Marcel Dionne

Dionne was born on August 3, 1951, in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada{{cite web |title=Marcel Dionne |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/22520/marcel-dionne |publisher=Elite Prospects |access-date=April 12, 2025}} to Gilbert Sr. and Laurette Dionne.{{cite news |last1=Shoalts |first1=David |title=Dionne keeps his edge after NHL career |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/dionne-keeps-his-edge-after-nhl-career/article1128603/ |access-date=April 12, 2025 |publisher=The Globe and Mail |date=February 21, 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202001857/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/dionne-keeps-his-edge-after-nhl-career/article1128603/ |archive-date=February 2, 2017}} He was the oldest of eight children, and his youngest brother Gilbert was 19 years his junior.{{cite news |last1=LaPointe |first1=Joe |title=Hockey; Gilbert Dionne Emerges From Brother's Shadow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/08/sports/hockey-gilbert-dionne-emerges-from-brother-s-shadow.html |access-date=April 12, 2025 |publisher=The New York Times |date=March 8, 1992 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526053552/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/03/08/sports/hockey-gilbert-dionne-emerges-from-brother-s-shadow.html |archive-date=May 26, 2015}} Growing up, his father worked as a foreman at a steel plant{{cite news |title=The King of the Dodger Fans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-the-king-of-the-do/170677510/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Los Angeles Times |date=March 22, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} while his mother ran a corner store and beauty salon with her children's help. Due to limited finances, Dionne's extended family pitched in to help cover the costs of his hockey equipment.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Alan |title=A Superstar in a City That Doesn't Care |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-a-superstar-in-a-c/170148650/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Los Angeles Times |date=April 4, 1980|via=newspapers.com}} He played baseball as a youth as well, but chose to focus solely on hockey due to lack of prospects for Canadian baseball players.

File:Marcel Dionne Panini 1979.jpg in 1979]]

Dionne played in the 1962, 1963 and 1964 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with his Drummondville youth team.{{cite web|url=https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|title=Pee-Wee players who have reached NHL or WHA|year=2018|website=Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament|access-date=January 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306085544/https://www.publicationsports.com/ressources/files/439/Joueurs_Pro.pdf|archive-date=March 6, 2019}} During his pee-wee career, Dionne garnered wide-spread attention from hockey teams and fans. He would often find dollar bills stuffed in his gloves from fans, and his parents received a letter from the Montreal Canadiens informing them to "take special care of young Marcel." Another letter also invited Dionne to attend one of their junior camps, but he chose to move to St. Catharines and learn English.{{cite news |last1=Dunnell |first1=Milt |title=The same Dionne different Wings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-the-same-dionne-differe/170122745/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=December 9, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} His short stature earned him the nickname "little beaver," a reference to a popular midget wrestler. Dionne's first junior season was in 1968 for the Drummondville Rangers of the former Quebec Junior Hockey League, in which he scored over two goals a game in Drummondville's losing effort in the Memorial Cup playoffs.{{Cn|date=April 2025}}

When the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League formed in 1969, Dionne departed to play in the Ontario Hockey Association, then regarded as a higher-calibre level of competition, spending the next three seasons with the St. Catharines Black Hawks. He became the league's preeminent star, winning scoring titles in 1970 and 1971 and adding a record 122 points in 43 playoff games. He attended St. Catharines Collegiate during this time.{{cite web |last1=Barker |first1=Matthew |title=St. Catharines Collegiate to celebrate 100th anniversary |url=https://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/life/st-catharines-collegiate-to-celebrate-100th-anniversary/article_eadad25c-1786-518e-9299-531115c5aa8c.html |website=Niagara Falls Review |access-date=16 November 2024}}

Dionne's scoring feats were marred by one of the most infamous events in Canadian junior hockey during the 1971 Richardson Cup finals against the Quebec Remparts. Following a riot in Quebec City after the penalty-filled fourth game of the series in which Dionne's Black Hawks' team bus was attacked by the mob,{{cite news |title=Quebec Fans Pelt St. Catharines Club |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Hx6RvaqUy9IC&dat=19710510&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |newspaper=Calgary Herald |date=May 10, 1971 |access-date=January 22, 2012}} the fifth game was played at a neutral site, and the remainder of the series was not played due to fears of further violence.{{cite news |title=St. Kitts' Choice: Play Or Forfeit |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=Hx6RvaqUy9IC&dat=19710513&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |newspaper=Calgary Herald |date=May 13, 1971 |access-date=January 22, 2012}}{{cite news |last1=Dulmage |first1=Jack |title=Program for law |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-program-for-law/170666299/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Windsor Star |date=April 27, 1974|via=newspapers.com}}

