Pierre Turgeon, a name synonymous with skill, finesse, and scoring prowess, left an indelible mark on the NHL during his illustrious career. Born on Aug. 28, 1969, in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier centers, dazzling fans and opponents alike with his exceptional offensive abilities. On June 21, 2023, he was officially announced as one of the newest members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Looking at Turgeon’s Career
Turgeon burst onto the NHL scene as the first overall pick in the 1987 Entry Draft, chosen by the Buffalo Sabres. From the moment he laced up his skates in the NHL, he showcased his extraordinary playmaking skills, innate hockey sense, and deadly accurate shot. His rookie season was nothing short of impressive, amassing an impressive 42 points, including 14 goals in 76 games as an 18-year-old.
Over his 19-year career, Turgeon played for several teams, including the Sabres, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche. Each stop along the way saw him continue to demonstrate his offensive prowess, consistently putting up impressive point totals year after year. Known for his silky-smooth skating, exceptional stickhandling, and ability to find the back of the net with ease, the forward was a nightmare for opposing goaltenders.
The Start of Turgeon’s Career
Turgeon’s career in Buffalo was a captivating chapter in his impressive NHL journey. The combination of speed, skill, and hockey IQ made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, consistently finding ways to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Over his six seasons with the Sabres, he continued to shine as one of the team’s brightest stars. His point totals consistently placed him among the league’s top scorers, including two seasons where he surpassed the coveted 100-point mark. his ability to make precise passes, find open teammates, and contribute timely goals made him the centerpiece of the Sabres’ offensive attack.
While his time with the Sabres eventually came to an end when he was traded to the Islanders in 1991, his impact on the franchise and the city remains cherished. His incredible offensive skills, achievements, and leadership qualities left an indelible mark on the franchise and solidified his place as one of the most talented players to ever don the blue and gold.
Shining Bright in New York and Montreal
During Turgeon’s tenure with the Islanders, he became the face of the franchise and a central figure in the team’s resurgence. His arrival injected a much-needed offensive spark, and he quickly became the catalyst for the Islanders’ success.
In the 1992-93 season, Turgeon had a career-best year, scoring 58 goals and tallying 132 points. His remarkable season not only solidified him as one of the league’s elite players but also helped lead the Islanders to their first playoff appearance in six years. His offensive dominance and leadership were instrumental in the team’s playoff run, where they advanced to the second round. Notably, the forward’s time with the Islanders was marked by his incredible chemistry with teammate Benoit Hogue. The two formed a dynamic duo, wreaking havoc on opposing defenses and lighting up the scoreboard with their exceptional skill and coordination.
Off the ice, Turgeon was recognized for his sportsmanship and was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy twice during his Islanders career. His demeanor and skill on the ice earned him the respect and admiration of fans, teammates, and opponents alike.
Despite leaving the Islanders after the 1994-95 season, Turgeon’s impact on the franchise was significant and long-lasting. He remains one of the most accomplished players in Islanders’ history, ranking among the franchise’s all-time leaders in points and goals.
Related: New York Islanders with 100-Point Seasons
Islanders general manager Don Maloney decided to rebuild the team, which included trading Turgeon and Vladimir Malakhov to the Canadiens in exchange for Kirk Muller, Mathieu Schneider and Craig Darby at the trade deadline (from ‘Turgeon Exits as Isles Make Their Move,’ The New York Times, April 6, 1995). His tenure with the Canadiens may have been relatively brief, but it left a lasting impression. Joining the team in 1995, he brought his dynamic offensive skills to the historic franchise. Despite facing injuries that limited his playing time, his impact was evident when he was on the ice. He provided a much-needed offensive boost, showcasing his playmaking ability and goal-scoring prowess. His time with the Canadiens demonstrated his ability to contribute to any team he played for and solidified his status as a skilled and respected player in the NHL.
An Impact in St. Louis
Turgeon’s tenure with the Blues was a significant chapter in his storied NHL career. Joining the Blues in 1996, he made an immediate impact, solidifying his place as one of the team’s key offensive contributors (from ‘Blues Get Turgeon and Trade Corson’ The New York Times, Oct. 30, 1996).
Turgeon’s time with the Blues coincided with a period of success for the franchise. As the team’s top center, he formed a formidable offensive duo with the talented Brett Hull. The two complemented each other perfectly, with his playmaking abilities setting up Hull for his trademark booming shots. Together, they formed one of the most dynamic duos in the league.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Turgeon’s leadership qualities also shone through during his time with the Blues. As an experienced veteran, he provided guidance and stability to the team’s younger players, helping to create a positive and winning culture within the locker room.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Turgeon’s time in St. Louis. He missed a significant portion of the 1998-99 season due to a shoulder injury and later battled through various ailments that limited his playing time. Nevertheless, when healthy, he remained a dynamic offensive force for the Blues.
In 2001, Turgeon was traded to the Stars, marking the end of his tenure in St. Louis. Despite his time with the Blues being relatively short, he left a lasting impression on the organization and its fans with his skill, leadership, and contributions to the team’s success.
Turgeon’s Final Seasons
Turgeon’s time with the Stars and Avalanche marked the latter stages of his remarkable NHL career. Joining the Stars in 2001, he brought his veteran leadership and offensive talents to the team. Despite battling injuries, he still managed to contribute offensively, providing valuable experience and skill to the Stars’ lineup. After three seasons in Dallas, he had appeared in 207 regular season games scoring 42 goals and 129 points.
In 2005, Turgeon joined the Avalanche, where he continued to showcase his scoring ability and playmaking skills. As a valuable depth player, he provided a reliable offensive presence and contributed to the team’s success. His experience and leadership qualities were evident, as he mentored younger players and made important contributions during the Avalanche’s playoff runs.
Related: Best NHL Players Not in the Hockey Hall of Fame
While his time with both the Stars and Avalanche was relatively short, Turgeon’s impact was significant. He demonstrated his ability to adapt and remain a valuable asset to his teams, even in the latter stages of his career. His offensive skills, leadership, and professionalism left a lasting impression on both organizations, contributing to their success and further solidifying his legacy as a respected player in the NHL.
In 2007, Turgeon officially retired from professional hockey, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. His impact on the game cannot be understated, as he played a significant role in shaping the NHL’s style of play during the 1990s. His skill, vision, and ability to consistently put up points solidified his place among the league’s all-time greats.
Throughout his career, Turgeon amassed an impressive list of accomplishments. He reached the 1,000-point milestone, finishing with a total of 1,327 points in 1,294 regular-season games.