Luc Robitaille
The highest-scoring left winger in NHL history and a Kings legend whose number 20 hangs in the rafters.
Luc Robitaille is a Canadian-American professional ice hockey executive and former player who serves as president of the Los Angeles Kings. During his 19-season NHL career, he won the Stanley Cup in 2001–02 with the Detroit Red Wings, and also played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers. He is most known for his 14 seasons (over three different stints) with the Kings, with whom he won the Calder Memorial Trophy as top rookie and was named to eight NHL All-Star teams. He retired after the 2005–06 season as the highest-scoring left winger in NHL history and the holder of several Kings franchise records.
- Role
- Left Wing
- Status
- Retired
- Major Honors
- Stanley Cup Champion
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Robitaille's journey to NHL stardom began when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the ninth round, 171st overall, of the 1984 NHL entry draft. Many hockey experts expected him to be drafted late due to his poor skating ability. He happened to be attending the 1984 draft in the stands and later introduced himself to first-year Kings general manager Rogie Vachon. Robitaille and former teammate Dave Taylor are the lowest NHL draft picks to have recorded 1,000 career points. During the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, the Kings drafted future Baseball Hall-of-Famer Tom Glavine in the fourth round, over 100 spots before Robitaille.
In Their Own Story
Robitaille's first NHL season was 1986–87, where he scored 45 goals and had 39 assists in 79 games, edging out Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ron Hextall for the Calder Memorial Trophy — the only Los Angeles player to ever win the award. He scored more than 40 goals in each of his first eight seasons, including a career-high 63 in 1992–93. That year, with captain Wayne Gretzky sidelined by injury, Robitaille assumed the captaincy and led the team in scoring, playing a key role in helping the Kings reach the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in franchise history. On January 19, 2006, Robitaille scored a hat-trick, tying and passing Marcel Dionne's then-franchise record of 550 goals. His record-breaking goal was met with several minutes of standing ovations and a video-congratulation reel on the scoreboard.
Reader's Guide
Robitaille played his final NHL home game as a King against the Calgary Flames on April 15, 2006. He wore the captain's 'C' that normally belonged to defenseman Mattias Norström. Although held without a point, he logged 18:37 of ice time and had four shots on goal. He was the second shooter in the shootout, but his shot towards the upper-right corner of the net was stopped by the glove of goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff, despite being given an open five hole. The Kings won the game 2–1. The Kings held a curtain call for Robitaille after the game, where he was given a standing ovation by the sell-out crowd of 18,118 fans. After chants of his name died down, he gave a short speech and did one final lap of the rink at Staples Center.
Did You Know?
- Robitaille was drafted 171st overall in the 1984 NHL entry draft, one of the lowest draft picks to ever record 1,000 career points.
- He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 1986–87, the only Los Angeles player to ever win the award.
- Robitaille set Kings franchise records for most goals (63) and points (125) in a season by a left winger in 1992–93.
- He scored his 500th career goal on January 7, 1999, in a 4–2 victory against the Buffalo Sabres at the Great Western Forum.
- Robitaille was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history in 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Luc Robitaille?
Luc Robitaille is the legendary left winger who spent his entire 21-year NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings from 1986 to 2006. He holds the franchise records for goals, assists, and total points, earning him the title of the team's all-time leading scorer.
What role did Luc Robitaille play in Kings history?
As a cornerstone player during the team's early years, he transformed the franchise's identity from a playoff drought era into a respected dynasty. His consistent excellence laid the foundation for future success, including the organization's eventual Stanley Cup championships.
Why is jersey number 20 significant to the Kings?
Number 20 was the first jersey ever retired by the Los Angeles Kings, honoring Robitaille's unparalleled loyalty and statistical dominance. It hangs permanently above the rafters of their arena as a symbol of franchise excellence.
What major awards did Luc Robitaille win?
During his illustrious career, he captured the Hart Trophy as league MVP and won Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. Additionally, he was instrumental in leading the Kings to Stanley Cup victories later in his tenure.
How is Luc Robitaille remembered by fans today?
He is revered as 'The Golden King' and remains the ultimate symbol of loyalty after never playing for another NHL team. His induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame cements his status as one of the most iconic figures in hockey lore.
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