Career
Before playing in the NHL, Potvin played parts of two seasons with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). He had a successful time with the Saguenéens. He finished the 1990–91 season with a record of 33–15, a 2.70 goals against average, and a .910 save percentage. He was awarded the Guy Lafleur Trophy for being the QMJHL's most valuable player, the Jacques Plante Memorial Trophy for the QMJHL's goaltender with the best goals against average, and he was also named the CHL Goaltender of the Year. The team finished first overall in the standings and won the Jean Rougeau Trophy. He helped the Saguenéens during the playoffs, defeating the Shawinigan Cataractes and Laval Titan. The Saguenéens eventually went on to defeat the Hull Olympiques four games to zero in the final to win the first President's Cup in Saguenéens franchise history and earn a berth into the Memorial Cup tournament. He was awarded the Hap Emms Memorial Trophy for being the outstanding goaltender of the Memorial Cup tournament.
He was drafted 31st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1990 NHL entry draft. He was immediately sent down to play for their AHL-affiliate St. John's Maple Leafs. He had a successful time with St. John's, winning the Dudley "Red" Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL rookie of the year, the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as the AHL goaltender of the year, and was also named to the AHL First All-Star Team. On November 14, 1991, Toronto called him up and Potvin made his NHL debut in a 3–0 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks. He helped the Leafs when they went on a run in the playoffs. They defeated the Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks. They were eventually by the Vancouver Canucks four games to one in the conference finals. The Canucks advanced after Greg Adams scored on Potvin in double overtime. During the 1996–97 season, Potvin faced a total of 2,438 shots, which set an NHL record for most shots faced in a season.
On January 9, 1999, the Maple Leafs traded Potvin along with a 1999 sixth-round draft pick to the New York Islanders in exchange for Bryan Berard and a 1999 sixth-round draft pick. He played 33 games with the Islanders over 2 seasons.
On December 19, 1999, the Islanders traded Potvin along with a 2000 second and third-round draft pick to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Bill Muckalt, Dave Scatchard, and Kevin Weekes. He played parts of two seasons with the Canucks but struggled to find the same success that he had with Toronto.
On February 15, 2001, the Canucks traded Potvin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for future considerations which later turned out to be a 2002 third-round draft pick. The NHL named Potvin as the NHL Player of the Week for the week of April 2. On September 10, 2001, Potvin signed a one-year contract to stay with the Kings. On June 27, 2002, the Kings exercised their option on Potvin's contract.
On September 3, 2003, Potvin signed a one-year contract to join the Boston Bruins. He played a total of 28 games with the Bruins. On July 1, 2004, the Bruins let Potvin's contract expire and he became a free agent.
Potvin retired from playing professional ice hockey in 2004.
Canada