Rights acquired from Houston Aeros for cash, July 6, 1978. Claimed by Chicago Blackhawks in Expansion Draft, June 13, 1979.
The Jets purchased the contract of Rich Preston along with many other members of the defunct Houston Aeros in the summer of 1978. Preston was a complete, all-around player who excelled in both ends of the ice and he played an important role in leading the Jets to the AVCO Cup championship in 1979. After being named the most valuable player of the WHA playoffs, he moved on to Chicago with former Aeros teammate Terry Ruskowski. He retired following the 1986-1987 season and turned to coaching after his playing career ended.
