Regular season

The Nordiques found themselves under .500 only once throughout the season, and that was five games in when they had a record of 2–3–0. Quebec got hot, and eventually reached a season-high nine games over .500 in the middle of January, however, a late season slump had the Nords finish the year only two games above .500, with a 33-31-16 record, earning 82 points, which was good enough to finish fourth in the Adams Division, and the Nordiques second post-season appearance in a row.
Offensively, the Nordiques were led by Peter Stastny, who set a team record with 139 points, as he scored 46 goals and earned 93 assists. Stastny finished behind only Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers and Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders in the NHL scoring race. Real Cloutier rebounded from an injury plagued 1980–81 season by scoring 37 goals and 97 points, while rookie Marian Stastny scored 35 goals and 89 points. Michel Goulet notched 42 goals and 84 points, while Dale Hunter had a breakout season, scoring 22 goals and 72 points, as well as a team record 272 penalty minutes. On defense, Mario Marois led the way, scoring 11 goals and 43 points.
In goal, Dan Bouchard held on to the number one job, winning a team record 27 games, while posting a team best 3.86 GAA, as well as earning a shutout in 60 games.

### Season standings

Adams Division :
| | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | PIM | PTS |
| Montreal Canadiens | 80 | 46 | 17 | 17 | 360 | 223 | 1463 | 109 |
| Boston Bruins | 80 | 43 | 27 | 10 | 323 | 285 | 1266 | 96 |
| Buffalo Sabres | 80 | 39 | 26 | 15 | 307 | 273 | 1425 | 93 |
| Quebec Nordiques | 80 | 33 | 31 | 16 | 356 | 345 | 1757 | 82 |
| Hartford Whalers | 80 | 21 | 41 | 18 | 264 | 351 | 1493 | 60 |
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against Note: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.

### Record vs. opponents

Adams Division record vs. opponents :
Vs. Wales Conference
Vs. Adams Division
1981–82 NHL records
Team
BOS
BUF
HFD
MTL
QUE
Total
Boston
—5–2–14–2–20–7–14–413–15–4
Buffalo
2–5–1—4–1–33–2–34–3–113–11–8
Hartford
2–4–21–4–3—0–7–12–3–35–18–9
Montreal
7–0–12–3–37–0–1—3–3–219–6–7
Quebec
4–43–4–13–2–33–3–2—13–13–6
Vs. Patrick Division
1981–82 NHL records
Team
NYI
NYR
PHI
PIT
WSH
Total
Boston
2–12–11–21–1–13–09–5–1
Buffalo
2–10–2–11–22–13–08–6–1
Hartford
0–2–11–1–10−30–2–11–22–10–3
Montreal
1–22–12–12–11–28–7–0
Quebec
1–1–11–1–11–1–10–32–0–15–6–4
Vs. Campbell Conference
Vs. Norris Division
1981–82 NHL records
Team
CHI
DET
MIN
STL
TOR
WIN
Total
Boston
1−22−0−11−21−1–13−03−011−5−2
Buffalo
2−13−01−1−12−12−0−11−0−211−3−4
Hartford
1–1–12–0–11–22–13–02−111−5−2
Montreal
2−0−12−11–0−22−0−12–0−11−0−210−1−7
Quebec
2−13−00−2–12−11−1–12−0−110−5−3
Vs. Smythe Division
1981–82 NHL records
Team
CGY
COL
EDM
LAK
VAN
Total
Boston
1−1−13−01−0–23−02−110−2−3
Buffalo
0−2−13–01−22−11−1−17−6−2
Hartford
1–20–2–10–2–12–0–10–2–13–8–4
Montreal
2−12−0−11−0−22–12−19−3−3
Quebec
0−32−12−10–1–21–1−15−7−3 :

