Pierre Turgeon had the best season of any New York Islander in the post dynasty era. Following the trade from the Buffalo Sabres for Pat LaFontaine, Turgeon was the third Islander to register a 50-goal season. In 1992-93, he scored 58 goals and 132 points. I recently had a chance to catch up with Pierre.
Were you surprised to be traded to the Islanders?
Pierre Turgeon: When I got drafted by the (Buffalo) Sabres, a lot of players did not get traded. I expected to stay there for many years. The fact that Wayne Gretzky got traded to Los Angeles (in 1988) and then some other big name players got traded, if Wayne Gretzky got traded then anyone can. It was a big trade. Pat (LaFontaine) and Randy Wood going and me, Benoit Houge, Uwe Krupp and David McLlwain coming to the Island. It was a great trade for both of us and both teams.
After your career is over, you still meet the guys you played with or against or even guys you were traded for. For example, I was there for Al Arbour’s ceremony and ran into Pat. We talked. It was nice. I loved the Island and playing for the Islanders.
The 1993 team made a magical run to the conference finals. What were some of the biggest reasons for that team’s success?
Pierre: the team we had was just amazing. On paper, we weren’t suppose to do what we did against Pittsburgh. We moved on to face Montreal (Canadiens) in the conference finals. I think the biggest reason was Al. He was able to put the puzzle together and believed in us even if we did not have the team to do what we did on paper. I loved playing for him. It’s where I learned the most when I was younger.
Glenn Healy was outstanding in that playoffs. David Volek scoring the winner against the Penguins. We had a lot of contributions from a lot of players. They all chipped in. It was amazing.
It was very unique and special. We still see each other and play golf so it’s kinda cool.
On being traded to Montreal:
Pierre: It was exciting, I won’t lie. But it was also sad. I had mixed feelings. For me, playing on the Island was a great experience. I loved the fans. I enjoyed all of the people there. I have a lot of great memories playing there. But I was like “I’m going to Montreal, cool.” I grew up watching the Canadiens. Then being part of the organization. I was the captain and holding the torch as we opened the Molson Centre (now called Bell Centre).
But it was a short experience. It was a year and a half, but it was enjoyable. Sure there’s pressure and the media can hound you. But the reason I left was the coaching staff that came in. My role was starting to change and I felt I was too young for that role. I wanted to leave because I didn’t want to retire so young. I was 27. I had another ten years after that. My career would have been shorter if I stayed in Montreal because of their style of play. Mario Tremblay (then head coach) wanted to change my type of play.
It was a great experience but at the same time for the benefit of my career it was a good time to leave Montreal.
Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews were both top overall picks and immediately had success. You were also a top overall pick (in 1987). Can you talk about the pressure of being a top overall pick?
Pierre: When you start there’s pressure. You play in front of 16 to 20,000 fans and you’re 18 years old. It took me a couple of months to feel like I belonged on the ice. Gerry Meehan was the general manager at the time. He really helped me . He gave me the confidence to ease in because I was so young. I also didn’t speak any english. It took me a year or two to feel like I could go out with some of my teammates and have a conversation, maybe not the best conversation. I could put a couple of words together. It was hard at first learning the language and understanding the coach. I couldn’t even say “hi, how are you?” That’s how bad I was. I had Jacques Cloutier as a teammate who really helped me alot. We are still very good friends today.
How much added pressure is on McDavid after being named captain at a young age?
Pierre: It’s alot of pressure. He’s young. As for being the captain, if he’s well surrounded with great people, they will guide him well. I saw Chris Pronger get the captaincy in St. Louis and It took him a couple of years. He got the role and he did well with it. As for being a leader on the ice, it won’t be a problem. It’s more about connecting with teammates off the ice and dealing with adversity.
What are you up to these days?
Pierre: I started working with the NHL and NHLPA along with the Colorado Avalanche. We teach kids between the ages of 4 and 8 to play all over Colorado. They are just learning how to play, learning how to stand up and skate. It’s just fun to see them improve from one week to another. It’s a great thing to help grow the game in the U.S. The NHL and NHLPA are doing a great job with this.
Islanders owner Jon Ledecky has been reaching out to some of the alumni over the past few months, has he contacted you yet?
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