The Hall of Fame Case for Steve Larmer

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Earl
March 29, 2022 (9:55)

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Steven Donald Larmer was born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada on June 16, 1961. After having what could be described as a stellar three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, notching 1-6 goals in 195 games, the 5'11, 195-pound winger was overlooked due to his size in the 1980 NHL entry draft.

The Blackhawks would finally decide on Larmer in the 6th round with the 120th overall pick. He would play a total of seven games in his first two seasons with the Hawks, notching just one assist. His first full season (1982-83) would see Larmer break out for 43 goals and 47 assists for 90 points in 80 games. He would set the mark for game winning goals by a rookie with nine. This performance would earn him the Calder Trophy for the top rookie of the season.

Larmer would go on to play 11 complete seasons from 1982-83 through 1992-93 for 884 consecutive games. At the time, this streak would be the 3rd longest in league history and the most for a right-winger, as well as the Hawk's record for consecutive games. Larmer currently sits at 6th on the iron man list.

Along with his line mates, Denis Savard and AL Secord, Larmer would ignite the Blackhawks and their fans for the 19080s. Larmer would play in the playoffs every season of his 13-year NHL career.
Despite Larmer scoring 981 points in 891 games and being a two-time all-star, Larmer fell out of favor with management after expressing his displeasure with the direction of the team following their being swept in four games by the Penguins in 1992 and the release of Mike Keenan as head coach.

Daryl Sutter was brought in as the coach, and to say he and Larmer did not mix well would be an understatement. After being swept by the St Louis Blues in the playoffs in 1993, Larmer requested a trade.

Larmer held out at the beginning of the 93-94 season. He did not attend training camp, play the pre-season and miss the first 13 games of the season. He was finally trade in a three-team deal between the Hawks, Hartford Whalers and New York Rangers. He would eventually land with the Rangers, where he would reach his dream of winning the Stanley Cup in 1994.

Affectionately known as Gramps, Larmer was considered a team leader on the ice as well as the locker room, even while sneaking in the occasional cigarette in between periods. Larmer would wear an �A' for both the Hawks and the Rangers.

Let's review Larmer's career by the numbers:

Regular season: Games played � 1006 Goals � 441 Assists � 571 Points � 1012 GWG - 60

Playoffs: Games played � 140 Goals � 56 Assists � 75 Points � 131 GWG � 7

1983 � Calder Trophy (top rookie)
1983 � All-Rookie Team
1990 & 1991 � All Star
1991 � Canada Cup (led with 6 goals)
1994 � Stanley Cup
-Four-time candidate for the Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship and Gentlemanly Player)
-Five-time candidate for the Frank J Selke Trophy (Best Defensive Forward)

After retiring, Larmer served as the Director of Player Relations for NHLPA. He now spends his time watching his son play hockey at home in Canada.

Despite his accomplishments, Larmer remains on the outside of the Hall of Fame. Not only is it time to fix this, but it is time for the Blackhawks to recognize Larmer for the player he was and put the #28 in the rafters.