In Washington, Picard was expected to single-handedly reverse the losing fortunes of a horrible team. He tried, but overextended himself and after three seasons was traded to Toronto. But the Leafs didn't even allow him a full season to prove his mettle, casting him off to Montreal before the end of the 1980-81 campaign. In his hometown, the expectations were raised even higher and, as before, Picard, in his sensitivity, tried to do more than he could.

By 1983, he was shipped to the Winnipeg Jets where, paired with fellow defender, Randy Carlyle, he found an opportunity to play within his means. The gig was good but short. Just over two seasons later, he was again on the move, this time to the Quebec Nordiques, where he found regular action for parts of four seasons before retiring after a brief stint with the Red Wings in 1990.

Courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame