Eddie Johnston, the general manager who selected Mario Lemieux four decades ago at the Montreal Forum, had one main concern when making the announcement – and it wasn’t about whether Lemieux would wear a Penguins jersey. Lemieux did not put on the jersey himself, as his agents handled that part. Johnston emphasized that Lemieux was a once-in-a-lifetime talent, not just as a player but as a person, and the Penguins owe a lot to him.
Before Lemieux joined the Penguins in 1984, the team was struggling both on and off the ice. They were far removed from bankruptcy, had low attendance numbers, and had not seen much success in the postseason. Lemieux’s arrival changed everything for the team and the city of Pittsburgh. Former players like Paul Coffey and Scotty Bowman have praised Lemieux for his impact on the Penguins and the city.
Despite battling health issues like back problems and Hodgkin’s disease, Lemieux continued to excel on the ice and lead the Penguins to success. His dedication to the team and the city was evident when he turned down lucrative offers from other teams to stay with the Penguins. Lemieux eventually became the owner of the Penguins and played a crucial role in keeping the team in Pittsburgh during challenging financial times.
Lemieux’s influence on the Penguins goes beyond his playing days, as he has remained a minority owner and a key figure in the franchise’s history. His legacy is celebrated by fans, players, and sports analysts alike. Forty years after he was drafted, Lemieux’s impact on the Penguins continues to be felt, and he is regarded as one of the greatest figures in the team’s history.
Rob Rossi, a senior writer for The Athletic NHL, has been following Lemieux’s journey closely and recognizes the unique connection between Lemieux and the Penguins. Lemieux’s commitment to the team and the city has solidified his place in hockey history and made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh sports lore.