Dionne was drafted in the first round, second overall, by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1971 NHL amateur draft.{{cite news |last1=Gatecliff |first1=Jack |title=Marcel Dionne Drafted By Detroit Red Wings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-marcel-dionne-drafted-by-de/169654596/ |access-date=April 5, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=June 10, 1971|via=newspapers.com}}

Following the draft, Dionne signed a rookie contract with the Red Wings for a record-breaking amount with various bonuses.{{cite news |last1=Gatecliff |first1=Jake |title=Dionne Signs Record Contract With Detroit |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-dionne-signs-record-contrac/169593640/ |access-date=April 6, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=September 15, 1971|via=newspapers.com}} While the exact terms were not released, his bargaining agent Alan Eagleson said: "If Marcel gets as many goals as I think he can, he'll be paid like a super-star...No matter what he does, he's got the best contract in the history of the league for a rookie."{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Dionne Knocks Talk He's the 'Next Howe' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionne-knocks-talk-he/169655524/ |access-date=April 6, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=September 16, 1971|via=newspapers.com}} It was speculated that the amount was $50,000 with incentive clauses which could add another $15,000 to $20,000.{{cite news |title=Marcel Closes In On $70,000 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-marcel-closes-in-on-70000/169753068/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=March 1, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Despite having a self-proclaimed "poor training camp,"{{cite news |last1=Gatecliff |first1=Jack |title=Notes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard/169754009/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=January 14, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne was named to the Red Wings opening roster for the 1971–72 season. He made his NHL debut on October 9, 1971, in the teams season opener against the Minnesota North Stars.{{cite news |title=Wings Drop Opener to Stars, 4-2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wings-drop-opener-to/169654191/|access-date=April 5, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=October 10, 1971|via=newspapers.com}} He recorded his first career NHL goal on October 16, 1971, in a 9–2 loss to the St. Louis Blues.{{cite news |title=Blues' 51 Shots Riddle Wings, 9-2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/jackson-citizen-patriot-blues-51-shots/169752302/ |access-date=April 6, 2025 |publisher=Jackson Citizen Patriot |date=October 17, 1971|via=newspapers.com}} While the Red Wings began the season with a losing 2–5-0 record, Dionne scored three goals and two assists.{{cite news|last1=Verigan|first1=Bill|title=Pains Persist, Stemmer Out For Checkup |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-pains-persist-stemmer-out-fo/169654060/ |access-date=April 6, 2025 |publisher=Daily News |date=October 27, 1971|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne spent the majority of his rookie season playing on a line with Bill Collins and Nick Libett.{{cite web |last1=Hackel |first1=Stu |title=Marcel Dionne: 100 Greatest NHL Players |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/marcel-dionne-100-greatest-nhl-hockey-players-284853626 |publisher=National Hockey League |access-date=April 6, 2025 |date=January 1, 2017}} By January, Dionne earned more on ice responsibility and was part of the Red Wings' power-play and penalty kill unit.{{cite news |last1=McKay |first1=Jim |title=Dionne sparks Red Wings to 4-2 romp over Penguins |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-dionne-sparks-red-wings/169752454/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=The Windsor Star |date=January 10, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} While playing in this dual role, Dionne ranked third on the team in scoring and 22nd in the league. Dionne set numerous personal and league-wide milestones in March. He recorded his first career NHL hat-trick on March 19, 1972, in a 7–6 win over the Montreal Canadiens.{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Dionne's 3-Goal 'Trick' Nips Habs, 7-6 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionnes-3-goal-tric/169752876/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=March 20, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} He then assisted on four goals the following game to tie with Rick Martin of Buffalo Sabres for 13th place on the NHL scoring list.{{cite news |last1=MacLaine |first1=Ian |title=Wings Close In On Maple Leafs |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-wings-close-in-on-maple-lea/169752953/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=March 22, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne added two goals and two assists the next day to break the NHL record for most points by a rookie.{{cite news |title=Dionne Sets Rookie Record With 75 Points |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-dionne-sets-rookie-record-w/169753019/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=March 23, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} He finished the regular season as the Red Wings' leading scorer with 28 goals and 49 assists and finished third in Calder Memorial Trophy voting as the NHL's top rookie. During the offseason, Dionne signed a three-year contract extension with the Red Wings{{cite news |title=Detroit signs Marcel Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-detroit-signs-marcel-dionne/169807826/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=Montreal Gazette |date=August 7, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} and was the youngest player on Team Canada at the Summit Series.

