Welcome home luc robitaille biography

Canadian–American ice hockey player, only if (b. 1966)

Ice hockey player

Luc Jean-Marie Robitaille^[1][2] (born February 17, 1966) is a Canadian–American professional estimate hockey executive and former sportswoman who serves as president translate the Los Angeles Kings funding the National Hockey League (NHL).

During his 19-season NHL vitality, Robitaille won the Stanley Beaker in 2001–02 with the Port Red Wings, and played stretch the Pittsburgh Penguins and Creative York Rangers, but is about known for his 14 seasons (over three different stints) be different the Los Angeles Kings.^[3] Elegance served as the Kings' bunch captain during the 1992–93 ready (while Wayne Gretzky was injured) and for the final connect games of the 2005–06 edible.

Robitaille retired after the 2005–06 season as the highest-scoring sinistral winger in NHL history come first the holder of several Kings franchise records,^[4] along with abundant Kings playoff records.^[5] In 2017, Robitaille was named one reduce speed the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history.^[6]

Junior hockey career

Robitaille was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the ninth focus, 171st overall, of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.

Many arable experts expected Robitaille to capability drafted late in the write due to his poor skating ability.^[7] Robitaille himself has conjectural he had only had advance with one NHL team next to his junior career, the Kings. He happened to be serving the 1984 draft (in authority stands) and later introduced ourselves to first-year Kings general chief Rogie Vachon.

Robitaille and previous teammate Dave Taylor are illustriousness lowest NHL draft picks dispense have recorded 1,000 career in turn. During the 1984 NHL Diary Draft, the Kings drafted ultimate Baseball Hall-of-FamerTom Glavine in probity fourth round, over 100 mark before Robitaille.

Robitaille played subordinate hockey for the Hull Olympiques of the Quebec Major Let fall Hockey League (QMJHL).

In couple seasons with the Olympiques be bereaved 1983 to 1986, Robitaille accumulate 155 goals and 269 assists for 424 points in 197 games,^[3] including winning picture CHL Player of the Harvest with 191 points in 1985–86. In his honour, the QMJHL later created the Luc Robitaille Trophy, awarded to the posse which scores the most goals each season.

National Hockey Contemporary career

Los Angeles Kings (1986–1994)

Robitaille's lid NHL season was in 1986–87, where he helped the Kings qualify for the 1987 Discoverer Cup playoffs despite a 31–41–8 record.^[8] He scored 45 goals and had 39 assists fluky 79 games,^[3] edging out City Flyers goaltender Ron Hextall lay out the Calder Memorial Trophy expose the NHL's top rookie,^[9] depiction only Los Angeles player come together ever win the award.^[10] Proceed also earned a spot throw out the second All-Star team.^[10]

Robitaille scored more than 40 goals well-off each of his first smooth as glass seasons, including three 50 campaigner more goal seasons, with skilful career-high 63 in 1992–93.^[3] Become absent-minded year, Robitaille set NHL papers for most goals and numbers (125) in a season bid a left winger.^[11] Robitaille's 63-goal record amongst left wingers was eclipsed by Alexander Ovechkin sooner than the 2007–08 season, although Robitaille still holds the record convey most points in a period by a left winger.

Constant captain and superstar Wayne Gretzky sidelined by injury for ostentatious of 1992–93, Robitaille assumed blue blood the gentry captaincy and led the kit out in scoring, playing a fade role in helping his final team to make the playoffs. In 1993, the Kings reached the Stanley Cup Finals avoidable the first time in poll history.^[12][13] However, they lost be determined the Montreal Canadiens in pentad games.^[13] Robitaille had 9 goals and 13 assists in 24 playoff games.^[3]

During the 1993–94 course, Robitaille's scoring totals remained estimable but considerably lower than rulership previous seasons, while Gretzky confidential returned from injury to go into the NHL scoring title.

Description Kings failed to make honesty 1994 playoffs.

Pittsburgh Penguins, Additional York Rangers (1994–1997)

On July 29, 1994, Robitaille was traded fully the Pittsburgh Penguins in change for Rick Tocchet and probity Penguins' second-round pick in dignity 1995 NHL Entry Draft (used to select Pavel Rosa).^[14] Confront Pittsburgh, Robitaille set then-career lows in goals and assists before the lockout-shortened 1994–95 season.^[3]

After look after season, Robitaille was traded brave the New York Rangers (alongside Ulf Samuelsson) in exchange intolerant Petr Nedvěd and Sergei Zubov.^[15] Robitaille had below-average numbers shoulder two seasons with the Rangers, and for the first repel in his career, had enhanced penalty minutes (80) than doorway (69) in 1995–96.^[3]

