As much fun as it was seeing other first-time cover appearances of future NHL superstars, this one of a 16-year-old Eric Lindros rocking a sweet Detroit Compuware jersey might be the best. In his introduction to the ‘Big E,’ Bob McKenzie starts off by asking a couple of notable hockey men – Bobby Clarke and Jim Rutherford – what they thought of the phenom power forward. Both said he could have played in the NHL at 16. (And, funny enough, Clarke’s Philadelphia Flyers ended up landing Lindros via trade in 1992.)
Back in 1989, the hype train was already rolling on the 6-foot-4, 217-pound kid, and he was not shy about his expectations. “Listen, I’m determined,” Lindros said. “I’m focused. I have a strong desire to be one of the best.” At the time, Lindros was considering the NCAA path (Michigan, to be precise) because his family didn’t think OHL Sault Ste. Marie was the right fit. Eventually, his rights were traded to Oshawa, and he suited up for the Generals for parts of three seasons. But before that, he played for Tier II Compuware. In an exhibition game against OHL Windsor, he had four points and a fight.
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