File:Marcel Dionne.jpg

Due to the Summit Series, Dionne missed the entire training camp and returned to Detroit three days before the 1972–73 season opener.{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Wings Unhappy Over Long, Grueling Skating Drills? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wings-unhappy-over-lo/169808369/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=November 3, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} The Red Wings began the season with a six-game win streak{{cite news |title=Unbeaten Wings Lace Leafs, 6-2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-union-unbeaten-wings-lace-le/169816658/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=The Morning Union |date=October 23, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} before losing four straight games.{{cite news |title=Flames 4, Wings 2 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/record-journal-flames-4-wings-2/169816823/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=Record-Journal |date=November 2, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Following the fourth consecutive loss, head coach Johnny Wilson mandated a two-hour bag skate. However, both Wilson and general manager Ned Harkness felt that Dionne was not giving enough effort.{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Do Wings Resent Tough Skating Drill? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-do-wings-resent-tough/169808446/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=November 3, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Following the skate, Harkness told the media, "If he keeps it up and doesn't start working, he might find himself playing in the minors." While Harkness later said he was misquoted,{{cite news |last1=Dunn |first1=Bob |title=Harknesses 'slip' doesn't concern Marcel Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-montreal-star-harknesses-slip-does/169749467/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=The Montreal Star |date=November 4, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne expressed his frustration that he spoke to the media instead of having a conversation with him.{{cite news |last1=Hafner |first1=Dan |title=Marcel Dionne: Man With a Past and a Future |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-marcel-dionne-man/169593314/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=December 17, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} On December 2, Dionne scored one goal and three assists in his 100th career NHL game.{{cite news |last1=Cassidy |first1=Jerry |title=Wings Whip Islanders As Dionne Stars, 4-1 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-wings-whip-islanders-as-dionn/169818007/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=Daily News |date=December 3, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} This tied him with Richard Martin and Fred Stanfield for seventh place in league scoring.{{cite news |title=Doing their thing |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-province-doing-their-thing/169818089/ |access-date=April 7, 2025 |publisher=The Province |date=December 5, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} However, his earlier conflicts with management continued into December and resulted in a suspension. Following a 7–0 loss to the Minnesota North Stars on December 9, Wilson mandated a morning practice before their game against the Vancouver Canucks. After Wilson called out Dionne for a perceived lack of effort, he told him to "go home and stay there until he felt he could come back and make a contribution to the team."{{cite news |title=Wings get tough, drop Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-wings-get-tough-drop-d/169759834/ |access-date=April 9, 2025 |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=December 11, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Due to a miscommunication as to the meaning of that order, Dionne assumed he had been suspended and missed their game that night.{{cite news |last1=Proudfoot |first1=Jim |title=Dionne begs to differ|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-toronto-star-dionne-begs-to-differ-b/169972290/ |access-date=April 9, 2025 |publisher=The Toronto Star |date=December 18, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} However, the Red Wings claimed he had not been suspended until he failed to show for that evening's game.{{cite news |title=Dionne Reinstated |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/telegraph-journal-dionne-reinstated/169971985/ |access-date=April 9, 2025 |publisher=Telegraph-Journal|date=December 13, 1972|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=Gatecliff |first1=Jack |title=Through the sports gate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard/169749522/ |access-date=April 9, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=December 13, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} Immediately following their game against the Canucks, Harkness handed out a press released that said that Dionne was “suspended indefinitely (without pay) for failing to report for the game.” Despite this statement, Dionne was reinstated the following day after a discussion with the coaching staff.{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Dionne, Wings Huddle ...'Kiss And Make Up' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionne-wings-huddle/169749980/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=December 12, 1972|via=newspapers.com}} After rejoining the team, Dionne scored his second career hat-trick against the Canadiens on February 22, 1973.{{cite news |title=Dionne hasn't disappointed Red Wings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-dionne-hasnt/169973295/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |publisher=The Kingston Whig-Standard |date=February 23, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} By the end of February, he had amassed 36 goals and 76 points.{{cite news |title=Top NHL teams 'motivate' him claims Marcel Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/niagara-falls-review-top-nhl-teams-moti/169972752/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Niagara Falls Review |date=March 3, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne finished the regular season tied with Dennis Hull for 11th in league scoring with 90 points. His 167 total career points were the most ever collected by an NHL player through their first two seasons.{{cite news |title=More points in 1st two seasons than any other NHL performer |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-bay-nugget-more-points-in-1st-two/170744884/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=North Bay Nugget |date=February 27, 1973|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=Gatecliff |first1=Jack |title=Through the sports gate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard/169972908/ |access-date=April 14, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=April 17, 1973|via=newspapers.com}}

While Dionne arrived at the Red Wings' 1973 training camp eight pounds overweight, head coach Ted Garvin said he was more concerned about his moodiness.{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Wings' Coach to Redmond: Slim Down! |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wings-coach-to-redmo/169973520/ |access-date=April 11, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=October 18, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} His attitude and poor start to the 1973–74 season resulted in a temporary suspension before his 11th game. At the time, he had collected seven assists and no goals.{{cite news |title=Wings suspend Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-wings-suspend-dionne/169760811/ |access-date=April 14, 2025 |publisher=The Windsor Star |date=November 3, 1973|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Wings Bench Dionne--Will He Be Traded? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wings-bench-dionne-w/169749328/ |access-date=April 14, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=November 3, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} After he was reinstated, Dionne told members of the media that he asked to be traded "for the benefit of the team...and for the good of the other players."{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Dionne's Back...And Hoping To Be Traded |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionnes-backand-h/169749277/ |access-date=April 14, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=November 7, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} Despite Dionne verbalising his unhappiness in Detroit, the Red Wings were hesitant to trade him due to the poor results of their trade of centreman Garry Unger.{{cite news |title=Dionne has 17 months to 'save' Wings but he'll leave even if job isn't done |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-dionne-has-17-months-to-sav/169973030/ |access-date=April 14, 2025 |publisher=Montreal Gazette |date=December 5, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} In between the trade talks, Dionne broke his 22-game goalless streak on November 29 against the St. Louis Blues.{{cite news |title=Leafs Just Point Behind Habs After 5-1 Win Over St. Louis |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-leafs-just-point-behind-hab/169973111/ |access-date=April 14, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=November 30, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} The Red Wings also fired Garvin and replaced him with Alex Delvecchio.{{cite news |title=Delvecchio coach of Wings after Ted Garvin is fired |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-berkshire-eagle-delvecchio-coach-of/170308453/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Berkshire Eagle |date=November 8, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} In December 1973, Eagleson warned the Red Wings that they could lose Dionne to the World Hockey Association (WHA) if they did not trade him.{{cite news |title=Detroit urged to deal Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ottawa-citizen-detroit-urged-to-deal/169749834/ |access-date=April 17, 2025 |publisher=The Ottawa Citizen |date=December 4, 1973|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=Dulmage |first1=Jack |title=Keep Dionne book open |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-keep-dionne-book-open/169749577/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Windsor Star |date=January 7, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} However, Dionne denied asking for a trade{{cite news |last1=Gatecliff |first1=Jack |title=Marcel's Side of Story |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-marcels-side-of-story/170659448/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=December 5, 1973|via=newspapers.com}} and finished the season with the Red Wings. Dionne's offensive output improved in the second half of the season and he ended January with 13 goals and 26 asssits over 15 games.{{cite news |title=Dionne Is Red-Hot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-transcript-dionne-is-red-hot/170657734/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Times-Transcript |date=January 29, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} By the end of February, he had amassed 61 points through 59 games.{{cite news |title=Dionne improving fast |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-dionne-improving-fast/170032549/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=Sun-News |date=February 26, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} However, Dionne suffered a knee injury in March during a game against the New York Rangers and missed several games to recover.{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Nagging Injuries Crop Up; Wings Worry About Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-nagging-injuries-crop/170121687/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=March 26, 1974|via=newspapers.com}}

