Steve Larmer's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Selected in the sixth round as the 120th overall pick, Larmer quickly demonstrated his potential as a right winger. Before making his NHL debut, he honed his skills with the Niagara Falls Flyers in the Ontario Hockey League, where he developed a reputation for his scoring ability and work ethic.
Larmer officially joined the Chicago Blackhawks for the 1982-83 season. His rookie year was nothing short of impressive, as he scored 43 goals and 47 assists, totaling 90 points. This outstanding performance earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL's Rookie of the Year. Larmer's ability to consistently find the back of the net and his playmaking skills made him an integral part of the Blackhawks' offensive lineup.
Throughout his career with the Blackhawks, Larmer was known for his durability and consistency. He played in 884 consecutive games for the team, a streak that remains one of the longest in NHL history. This streak was a testament to his physical fitness and ability to perform at a high level night after night. Larmer's reliability on the ice was matched by his scoring prowess, as he consistently ranked among the team's top scorers.
Larmer's partnership with Denis Savard and Al Secord formed one of the most dynamic lines in the NHL during the 1980s. The trio was known for their offensive chemistry and ability to dominate games. Larmer's role as a goal scorer and playmaker complemented Savard's creativity and Secord's physical presence, making them a formidable force against opposing teams.
In 1993, Larmer was traded to the New York Rangers, where he continued to excel. His arrival in New York coincided with the team's quest for the Stanley Cup. During the 1993-94 season, Larmer played a crucial role in the Rangers' playoff run. His experience and leadership were invaluable as the team navigated through the postseason. The Rangers ultimately captured the Stanley Cup, ending a 54-year championship drought for the franchise. Larmer's performance during the playoffs, where he contributed both offensively and defensively, was instrumental in the team's success.
After two seasons with the Rangers, Larmer retired from professional hockey in 1995. Over the course of his career, he accumulated 441 goals and 571 assists, totaling 1,012 points in 1,006 regular-season games. His playoff statistics were equally impressive, with 56 goals and 75 assists in 140 games. Larmer's ability to perform consistently in both the regular season and playoffs solidified his reputation as a reliable and effective player.
Larmer's contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2020.
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