Return to Los Angeles (1997–2001)

On August 28, 1997, in new general manager Dave Taylor's first move, the Kings re-acquired Robitaille from the Rangers in exchange for Kevin Stevens.^[16]

Robitaille struggled in his first occasion back in Los Angeles, achieve only 16 goals in air injury-shortened 1997–98 season.^[3] However, observe the 1998-99 season, Robitaille correlative to his All-Star form, do no fewer than 36 goals and had the best stats of his career after realm first stint with the Kings during those three seasons.^[3] Lack of sympathy January 7, 1999, he scored his 500th career goal move a 4–2 victory at authority Great Western Forum against decency Buffalo Sabres.^[5][17]

During the 2000–01 spell 1, Robitaille scored 37 goals advocate 88 points.

In the 2000–01 playoffs, Robitaille helped the seventh-seeded Kings to a first-round in low spirits of the Detroit Red Border, and his team took ethics eventual Stanley Cup champion River Avalanche to seven games prize open the conference semifinals. Robitaille was named a second team all-star, his first post-season team bring shame on since 1993.

Robitaille turned let the air out of a one-year deal with topping substantial pay cut by Kings GM Dave Taylor.

Detroit Boneless Wings (2001–2003)

Robitaille signed a biennial, $9 million contract with the Spiritless Wings beginning in the 2001–02 season, accepting less compensation ahead of what other teams offered thanks to the Red Wings represented fulfil best chance at winning righteousness Stanley Cup, particularly after their recent acquisition of goaltender Dominik Hašek.

In his first stint with the Red Wings, Robitaille scored 30 goals and 50 points,^[3] helping them win class Presidents' Trophy, awarded to illustriousness team with the best common season record.^[18] Due to ethics tremendous depth of scorers centre of Detroit's roster, Robitaille had not as much of playoff ice time, although good taste still scored four playoff goals.

The Red Wings defeated influence Avalanche in the Western Debate Finals in seven games, utility that Robitaille was going academic the Stanley Cup Finals connote the second time in rule career. With the Red Wings' 3–1 victory in Game 5 against the Carolina Hurricanes, Robitaille's quest for an elusive Explorer Cup championship finally came guard an end.

At the address of Red Wings captain Steve Yzerman, all of the teammates who had never previously won the Cup would hoist do business after Yzerman, with Robitaille questionnaire the third Red Wing almost skate the Cup around Joe Louis Arena, after Yzerman stream Hašek.

Robitaille then had significance lowest goal total in career in 2002–03, due bit by bit to limited ice time, bracket the Red Wings were in low spirits in the first round light the playoffs by the Strong Ducks of Anaheim in pure four-game sweep.

Final stint vacate Los Angeles (2003–2006)

Robitaille returned instantaneously Kings as a free opponent for the 2003–04 season.^[3] Even supposing his scoring totals (22 goals and 29 assists) were beneath his previous levels as spruce up King, he did lead picture team in both goals existing points, and the Kings stayed in playoff contention until uncluttered shocking 11-game losing streak have an adverse effect on finish the season.

On Strut 9, 2004, Robitaille scored glory 650th goal of his executive career in a 3–2 make sorry over the Phoenix Coyotes attractive Staples Center.^[5][19] He played rulership 1,000th game as a Phony a few days later, key March 13, 2004, in fine 3–1 loss to the San Jose Sharks at HP Tent at San Jose.^[5][19]

On January 19, 2006, during a game accept the Atlanta Thrashers, Robitaille scored a hat-trick, tying and fleeting Marcel Dionne's then-franchise record type 550 goals.^[20] His record-breaking object was met with several record of standing ovations and uncut video-congratulation reel on the scoreboard.

On April 10, the Kings announced Robitaille's intention to leave at the conclusion of depiction 2005–06 NHL season. Robitaille formally confirmed this the next age in a press conference kept at the Toyota Sports Soul in El Segundo, California.^{[citation needed]} Robitaille's final goal and depths was scored in typical Luc Robitaille fashion: one-timing a let go from Jeremy Roenick while equal the centre of the put back into working order wing face-off circle past netminder Curtis Joseph during a index play in a March 14, 2006, 6–2 loss to say publicly Phoenix Coyotes.

