Such was his reputation that in September 1928 Trottier's pro rights were acquired by the Montreal Maroons for an incredible $10,000. Trottier began his NHL career with the Maroons in 1928-29, playing 37 games in his first season but recording only two goals and four assists. He also spent time with the Montreal Victorias in the city senior league but was better suited to the faster pace of the NHL.

Trottier's performance in the pro ranks improved quickly, and in 1931-32 he scored 26 goals and recorded 18 assists for 44 points in 48 games. But his game featured more than scoring. Trottier was also earning a reputation as one of the pro game's best checking forwards. In 1934-35, he was an important part of the Maroons' drive to the Stanley Cup, a playoffs that climaxed in a three-game sweep of the Leafs in the best-of-five finals. His consistent play with Montreal earned him a spot in the Howie Morenz Memorial Game in 1937, a precursor to the All-Star Game.

In December 1938 Trottier was traded to the Detroit Red Wings for cash. Trottier played only 11 games for the Wings in 1938-39, recording a single goal and a single assist. He finished that year with a 10-game stay in the minors, with the Pittsburgh Hornets of the American Hockey League, before hanging up his skates.

Although Trottier scored 121 goals and earned 113 assists in 446 NHL games, he'll be best remembered by fans and hockey historians as one of the key members of the 1928 gold medal-winning team in Switzerland. Trottier passed away in 1956 at the age of 50.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame