He played three seasons there, improving his point total each season from 38 to 114 and then finally to 144 in only a 50-game schedule. Widing joined the New York Rangers of the NHL in 1969–70, thus becoming the first mostly European-trained player with a full-time contract in the NHL.
Widing played three seasons at that team, increasing his scoring average each season from 38 to 114 and then reaching 144 in just 50 games. He joined the New York Rangers of the NHL in 1969–70, becoming the first mostly European-trained player to secure a full-time contract.