## Schedule and results

| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record | Pts | Attendance |
| 1 | October 6 | Hartford Whalers | 5–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–0–0 | 2 | 15,007 |
| 2 | October 8 | Quebec Nordiques | 7–5 | Boston Bruins | 2–0–0 | 4 | 11,274 |
| 3 | October 10 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–2 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 2–1–0 | 4 | 15,215 |
| 4 | October 12 | Minnesota North Stars | 4–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–2–0 | 4 | 15,211 |
| 5 | October 14 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–4 | Buffalo Sabres | 2–3–0 | 4 | 14,764 |
| 6 | October 17 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–3–0 | 6 | 15,019 |
| 7 | October 19 | Vancouver Canucks | 3–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 4-3–0 | 8 | 14,443 |
| 8 | October 21 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–3 | Washington Capitals | 5–3–0 | 10 | 7,862 |
| 9 | October 22 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–3 | Philadelphia Flyers | 5–4–0 | 10 | 16,948 |
| 10 | October 24 | Detroit Red Wings | 3–8 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–4–0 | 12 | 15,212 |
| 11 | October 27 | Quebec Nordiques | 7–8 | Los Angeles Kings | 6–5–0 | 12 | 7,595 |
| 12 | October 28 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–1 | Colorado Rockies | 7–5–0 | 14 | N/A |
| 13 | October 31 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–11 | Edmonton Oilers | 7–6–0 | 14 | 17,490 |
| 14 | November 2 | Montreal Canadiens | 4–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 8–6–0 | 16 | 15,262 |
| 15 | November 4 | St. Louis Blues | 2–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 9–6–0 | 18 | 15,005 |
| 16 | November 7 | Boston Bruins | 10–1 | Quebec Nordiques | 9–7–0 | 18 | 15,232 |
| 17 | November 9 | Detroit Red Wings | 3–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 10–7–0 | 20 | 15,043 |
| 18 | November 11 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–6 | Vancouver Canucks | 10–8–0 | 20 | 12,558 |
| 19 | November 12 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–3 | Calgary Flames | 10–9–0 | 20 | 7,226 |
| 20 | November 14 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–5 | Minnesota North Stars | 10–9–1 | 21 | 15,784 |
| 21 | November 17 | New York Islanders | 2–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 11–9–1 | 23 | 15,148 |
| 22 | November 19 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–1 | Montreal Canadiens | 11–9–2 | 24 | 17,088 |
| 23 | November 21 | Hartford Whalers | 3–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 12–9–2 | 26 | 15,016 |
| 24 | November 22 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–1 | Boston Bruins | 13–9–2 | 28 | 10,024 |
| 25 | November 24 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 7–1 | Quebec Nordiques | 13–10-2 | 28 | 14,805 |
| 26 | November 25 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–3 | Hartford Whalers | 13–10–3 | 29 | 12,141 |
| 27 | November 28 | New York Rangers | 4–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 14–10–3 | 31 | 15,229 |
| 28 | November 29 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–4 | New York Rangers | 14–10–4 | 32 | 17,423 |
| 29 | December 2 | Edmonton Oilers | 8–9 | Quebec Nordiques | 15–10–4 | 34 | 15,230 |
| 30 | December 5 | Boston Bruins | 5–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 15–11–4 | 34 | 15,228 |
| 31 | December 8 | Calgary Flames | 7–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 15–12–4 | 34 | 14,951 |
| 32 | December 12 | St. Louis Blues | 6–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 15–13–4 | 34 | 15,204 |
| 33 | December 13 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–4 | Buffalo Sabres | 15–13–5 | 35 | 15,708 |
| 34 | December 15 | Quebec Nordiques | 7–10 | New York Islanders | 15–14–5 | 35 | 14,746 |
| 35 | December 17 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–2 | Detroit Red Wings | 16–14–5 | 37 | 11,302 |
| 36 | December 19 | Buffalo Sabres | 3–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 17–14–5 | 39 | 15,219 |
| 37 | December 22 | Montreal Canadiens | 2–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 18–14–5 | 41 | 15,259 |
| 38 | December 27 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–6 | Montreal Canadiens | 18–15–5 | 41 | 18,096 |
| 39 | December 29 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–8 | Quebec Nordiques | 19–15–5 | 43 | 15,227 |
| 40 | January 2 | Buffalo Sabres | 3–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 20–15–5 | 45 | 15,221 |
| 41 | January 5 | Washington Capitals | 0–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 21–15–5 | 47 | 15,143 |
| 42 | January 9 | Boston Bruins | 1–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 22–15–5 | 49 | 15,217 |
| 43 | January 11 | Hartford Whalers | 2–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 23–15–5 | 51 | 15,216 |
| 44 | January 13 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–2 | St. Louis Blues | 24–15–5 | 53 | 12,530 |
| 45 | January 16 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–4 | Minnesota North Stars | 24–16–5 | 53 | 15,516 |
| 46 | January 17 | Quebec Nordiques | 7–5 | Winnipeg Jets | 25-16–5 | 55 | 14,061 |
| 47 | January 19 | Philadelphia Flyers | 2–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 25–16–6 | 56 | 15,208 |
| 48 | January 20 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–4 | Hartford Whalers | 25–17–6 | 56 | 11,197 |
| 49 | January 22 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–5 | Buffalo Sabres | 25–18–6 | 56 | 16,433 |
| 50 | January 23 | Buffalo Sabres | 3–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 25–19–6 | 56 | N/A |
| 51 | January 26 | Montreal Canadiens | 8–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 25–20–6 | 56 | 15,338 |
| 52 | January 30 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 25–20–7 | 57 | 16,360 |
| 53 | January 31 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–4 | Hartford Whalers | 25–20–8 | 58 | 11,769 |
| 54 | February 2 | Colorado Rockies | 7–8 | Quebec Nordiques | 26–20–8 | 60 | 15,177 |
| 55 | February 6 | Philadelphia Flyers | 3-4 | Quebec Nordiques | 27–20–8 | 62 | 15,303 |
| 56 | February 7 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–5 | Washington Capitals | 27–20–9 | 63 | 10,712 |
| 57 | February 11 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–4 | Los Angeles Kings | 27–20–10 | 64 | 9,958 |
| 58 | February 12 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–9 | Colorado Rockies | 27–21–10 | 64 | 7,129 |
| 59 | February 14 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–5 | New York Rangers | 27–22–10 | 64 | 17,398 |
| 60 | February 16 | Winnipeg Jets | 3–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 28–22–10 | 66 | 15,265 |
| 61 | February 19 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–4 | Winnipeg Jets | 28–22–11 | 67 | 13,661 |
| 62 | February 21 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 28–23–11 | 67 | 12,563 |
| 63 | February 23 | Montreal Canadiens | 3–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 29–23–11 | 69 | 15,330 |
| 64 | February 25 | Quebec Nordiques | 4-4 | Montreal Canadiens | 29–23–12 | 70 | 16,969 |
| 65 | February 27 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–5 | New York Islanders | 29–23–13 | 71 | 15,271 |
| 66 | March 1 | Los Angeles Kings | 5–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 29–23-14 | 72 | 15,288 |
| 67 | March 3 | Edmonton Oilers | 4–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 30–23–14 | 74 | 15,290 |
| 68 | March 6 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 6–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 30–24–14 | 74 | 15,222 |
| 69 | March 9 | Calgary Flames | 9–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 30–25–14 | 74 | 15,189 |
| 70 | March 13 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–9 | Quebec Nordiques | 31–25–14 | 76 | 15,288 |
| 71 | March 16 | Hartford Whalers | 7-5 | Quebec Nordiques | 31–26-14 | 76 | 15,285 |
| 72 | March 17 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–6 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 31–27–14 | 76 | 16,360 |
| 73 | March 20 | Vancouver Canucks | 3–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 31–27–15 | 77 | 15,289 |
| 74 | March 22 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–5 | Boston Bruins | 31–28–15 | 77 | 10,851 |
| 75 | March 24 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–3 | Hartford Whalers | 31–28–16 | 78 | 10,509 |
| 76 | March 27 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–4 | Montreal Canadiens | 31–29–16 | 78 | 18,175 |
| 77 | March 30 | Buffalo Sabres | 6–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 31–30–16 | 78 | 15,201 |
| 78 | April 1 | Quebec Nordiques | 8–5 | Boston Bruins | 32–30–16 | 80 | 11,407 |
| 79 | April 3 | Boston Bruins | 5–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 32–31–16 | 80 | 15,276 |
| 80 | April 4 | Quebec Nordiques | 7–4 | Buffalo Sabres | 33–31–16 | 82 | 16,433 |

