How a ninth-round draft pick became the most prolific left winger in NHL history
In short: Luc Robitaille was once dismissed for his poor skating, yet he retired as the highest-scoring left winger the NHL had ever seen. From a humble draft-day introduction to a legendary career with the Los Angeles Kings, Robitaille defied expectations to secure his place among the sport's all-time greats.
Drafted 171st overall in 1984, Luc Robitaille was an unlikely candidate for stardom. Many scouts doubted his potential due to his skating limitations, and he famously introduced himself to the Kings' general manager while attending the draft as a spectator. Despite these early reservations, he quickly proved his value, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie in 1987. He remains the only player in Los Angeles Kings history to receive this specific honor.
Robitaille’s offensive output was remarkably consistent, as he recorded over 40 goals in each of his first eight seasons. His 1992–93 campaign was particularly historic; he set league records for goals and points by a left winger, finishing with 63 goals and 125 points. Although Alexander Ovechkin later surpassed his goal record, Robitaille’s mark for points in a single season by a left winger stands as a testament to his elite playmaking and scoring touch.
While his career included stints with the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers, his heart remained in Los Angeles. He returned to the Kings in 1997, eventually retiring in 2006 as the franchise's leader in goals. His pursuit of the Stanley Cup finally culminated in 2002 with the Detroit Red Wings, where he was the third player to hoist the trophy after captain Steve Yzerman and goaltender Dominik Hašek. Today, his legacy is cemented by a bronze statue outside the arena and his number 20 hanging in the rafters.
Beyond the ice, Robitaille transitioned into a successful executive role, serving as the president of the Los Angeles Kings. Under his leadership, the organization captured two Stanley Cup titles. His influence extends into pop culture and philanthropy, including the co-founding of the Echoes of Hope charity, proving that his impact on the community and the sport transcends his impressive statistical achievements.
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