I always felt the Hawks, and by extension, the NHL, deserved what they got. Instead, they blew it and they blew it again when he was not included in Team Canada's first foray against the Soviet Union in 1972, the greatest disappointment of his 23-year career. But it was the war his departure touched off that really cost the NHL to this day. Once Hull joined the Winnipeg Jets, the trickle of NHLers to the rival league became a torrent. His impact continued.
Some people never change and the burly guy with the rugged face surely is one.
It also explains the long line of autograph-seekers, including so many kids. Hull, whose 119 m.p.h. blue-line shot goalie Ken Dryden deemed humanly impossible to stop if was going to a high corner, is the ultimate survivor. Long after the Blackhawks have become a perennial non-contender, long after his nemeses are no longer around, he remains the star. With more appearance requests than he can handle and with business interests that include a national champion bull, Hull is busy. It used to be a family sport a guy could take his wife and kids to without breaking him.