Forgotten Pittsburgh Penguins Legend Will Finally Get His Hall of Fame Moment

When discussing the Pittsburgh Penguins' success and championships, names like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin come to mind.

But behind those superstars and five Stanley Cups is the individual who made it all possible, Eddie Johnston.

"EJ", as he goes by those close to him, will finally get the recognition he deserves, as he will be inducted into the Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame on October 25th.

Johnston came into the organization in 1980 and, after three seasons as head coach, became general manager.

His greatest moment was in 1984, when he had the Penguins select Mario Lemieux with the first overall pick, a selection that rewrote the franchise's history. Johnston's efforts weren't complete, however.

In 1985, he selected Craig Simpson second overall, and two years later selected Chris Joseph fifth. They both proved to be greatly prized gems in the blockbuster deal that brought Paul Coffey to Pittsburgh in 1987.

Before that, in 1983, he made a deal with Los Angeles that brought him an obscure college player named Kevin Stevens, another deal that paid enormous dividends.

After leaving in 1988, Johnston worked behind the bench again from 1993-1997 and became the third-winningest coach in Penguins history with 232 wins. Pittsburgh was one of the best NHL teams in victories, points, and goals during those seasons.

Johnston remained in the organization working on an advisory level until 2009 and is a regular home game visitor, where he greets captain Sidney Crosby with a smile.

It is hard to consider how differently the Penguins' history could have been crafted in the absence of Johnston's vision and leadership.

This much is certain, though: Eddie Johnston cleared the path that enabled Pittsburgh to become one of hockey's greatest and most respected franchises.