Mario Lemieux’s NHL rookie season in 1984-85 was nothing short of legendary. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ first overall draft pick wasted no time making his mark, scoring on his very first shift in the NHL—a harbinger of the greatness to come. Lemieux finished his rookie campaign with 100 points (43 goals, 57 assists) in 73 games, earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
Lemieux made an unforgettable impression at the 1985 NHL All-Star Game as well. The 19-year-old phenom tallied two goals and one assist, earning MVP honors. Lemieux’s commanding performance on the league’s biggest stage showcased his incredible skill and composure, cementing his status as one of hockey’s brightest young stars.
Displaying a combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ rarely seen in the sport, Lemieux dazzled fans with his smooth skating, pinpoint passing, and deadly scoring touch. His electrifying play quickly established him as a transformative player and laid the foundation for one of the most storied careers in hockey history, solidifying his status as a once-in-a-generation talent right from the start.