During the 1974 offseason, Delvecchio spoke to Dionne about returning to training camp at a healthy weight, and was disappointed when Dionne arrived at camp 15 pounds overweight.{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Alex's Era Begins With Plump Marcel |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-alexs-era-begins-wit/170122366/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=September 17, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} Despite this, Dionne was appointed captain of the Red Wings at the start of the 1974–75 season, and he changed his jersey number to 12.{{cite news |title=Delvecchio appoints Marcel Dionne captain |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-delvecchio-appoints-ma/170122534/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Flint Journal |date=October 8, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} At the age of 23, he was the second-youngest captain in the NHL that season, behind 22-year-old Jim Schoenfeld.{{cite news |last1=Johnston |first1=Dick |title=Stocky Little Speedster Revs Up to Stalk Buffalo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-stocky-little-speedster/170122995/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Buffalo News |date=January 10, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} Delvecchio gave Dionne the captaincy in an effort "to give him more responsibility."{{cite news |title=Detroiters Dig Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-record-detroiters-dig-dionne/170122641/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=New Jersey Daily Record |date=November 21, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} In this new role, he was praised by both teammates and management for his positive attitude{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Dionne's Positive Attitude Leads Wings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionnes-positive-att/170122443/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=October 15, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} while also leading the league with 12 points over five games.{{cite news |title=Assists put Marcel Dionne On Top of NHL Points Race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/telegraph-journal-assists-put-marcel-dio/170122506/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Telegraph-Journal |date=October 22, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} However, his lack of goals worried fans and he was sent medallions and jewelry to try and help him break the streak.{{cite news |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Tom |title=Maturity pays off for Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-maturity-pays-off/169653051/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Democrat and Chronicle |date=November 29, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne scored seven goals and 20 assists through November,{{cite news |last1=Erickson |first1=Howard |title=Dionne Sparkles at Last, Despite Wings' Slump |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionne-sparkles-at-la/170122607/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=November 22, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} and tied with Bobby Clarke for seventh place in league scoring by mid-December.{{cite news |title=Marcel Dionne key player in Wings rebuilding plan |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/niagara-falls-review-marcel-dionne-key-p/170122699/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Niagara Falls Review |date=December 10, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} He finished the season ranked third in league scoring and became the first player in NHL history to score 10 short-handed goals in one season.{{cite news |title=Red Wings' Marcel Dionne May Get Awards Snub |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-red-wings-marcel/169652836/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Kalamazoo Gazette |date=April 13, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} He was also fifth in voting for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy as the NHL's most gentlemanly player.{{cite news |title=Lady Bing Trophy |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-phoenix-lady-bing-trophy/170122310/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Saskatoon Star-Phoenix |date=June 12, 1974|via=newspapers.com}}

As a free agent, Dionne and his agent fielded offers from the Edmonton Oilers of the WHA, Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Islanders. However, his agent felt that the Red Wings were deterring offers as they wanted "a couple of regulars and a super-star for Marcel."{{cite news |title=Dionne, Oilers still talk |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-herald-tribune-dionne-oilers/170746600/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Grande Prairie Daily Herald-Tribune |date=May 27, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} Despite being offered a six-figure contract from the Oilers to join the WHA,{{cite news |title=Oilers Withdraw on Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-moncton-transcript-oilers-withdraw-o/170660923/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Moncton Transcript |date=June 18, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} he agreed to a $1.5 million contract with the Kings.{{cite news |title=Kings' new superstar receives super salary |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/ventura-county-star-kings-new-superstar/170660995/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=Ventura County Star |date=June 24, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} In an effort to avoid arbitration, the Kings offered the Red Wings Terry Harper, Dan Maloney, cash, and draft picks in exchange for Dionne.{{cite news |last1=Dulmage |first1=Jack |title=No suit this time |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-no-suit-this-time/170661086/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Windsor Star |date=June 24, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} However, after Harper failed to appear at the Red Wings' training camp, an injunction was requested to prohibit Dionne from joining the Kings. A judge ultimately rejected the injunction, and Dionne was able to continue participating in the Kings' training camp.{{cite news |title=Wings may get player from Kings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-saginaw-news-wings-may-get-player-fr/170700930/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Saginaw News |date=October 8, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} Upon arriving in Los Angeles, head coach Bob Pulford assigned Dionne to a weight loss regimen which included skating extra laps with plastic sheets around his stomach.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Alan |title=You Can Call Him Lou, You Can Call Him Fat Cat, You Can Call Him Tattoo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-you-can-call-him-l/170148896/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Los Angeles Times |date=April 4, 1980|via=newspapers.com}}

