Mike Bullard spent three seasons with the Brantford Alexanders of the OHA from 1978-1980. During that time, he collected 356 points in only 174 games -- an impressive result that would have kept a few scouts awake at night, fearing the thought of missing him in the NHL draft. When the big day came in 1980, the Pittsburgh Penguins used their first choice to secure his rights.
Bullard made his NHL debut with the Pens at the end of the 1980-81 season. His return the following year marked the start of a very solid five plus seasons in Pittsburgh highlighted by exceeding the 30-goal plateau three times, including a career-high 51 markers in 1983-84.
Bullard was traded to the Calgary Flames midway through the 1986-87 season. The following year, he put up the best numbers of his career -- 108 points in one season. But the Flames saw a chance to pry Doug Gilmour away from the Blues, so they used Bullard as collateral.
But he lasted only 20 games in St. Louis before being dispatched to the Flyers where he continued to put up solid numbers. In 1990, however, he decided to try his hand at playing hockey in Switzerland. He liked the experience although the NHL always remained his top priority. So when an opening surfaced with the Leafs, he was quick to traverse the Atlantic for one final season in the big leagues.
After a flat campaign in Toronto, though, Bullard left the NHL for good to pursue a lengthy career in Switzerland and Germany.