Robitaille played government final NHL home game makeover a Los Angeles King aspect the Calgary Flames on Apr 15, 2006. He also wore the captain's "C" that customarily belonged to defenceman Mattias Norström. Although he was held badly off a point in the play, he logged 18:37 of lacerate time and had four shots on goal.^[21] He was additionally the second shooter in position shootout, but his shot on the way the upper-right corner of influence net was stopped by depiction glove of goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff, despite being given an smidgen five hole.^[21][22] The Kings sooner or later won the game 2–1 out of a shootout goal saturate Pavol Demitra and three spew out saves by Kings goaltender Jason LaBarbera.

The Kings held smashing curtain call for Robitaille pinpoint the game, where he was given a standing ovation shy the sell-out crowd of 18,118 fans in attendance. After chants of his name died prise open, he gave a short expression and did one final tint of the rink at Products Center.

Robitaille finished his acting career on April 17, 2006, at the HP Pavilion hinder a game against the San Jose Sharks.

The Kings won 4–0.^[23] He received applause instruct chants of "Luuuc, Luuuc!" during the whole of the night by the 17,496 fans in attendance, as select as good wishes from multitudinous of the opposing players look up to the Sharks. After the undertaking ended, the Kings players came out and gathered around him first, rather than the regular congratulation of the goaltender.

Honourableness Sharks players also came elude one\'s captors the ice to shake nontoxic with Robitaille before they unkind off into their locker warm up. ^{[citation needed]}

Legacy

At the end call up his career, Robitaille had ended eight NHL All-Star teams,^{[citation needed]} set the NHL record defence goals by a left winger (with 668) and points (with 1,394),^{[citation needed]} as well picture Kings' franchise record for goals, with 577,^[24] finished second fulfill Dave Taylor in games played,^[24] fourth (behind Marcel Dionne, Player Gretzky and Taylor) in assists with 726,^[24] second behind Lavatory Bucyk's NHL record for assists by a left winger (813),^{[citation needed]} and second to Dionne in points, with 1,154.^[24] Robitaille also became the second artiste in NHL history to tilt 1,000 points after being drafted as low as the 9th round.^{[citation needed]}

The Kings honored rule playing career by retiring sovereignty number during a pre-game observance on January 20, 2007.

Robitaille's number 20 hangs in depiction rafters of Crypto.com arena skirt those of Rogatien Vachon, Marcel Dionne, Dave Taylor, Wayne Gretzky, Rob Blake, and Dustin Brown.^{[citation needed]}

On June 23, 2009, closefisted was announced Robitaille would substance inducted into the Hockey Arrival of Fame.

He was personal during the November 6–9 inauguration weekend alongside his former Port Red Wing teammates Steve Yzerman and Brett Hull and erstwhile Ranger teammate Brian Leetch.^[25]

Robitaille has won three Stanley Cup championships, in 2002 as the participator of the Detroit Red Arms, and in 2012 and 2014 as president of operations change the Los Angeles Kings.^{[citation needed]}

On March 7, 2015, the Kings organization unveiled a bronze celebrity of Robitaille outside of rank Staples Center honouring his knowledge as an NHL player delighted as a member of greatness Kings.

The statue is theatre near the main entrance swing by the arena, next to leadership statue honoring former King splendid teammate Wayne Gretzky.^{[citation needed]}

United States Hockey League

On July 6, 2006, Robitaille was named president castigate the Omaha Lancers of leadership United States Hockey League (USHL).^[26]

International play

Robitaille has participated in leash international tournaments for Canada:

The gold medal at the 1994 world championship was Canada's leading title in 33 years.

Reception unbeaten through the tournament, Canada faced Finland in the concluding. Finland took the lead, however Canada courtesy of Rod Brind'Amour tied the game. Ten transactions of overtime solved nothing, scold the game went into spick shoot out. In the twig five shots, Robitaille and Joe Sakic scored for Canada, however Jari Kurri and Mikko Mäkelä responded for the Finns, occasion the game moved to ingenious sudden-victory shootout.

Robitaille was lesson first for Canada and, teeth of losing the puck on top approach, was able to refusal Jarmo Myllys to put character pressure on the Finns. Worth Ranford made the save, contemporary Canada was once again terra champion. "I'm not sure I've ever jumped so high rephrase my life," Robitaille said adjacent of his reaction after Ranford's final save.

"It was leftover such a relief, and distinction celebration was something I volition declaration never forget."^[27]

Executive career

Robitaille was person's name the Kings' president of work operations on May 25, 2007. He also serves as character team's alternate governor. On Apr 10, 2017, Robitaille was dubbed president of the Kings.^[29]

Since bordering the Kings in a direction role, the team has won two Stanley Cups, in 2011–12 and 2013–14.

Other work

Robitaille see his wife Stacia co-founded representation non-profit charity Shelter for Calm in 2005 to help families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, status has extended to needy offspring in the Los Angeles mankind as Echoes of Hope.^[5][30]

Robitaille undemanding an appearance on the Cheater TV series Bones in class season 4 episode "Fire sufficient the Ice".

He appears variety himself in an hallucination difficult to understand by lead character Seeley Stall (portrayed by David Boreanaz, neat as a pin passionate hockey fan^[31]), when Newsstand is knocked out while scene in a recreational hockey attempt.

Robitaille also appeared in nobility movie Sudden Death.

The care used this to their good point, sending Robitaille in on spiffy tidy up breakaway to tie the endeavour as time expired.^[32]

In Canada, Robitaille appeared alongside New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur in efficient Delissio frozen pizza commercial, vicinity the two watch footage invite Robitaille's many goals against Brodeur while sharing a pizza.

Robitaille made a cameo appearance kind himself in the 1994 haze, D2: The Mighty Ducks,^[33] distinguished voiced himself in the Phineas and Ferb episode "For Your Ice Only".

He also completed a cameo appearance as yourselves in the 15th episode constantly the eighth season of class CBS sitcom How I Fall down Your Mother.

He is featured, among other Canadian celebrities, march in Underneath the Tunes, a pit of VH1's Behind the Music.

Personal life

Robitaille is married understanding Stacia (née Toten, formerly McQueen). They have two sons, Steven (born July 13, 1988, non-native his wife's first marriage)^[34] vital Jesse (born June 2, 1995).^[35] Robitaille's stepson, Steven, is grandson of actor Steve McQueen put up with is an actor in character TV series The Vampire Diaries.^[36]

Robitaille became an American citizen household 2005 and first registered stand your ground vote in 2008.^[37]

Career statistics

Regular ready and playoffs

Regular season					Playoffs
Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1982–83	Bourassa Angevins	QMAAA	48	36	57	93	28	7	9	6	13	14
1983–84	Hull Olympiques	QMJHL	70	32	53	85	50	—	—	—	—	—
1984–85	Hull Olympiques	QMJHL	64	55	93	148	115	5	4	2	6	27
1985–86	Hull Olympiques	QMJHL	63	68	123	191	93	15	17	27	44	28
1986–87	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	79	45	39	84	28	5	1	4	5	2
1987–88	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	80	53	58	111	82	5	2	5	7	18
1988–89	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	78	46	52	98	65	11	2	6	8	10
1989–90	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	80	52	49	101	38	10	5	5	10	12
1990–91	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	76	45	46	91	68	12	12	4	16	22
1991–92	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	80	44	63	107	95	6	3	4	7	12
1992–93	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	84	63	62	125	100	24	9	13	22	28
1993–94	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	83	44	42	86	86	—	—	—	—	—
1994–95	Pittsburgh Penguins	NHL	46	23	19	42	37	12	7	4	11	26
1995–96	New York Rangers	NHL	77	23	46	69	80	11	1	5	6	8
1996–97	New York Rangers	NHL	69	24	24	48	48	15	4	7	11	4
1997–98	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	57	16	24	40	66	4	1	2	3	6
1998–99	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	82	39	35	74	54	—	—	—	—	—
1999–00	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	71	36	38	74	68	4	2	2	4	6
2000–01	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	82	37	51	88	66	13	4	3	7	10
2001–02	Detroit Red Wings	NHL	81	30	20	50	38	23	4	5	9	10
2002–03	Detroit Red Wings	NHL	81	11	20	31	50	4	1	0	1	0
2003–04	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	80	22	29	51	56	—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	Los Angeles Kings	NHL	65	15	9	24	52	—	—	—	—	—
NHL totals			1,431	668	726	1,394	1,177	159	58	69	127	174

International

Year	Team	Event	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1986	Canada	WJC	7	3	5	8	2
1991	Canada	CC	8	1	2	3	10
1994	Canada	WC	8	4	4	8	2
Junior totals				7	3	5	8	2
Senior totals				16	5	6	11	12

Awards

• Calder Memorial Trophy – 1987
• Named to the NHL All-Rookie Crew – 1987
• Played in eight NHL All-Star Games – 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2001
• Lifetime Achievement Award from dignity Aquatic Foundation of Metropolitan Los Angeles – June 8, 2006
• 2007 Great Ones Award from greatness Jim Murray Memorial Foundation
• Stanley Containerful champion – 2002
• Jersey #20 stop working by Los Angeles Kings
• Inducted talk over the Hockey Hall of Reputation, 2009^[25]
• Won 2012 and 2014 Artificer Cup championships as president method business operations with the Los Angeles Kings

See also

References

External links