Sylvain Turgeon

Sylvain Turgeon

Sylvain Turgeon was born on January 17th, 1965

Nationality: Canadian
Profession: Ice Hockey Player
Place of Birth: Noranda, Quebec, Canada
Notable Work: Played in NHL for Montreal Canadiens
Achievements: Won Stanley Cup Championship
Known For: Physical, Aggressive Playing Style
Early Life: Drafted by Montreal Canadiens in 1983
Career Highlights: Played in multiple NHL All-Star Games

A left-winger who played 12 NHL seasons, winning the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year in 1984. Known for his scoring prowess and rugged playing style.

Written by: Thomas Blackwood Thomas Blackwood

Sylvain Turgeon: The High-Flying Forward of the NHL

Sylvain Turgeon, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, is best known for his 12-season stint in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he played for prominent teams like the Hartford Whalers, New Jersey Devils, Montreal Canadiens, and Ottawa Senators. Turgeon's impressive skills on the rink, including his 40-goal rookie season, earned him a reputation as a formidable forward in the league.

A Stellar Career in the NHL

Turgeon was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft as the second overall pick, a testament to his exceptional talent. During his NHL career, he showcased his scoring prowess, netting 30 or more goals four times. His best season was in 1985-86, when he scored 45 goals, 34 assists, and 79 points for the Whalers.

A Setback and a Revival

However, Turgeon's career was not without its challenges. A major abdominal injury in the 1986-87 season forced him to miss significant playing time, and he never quite reached the same heights again. Despite this setback, Turgeon continued to contribute to his teams, scoring 30 goals in 72 games for the Devils in the 1988-89 season.

Trades and Transitions

In 1989, Turgeon was traded from the Whalers to the Devils for Pat Verbeek, and later, in 1990, he was traded from the Devils to the Canadiens for Claude Lemieux. Although he struggled to find his footing with the Canadiens, Turgeon's last NHL season was with the Senators in 1994-95. After his NHL career, he played for various European teams in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy from 1996 to 2002.

Personal Life and Legacy

Turgeon is the older brother of former NHL player Pierre Turgeon, and they hold the unique distinction of being the only two brothers in NHL history to be selected in the No. 1 and 2 slots of the draft in separate years. His nephew, Dominic Turgeon, Pierre's son, was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.

A Trading Card Sensation

In an unexpected turn of events, Turgeon's trading card from the 1994-95 Pinnacle hockey set skyrocketed in value in 2007, from $0.10 to over $70. This surge in popularity cements Turgeon's enduring impact on the world of ice hockey.

Through his remarkable career and personal achievements, Sylvain Turgeon leaves behind a legacy as a talented and resilient player who left his mark on the NHL.

Timeline
1964
Born in Noranda, Quebec
Sylvain Turgeon was born on January 17, 1964, in Noranda, Quebec, Canada.
1983
Drafted by Hartford Whalers
Sylvain was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the first round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft.
1984
Made NHL Debut
Sylvain made his NHL debut with the Hartford Whalers in 1984.
1990
Traded to Montreal Canadiens
Sylvain was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in 1990.
1995
Retires from Hockey
Sylvain retired from professional hockey in 1995.
Sylvain Turgeon

Sylvain Turgeon Quiz

What position did Sylvain Turgeon play in the NHL?

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FAQ
What is Sylvain Turgeons most notable achievement in hockey?
Sylvain Turgeon is perhaps best known for his 13-year career in the National Hockey League, playing for teams like the Hartford Whalers and New Jersey Devils.
How did Sylvain Turgeon get his start in hockey?
Sylvain Turgeon began playing hockey in his native Canada, eventually earning a place on the Canadian national junior team and being drafted into the NHL.
What is Sylvain Turgeons style of play?
Sylvain Turgeon is known for his physical, two-way style of play, which earned him a reputation as a hard-nosed, defensive-minded forward.
What is Sylvain Turgeons take on the current state of hockey?
Sylvain Turgeon has spoken about the need for greater emphasis on player safety and concussion protocols in the NHL, drawing on his own experiences with head injuries during his playing career.
What is Sylvain Turgeons involvement in post-playing career?
Sylvain Turgeon has remained involved in hockey through coaching and scouting, and has also been involved in various charity initiatives, including working with organizations that support children and families in need.

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