Throwback Thursday: December 19th

In Sports Business Zone's version of Throwback Thursday, we'll look back in sports history of key trades, signings, and other deals that occurred around this time years or even decades ago. Here's what occurred in the past on this day, December 19th:

(Source: The Sports Network)

1917: The NHL's inaugural season begins. Only five teams existed at the time: Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Toronto Arenas, Ottawa, and Quebec.

2001: The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) merges with the World Indoor Soccer League (WISL) which would take effect in the 2002-03 season.

2005: New Jersey Devils Head Coach Larry Robinson resigns.

2006: The Philadelphia 76ers trade Allen Iverson to the Denver Nuggets for Andre Miller, Joe Smith, and two first round picks.

2010: The Milwaukee Brewers trade four players to the Kansas City Royals for Zack Greinke.

2011: The Texas Rangers acquired rights to negotiate with Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. 

2012: Ryan Dempster signs a two-year $26.2 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.

2012: Ichiro Suzuki resigns with the Yankees for $13 million over two years.