Dionne started the 1975–76 season centering a line with Gene Carr and Mike Murphy.{{cite news |title=Dionne happy to be with Kings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-transcript-dionne-happy-to-be/171109308/ |access-date=April 25, 2025 |publisher=The Times-Transcript |date=October 25, 1975|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |title=Dionne, Nevin Spark LA Win |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionne-nevin-spark-l/170761518/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=October 19, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} While the Kings started the season with back-to-back loses, Dionne helped them win their next four consecutive games. He quickly accumulated five goals and six assists for 11 points through six games.{{cite news |last1=Larson |first1=Al |title=Dionne scores two, paces 5-3 Kings win |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/press-telegram-dionne-scores-two-paces/171108801/ |access-date=April 25, 2025 |publisher=Press-Telegram |date=October 19, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} By the end of October, he had maintained an eight game goal streak for 10 goals overall and 14 assists.{{cite news |title=Los Angeles Subdues Penguins 4-0 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/pittsburgh-post-gazette-los-angeles-subd/170762098/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |date=October 31, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} During the streak, Dionne recorded his fifth career hat-trick{{cite news |title=Dionne, Vachon Spark Kings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-journal-dionne-vachon-spark-ki/170762311/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The News Journal |date=October 29, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} and set a Kings franchise record with 11 shots on net in one game. While he found success offensively, he also received criticism from coaching staff and hockey pundits for his lack of defensive mindedness.{{cite news |last1=Hanley |first1=Bob |title=Kings now 14th in NHL defence |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-hamilton-spectator-kings-now-14th-in/170761002/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Hamilton Spectator |date=December 4, 1975|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=Hafner |first1=Dan |title=Can little Marcel become THE King of Los Angeles? |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-windsor-star-can-little-marcel-becom/170762678/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=The Windsor Star |date=December 23, 1975|via=newspapers.com}} On March 27, 1976, Dionne scored his 37th goal of the season to tie a franchise record for most goals in a single season.{{cite news |title=Canucks 4, Kings 3 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-naples-daily-news-canucks-4-kings-3/171146818/ |publisher=The Naples Daily News |date=March 28, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} He then surpassed the record set by Mike Corrigan with his 38th goal on March 31, against the St. Louis Blues.{{cite news |title=Kings 2, Blues 1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-recorder-kings-2-blues-1/171147316/|access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Recorder|date=April 1, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne finished the regular season with a franchise-leading 40 goals and 54 assists en route to the 1976 Stanley Cup playoffs.{{cite news |last1=Waldner |first1=Mike |title=Playoffs and Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-breeze-playoffs-and-dionne/171146145/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Daily Breeze |date=April 6, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} While the Kings beat the Atlanta Flames in the preliminary round of the playoffs,{{cite news |title=Dionne Excited About Stanley Cup |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/north-county-times-dionne-excited-about/171148570/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=North County Times |date=April 25, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} they fell to the Boston Bruins in seven games.{{cite news |title=Next series open |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-next-sries-open/171148981/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=April 27, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} After the Kings were shut out by the Bruins in Game 1, Dionne scored his first two postseason goals in Game 2 to help the Kings even their quarterfinal series.{{cite news |title=Goring's overtime goal evens series for Kings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/anaheim-bulletin-gorings-overtime-goal/171147892/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=Anaheim Bulletin |date=April 14, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} He scored a hat-trick the following game to lead the Kings to a 6–4 win and a 2–1 series lead.{{cite news |title=Marcel Dionne's Hat Trick Turns Bruins Into 'Clinkers' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/st-louis-post-dispatch-marcel-dionnes/171146322/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=St. Louis Post Dispatch |date=April 16, 1976|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |title=Dionne Superb For Kings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-argus-dionne-superb-for-kings/171146484/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Times Argus |date=April 16, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne finished the series leading the team with six goals, but the Kings were ultimately eliminated from playoff contention.{{cite news |title=Pulford praises losing Kings |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-record-pulford-praises-losing/171149107/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Times Record |date=April 26, 2025|via=newspapers.com}}