## Playoffs

The Nordiques opened the 1982 Stanley Cup playoffs with a best of five Adams Division semi-final series with their Battle of Quebec rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal finished the season on top of the Adams Division with a 46-17-17 record, earning 109 points, which was 27 more than the Nordiques.
The series opened with two games at the Montreal Forum, and the Canadiens handled the Nordiques easily in the first game, as Mario Tremblay and Mark Napier each scored twice for Montreal, leading them to a 5–1 victory. The Nordiques fought back in the second game, as goaltender Dan Bouchard made 33 saves as Quebec defeated Montreal 3–2 to even the series up. The series shifted to Le Colisée for the next two games, and in the third game of the series, the Nordiques were led by Dale Hunter and his two goals late in the first period, as well as another spectacular goaltending performance by Dan Bouchard, who made 22 saves, as the Nordiques edged the Canadiens 2–1 to take the series lead. Montreal fought back in the fourth game, which featured a brawl in which every player from both teams was involved. The brawl lasted for twenty minutes. There were 149 penalty minutes, and two game misconducts. The Canadiens easily defeated the underdog Nordiques 6–2 to even the series up at two games each, with the fifth and deciding game back at the Montreal Forum. In the fifth game, the Nordiques took an early 2–0 lead with first period goals by Wilf Paiement and Anton Stastny, however, the Canadiens tied the game in the third period, setting up overtime. In the extra period, Dale Hunter emerged as the hero, scoring 22 seconds into the period against Montreal goalie Rick Wamsley to clinch the series for the Nordiques, who then moved on to the Adams Division finals.
Quebec would face the Boston Bruins in the best of seven Adams Division finals. Boston had a 43-27-10 record, earning 96 points, and a second-place finish in the division. The Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres in four games in their first playoff round. The series opened with two games at the Boston Garden. In the first game, the Nordiques and Bruins were tied up at three heading into the final minute of the third period, however, Ray Bourque scored for Boston, as the Bruins won the game 4–3. In the second game, the Bruins easily defeated Quebec by a score of 8–4, taking a commanding 2–0 series lead. The series moved to Le Colisée for the next two games, and the Nordiques responded on their home ice, as Wilf Paiement scored the overtime winner in the third game for a 3-2 Quebec victory, cutting the Bruins series lead to 2–1. In the fourth game, the Nordiques, led by Michel Goulet and his two goals, as well as 33 saves by goaltender John Garrett, easily defeated the Bruins 7–2 to even up the series. The fifth game was back in Boston, however, the Nordiques, led by Peter Stastny and his two goals, shocked the Bruins with a 4–3 win to push Boston on the brink of elimination. In the sixth game back in Quebec City, the Bruins stormed out to an early 3–0 lead, however, the Nordiques fought back, and tied the game at five in the third period, setting up overtime. In overtime, the Bruins Peter McNab scored, as the Bruins tied the series, setting up a seventh and deciding game back in Boston. After a scoreless first period, the Nordiques Michel Goulet opened the scoring in the second period, however, Peter McNab of the Bruins tied the game. In the third period, Nordiques defenseman Dave Pichette scored on the powerplay, giving Quebec a 2–1 lead. The Bruins couldn't beat Nordiques goaltender Dan Bouchard, who made 28 saves in the game, as the Nordiques held on for the 2–1 win, and completing the series upset, advancing to the Wales Conference finals.
The Nordiques opponent in the Wales Conference finals was the two time defending Stanley Cup champions, the New York Islanders. The best of seven series opened with two games at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, New York. The powerful Islanders, led by 27 saves by goaltender Billy Smith, defeated Quebec 4–1 in the series opener. In the second game, the Islanders were led by two goals by Mike Bossy, and another solid performance by Billy Smith, who made 35 saves, as New York defeated Quebec 5–2 to take a 2–0 series lead. In the third game back in Quebec, the Nordiques took the Islanders to overtime, however, New York's Wayne Merrick emerged the hero, as he scored late in the first overtime, giving the Islanders a 5–4 victory, and 3–0 series lead. New York completed the series sweep in the fourth game, as the Islanders took a 3–0 lead late into the third period. Quebec put up a fight, scoring twice to cut the Islanders lead to 3–2, however, Duane Sutter scored an empty net goal to give the Islanders a 4–2 victory.

### Quebec Nordiques 3, Montreal Canadiens 2

| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record | Attendance |
| 1 | April 7 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–5 | Montreal Canadiens | 0-1 | 16,096 |
| 2 | April 8 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–2 | Montreal Canadiens | 1-1 | 16,391 |
| 3 | April 10 | Montreal Canadiens | 1–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 2-1 | 15,323 |
| 4 | April 11 | Montreal Canadiens | 6–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 2-2 | 15,314 |
| 5 | April 13 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–2 (OT) | Montreal Canadiens | 3-2 | 17,611 |

### Quebec Nordiques 4, Boston Bruins 3

| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record | Attendance |
| 1 | April 15 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–4 | Boston Bruins | 0-1 | 14,673 |
| 2 | April 16 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–8 | Boston Bruins | 0-2 | 14,673 |
| 3 | April 18 | Boston Bruins | 2–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 1-2 | 15,302 |
| 4 | April 19 | Boston Bruins | 2–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 2-2 | 15,287 |
| 5 | April 21 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–3 | Boston Bruins | 3-2 | 14,673 |
| 6 | April 23 | Boston Bruins | 6–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 3-3 | 15,330 |
| 7 | April 25 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–1 | Boston Bruins | 4-3 | 14,673 |

### New York Islanders 4, Quebec Nordiques 0

| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record | Attendance |
| 1 | April 27 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–4 | New York Islanders | 0-1 | 15,137 |
| 2 | April 29 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–5 | New York Islanders | 0-2 | 15,230 |
| 3 | May 1 | New York Islanders | 5–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 0-3 | 15,238 |
| 4 | May 3 | New York Islanders | 4–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 0-4 | 15,238 |

## Player statistics
### Scoring leaders

Regular season :
| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| Peter Stastny | 80 | 46 | 93 | 39 | 91 |
| Real Cloutier | 67 | 37 | 60 | 97 | 34 |
| Marian Stastny | 74 | 35 | 54 | 89 | 27 |
| Michel Goulet | 80 | 42 | 42 | 84 | 48 |
| Dale Hunter | 80 | 22 | 50 | 72 | 272 |
Playoffs :
| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
| Peter Stastny | 12 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 10 |
| Marian Stastny | 16 | 3 | 14 | 17 | 5 |
| Anton Stastny | 16 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 10 |
| Michel Goulet | 16 | 8 | 5 | 13 | 6 |
| Real Cloutier | 16 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 10 |

### Goaltending

Regular season :
| Player | GP | Min | W | L | T | GA | SO | GAA |
| Dan Bouchard | 60 | 3572 | 27 | 22 | 11 | 230 | 1 | 3.86 |
| John Garrett | 12 | 720 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 62 | 0 | 5.17 |
| Michel Plasse | 8 | 388 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 35 | 0 | 5.41 |
| Clint Malarchuk | 2 | 120 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 7.00 |
Playoffs :
| Player | GP | Min | W | L | GA | SO | GAA |
| Dan Bouchard | 11 | 677 | 4 | 7 | 38 | 0 | 3.37 |
| John Garrett | 5 | 323 | 3 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 3.90 |
    Pos = Position; GPI = Games played in; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes; +/- = Plus/minus; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals
    Min, TOI = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T,T/OT = Ties; OTL = Overtime losses; GA = Goals-against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts; SA = Shots against; SV = Shots saved; SV% = Save percentage;

## Transactions

The Nordiques were involved in the following transactions during the 1981–82 season.

### Trades

| December 30, 1981 | To New York RangersRobbie Ftorek 8th round pick in 1982 – Brian Glynn | To Quebec NordiquesJere Gillis Pat Hickey |
| January 12, 1982 | To Hartford WhalersMichel Plasse 4th round pick in 1983 – Ron Chyzowski | To Quebec NordiquesJohn Garrett |
| February 1, 1982 | To Washington CapitalsLee Norwood 6th round pick in 1982 – Mats Kihlstrom | To Quebec NordiquesTim Tookey 7th round pick in 1982 – Daniel Poudrier |
| March 9, 1982 | To Toronto Maple LeafsMiroslav Frycer 7th round pick in 1982 – Jeff Triano | To Quebec NordiquesWilf Paiement |
| June 9, 1982 | To Minnesota North Stars11th round pick in 1983 – Oldrich Valek | To Quebec Nordiques12th round pick in 1982 – Jan Jasko |

### Free agents

| Player | Former Team |
| Pat Daley | Winnipeg Jets |
| Jean Hamel | Detroit Red Wings |
| Gary Dillon | Colorado Rockies |

## Draft picks

Quebec's draft picks from the 1981 NHL entry draft which was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal.
| Round | # | Player | Nationality | College/junior/club team (league) |
| 1 | 11 | Randy Moller | Canada | Lethbridge Broncos (WHL) |
| 3 | 53 | Jean-Marc Gaulin | Canada | Sorel Black Hawks (QMJHL) |
| 4 | 74 | Clint Malarchuk | Canada | Portland Winter Hawks (WHL) |
| 5 | 95 | Ed Lee | United States | Princeton University (NCAA) |
| 6 | 116 | Mike Eagles | Canada | Kitchener Rangers (OHL) |
| 8 | 158 | Andre Cote | Canada | Quebec Remparts (QMJHL) |
| 9 | 179 | Marc Brisebois | Canada | Sorel Black Hawks (QMJHL) |
| 10 | 200 | Kari Takko | Finland | Assat Pori (Finland) |