Winnipeg's 1st choice, 1st overall, in 1981 Entry Draft. Traded with Winnipeg's 1st round choice in 1990 Entry Draft and future considerations to Buffalo Sabres for Phil Housley, Scott Arniel, Jeff Parker and Buffalo's 1st round choice in 1990 Entry Draft, June 16, 1990.
The Jets chose Dale Hawerchuk with the first overall pick in the 1981 Entry Draft. He immediately became a dominant offensive force and over the course of the next nine seasons, he was the face of the franchise. He ended up as the most prolific scorer the Jets had since entering the NHL before being traded to the Buffalo Sabres during the summer of 1990. Following stops in St. Louis and Philadelphia, he retired after the 1996-1997 season. He was a five-time All-Star and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001. He was wrongfully passed over for induction in 2000, his first year of eligibility, in favor of less deserving and undeserving players.