During the offseason, Dionne was chosen to represent Team Canada in the inaugural 1976 Canada Cup. Due to an overabundance of centremen, Canada's head coach Scotty Bowman chose to convert Dionne into a right winger.{{cite news |last1=Morrissey |first1=Bob |title=Team man Dionne, unselfish Lafleur meet tonight as Canadiens play L.A. |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-team-man-dionne-unselfish-l/171154951/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=Montreal Gazette |date=February 5, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} After witnessing Dionne's success in this position, Kings head coach Bob Pulford chose to keep him as a winger for the 1976–77 season. In this new role, Dionne and his linemates Tom Williams and Butch Goring became one of the highest-scoring lines that season.{{cite news |last1=Henderson |first1=Tom |title=Dionne a Right Wingers Now...Still Leads Kings in Goals |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dionne-a-right-winger/171152329/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=November 13, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} By the end of November, Dionne ranked third in league scoring with 13 goals and 23 assists.{{cite news |title=Habs' goals come at a record clip |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/red-deer-advocate-habs-goals-come-at-a/171153353/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=Red Deer Advocate |date=November 30, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} While he was occasionally benched by Pulford due to his defensive deficiencies,{{cite news |last1=Snyder |first1=Brodie |title=Kings' Dionne right behind Lafleur in scoring race |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-kings-dionne-right-behind-l/171153564/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=Montreal Gazette |date=December 18, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne still ended December with 20 goals and 53 points.{{cite news |last1=Hopkins |first1=Ross |title=Boos at Olympia spur Marcel Dionne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-boos-at-olympia-spur-marcel/170760651/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=St. Catharines Standard |date=December 28, 1976|via=newspapers.com}} Despite his offensive success, Dionne was left off the original roster for the 1977 NHL All-Star Game. He was eventually personally added by Wales Conference All-Stars coach Scotty Bowman.{{cite news |last1=Mazzeo |first1=Frank |title=Votes or not, Dionne's a star |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/valley-news-votes-or-not-dionnes-a-sta/171154119/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=Valley News |date=January 20, 1977|via=newspapers.com}}{{cite news |last1=McLean |first1=Dan |title=Dionne's wait was ridiculous |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-breeze-dionnes-wait-was-ridic/171154355/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Daily Breeze |date=January 19, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} Following the All-Star Game, Dionne recorded his second hat-trick of the season to reach 40 goals and tie the Kings' franchise record for most goals in a single season, which he had set the previous year.{{cite news |title=Dionne's trick paces Kings in 5-1 runaway at Buffalo |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/rutland-daily-herald-marcel-dionne-aims/171155299/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=Independent |date=February 28, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} In March, Dionne broke the Kings' franchise goal record and reached 100 points for the second time in his career.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Mike |title=Los Angeles tie Penguins, 3-3, with 7 seconds to spare |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-bernardino-county-sun-los-angele/171155779/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The San Bernardino County Sun |date=March 6, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} He finished the 1976–77 regular season with a career-high 53 goals and 69 assists for 122 points, while playing mostly as a right winger.{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Red |title=Marcel Dionne shift will muddle year-end voting |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-transcript-marcel-dionne-shift/171156058/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Times-Transcript |date=March 28, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} In recognition of his efforts, Dionne became the first Los Angeles Kings player to be named to the NHL All-Star team at the end of the season.{{cite news |title=Five Habs make the all-stars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-moncton-transcript-five-habs-make-th/170744784/ |access-date=April 25, 2025 |publisher=The Moncton Transcript |date=June 7, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} He also received the 1977 Seven Crowns of Sports award as the NHL's most consistent player{{cite news |title=Marcel Dionne wins NHL award |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lima-news-marcel-dionne-wins-nhl-awa/169652933/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Lima News |date=April 27, 1977|via=newspapers.com}} and his second Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.{{cite news |title=Canadiens rake in trophies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-morning-call-canadiens-rake-in-troph/169652464/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The Morning Call |date=June 9, 1977|via=newspapers.com}}

File:Marcel Dionne 1987 (2).JPG in 1987]]

During Dionne's tenure with the Los Angeles Kings, he played six seasons with the famed "Triple Crown Line", centring Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor.{{cite web |last1=Strong |first1=Gregory |title=NHL 100: Legion of Doom highlights hockey's all-time iconic lines |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/nhl-100-iconic-lines-nhl-history-1.3992137 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=April 19, 2025 |date=February 21, 2017}} Dionne signed a six-year, $3.6 million contract with the Kings before the start of the 1980–81 season.{{cite news |title=Dionne signs hefty contract |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-desert-sun-dionne-signs-hefty-contra/170692719/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Desert Sun |date=August 21, 1980|via=newspapers.com}} On January 7, 1981, Dionne recorded two goals and an assist against the Hartford Whalers to become the fastest NHL player to reach 1,000 points. He accomplished this feat in 740 games, 83 games faster than the previous record holder Phil Esposito.{{cite news |title=Marcel Dionne scores 1,000th point in NHL |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-york-dispatch-marcel-dionne-scores-1/169651565/ |access-date=April 26, 2025 |publisher=The York Dispatch |date=January 8, 1981|via=newspapers.com}}

On December 7, 1985, Dionne scored his 500th goal with the Kings organization to help the team beat the Winnipeg Jets.{{cite news |title=Dionne scores 500th as Kings win |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/camarillo-star-dionne-scores-500th-as-ki/169652039/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=Camarillo Star |date=December 8, 1985|via=newspapers.com}} Dionne was traded to the New York Rangers upon his request on March 10, 1987. The Kings sent Dionne, Jeff Crossman, and a third-round pick to the Rangers in exchange for Bobby Carpenter and Tom Laidlaw.{{cite news |last1=Cart |first1=Julie |title=Dionne Asks for a Trade, Goes to Rangers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-dionne-asks-for-a/170660546/ |access-date=April 19, 2025 |publisher=The Los Angeles Times |date=March 11, 1987|via=newspapers.com}}

Dionne played his remaining two and a half seasons there, where the Rangers lost in the first round of the playoffs twice and missed the playoffs once. He retired in 1989.{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/news/2001/02/22/sayitaintso_kings/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010526183923/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/hockey/nhl/news/2001/02/22/sayitaintso_kings/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 26, 2001 | publisher=CNN Sports Illustrated| title=Say It Ain't So: Los Angeles Kings}}

In January 2004, Dionne was featured on a Canadian postage stamp. As part of the NHL All-Stars Collection, Dionne was immortalized along with five other All-Stars.Canada's Stamp Details, January to March 2004, Volume XIII, No. 1

Dionne has maintained a large business and investment portfolio since his playing days, owning the Blue Line Diner in Niagara Falls, operating a sports memorabilia store in Buffalo and buying and selling real estate.

Dionne was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.{{cite news |title=Hockey |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-hockey/170037284/ |access-date=April 10, 2025 |publisher=Chicago Tribune |date=September 22, 1992|via=newspapers.com}} In 1998, he was ranked number 38 on The Hockey News' list of the 100 Greatest Hockey Players, the highest-ranking player to have not won a Stanley Cup since 2001 when No. 14-ranked Ray Bourque won with the Colorado Avalanche.

The Centre Civique arena in Drummondville was renamed Centre Marcel-Dionne in his honour in 1980.{{cite web |title=Modernisation du centre Marcel-Dionne |url=https://www.drummondville.ca/projets-majeurs/modernisation-centre-marcel-dionne/ |website=drummondville.ca |access-date=April 19, 2025}}

Prior to the start of the 1993–94 season, Dionne helped to create local interest in the ECHL's newest franchise, the South Carolina Stingrays. With the help of some young players, Dionne gave an on-ice demonstration of the rules of hockey to the southern audience.{{cite book|first=Jon C.|last=Scott|title=Hockey Night in Dixie: Minor Pro Hockey in the American South|year=2006|publisher=Heritage House Publishing Company Ltd.|page=70|isbn=1-894974-21-2|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/hockeynightindix0000stot}}

Dionne married St. Catharines native Carol Gaudet in Troy, Michigan in April 1974.{{cite news |title=Wings' Marcel Dionne Marries |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-wings-marcel-dionne/170121886/ |access-date=April 11, 2025 |publisher=Detroit Free Press |date=April 6, 1974|via=newspapers.com}} They have three children together, two sons and one daughter.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Ben |title=Marcel Dionne: Kings star tutors heirs to throne |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/usa-today-marcel-dionne-kings-star-tuto/170743951/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=USA Today |date=February 21, 1987|via=newspapers.com}} After he retired, the Dionne's settled in Buffalo and his sons, Drew and Garrett, played Junior B hockey for the Niagara Falls Canucks.{{cite news |last1=Dakin |first1=Dan |title=Hockey in their blood |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/niagara-falls-review-hockey-in-their-blo/170747543/ |access-date=April 20, 2025 |publisher=Niagara Falls Review |date=November 10, 1999|via=newspapers.com}}

Triple Crown, Ted Mahovlich, p.209, {{ISBN|978-0-00-639134-0}}

• 2× Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy winner – 1969–70, 1970–71
• OHA Second All-Star Team – 1969–70
• OHA First All-Star Team – 1970–71

• 2× Lady Byng Memorial Trophy winner – 1974–75, 1976–77
• 2× Lester B. Pearson Award winner – 1978–79, 1979–80
• Art Ross Trophy winner – 1979–80
• 8× NHL All-Star – 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, 1983, 1985
• 2× NHL first team All-Star – 1976–77, 1979–80
• 2× NHL second team All-Star – 1978–79, 1980–81
• Named best forward at the Ice Hockey World Championships – 1978
• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame – 1992

• List of NHL statistical leaders
• Notable families in the NHL
• List of NHL players with 1,000 points
• List of NHL players with 500 goals

{{reflist}}

• {{Ice hockey stats |legendsm=P199201}}

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{{succession box | before = Serge Lajeunesse | title = Detroit Red Wings first round draft pick | years = 1971 | after = Terry Richardson}}

{{succession box | before = Larry Johnston
rotating captaincy ends| title = Detroit Red Wings captain | years = 1974–75 | after = Danny Grant}}

{{succession box | before = John Bucyk | before2 = Jean Ratelle | title = Winner of the Lady Byng Trophy | years = 1975
1977 | after = Jean Ratelle |after2 = Butch Goring}}

{{succession box | before = Guy Lafleur | title = Winner of the Lester B. Pearson Award | years = 1979, 1980 | after = Mike Liut}}

{{succession box| before = Bryan Trottier | title = Winner of the Art Ross Trophy | years = 1980 | after = Wayne Gretzky}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Dionne, Marcel}}

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