Luc Robitaille to Retire at Season's End

[VodkaFish]

LOS ANGELES – Luc Robitaille -- the highest scoring left wing in NHL history, the all-time Kings leader in goals scored and a future member of the Hockey Hall of Fame -- today announced his retirement as a player, effective at the end of this season, at a press conference at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo.

Robitaille’s final three games will be: this Thursday at Phoenix at 7 p.m.; on Saturday versus Calgary at STAPLES Center at 7:30 p.m.; and on Monday, April 17, at San Jose at 7:30 p.m. All fans at Saturday’s Kings-Calgary game at STAPLES Center will receive a special Luc Robitaille commemorative T-shirt as part of the Kings celebrating his final home contest.

“I have had an incredible journey playing the game I love and my decision to retire has been a very difficult one for me, my wife Stacia and my entire family to make,” said Robitaille. “The game of hockey has given me so much and it is very difficult to leave. Los Angeles is where I started my career and it is where I have always wanted to end my career. The Kings have been like family to me. This is truly my home and I am very thankful for the great support I have received from the organization, my many teammates – I have been blessed to have played with so many great players and friends throughout the years – and our great and loyal fans. Our fans have treated me like a King since Day One and I am extremely grateful.”

Robitaille, 40, has played 19 seasons in the NHL – including 14 with the Kings – after the club selected him in the ninth-round (171st overall) in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. In 1,428 career regular season games with the Kings, Detroit Red Wings (where he won a Stanley Cup in 2002), New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins, Robitaille has 1,394 points (668-726=1,394) and 1,175 penalty minutes. In 159 playoff games, he has 127 points (58-69=127) and 174 penalty minutes.

Robitaille has been honored with several awards and he has set numerous records throughout his long and distinguished career. In addition to being the highest scoring left wing in NHL history, a mark he set in a Kings uniform with an assist on March 22, 2004, with his 1,370th point to pass Hall of Famer John Bucyk, Robitaille holds the NHL record for left wingers for goals (668). He is also 10th in overall NHL goal scoring with 668 goals (second among active players to former Red Wings teammate Steve Yzerman), 19th in overall NHL scoring with 1,394 points (fourth among active players – Yzerman, Joe Sakic and former Penguin teammate Jaromir Jagr) and he is the only left wing in NHL history to record eight consecutive 40-goal seasons (all with the Kings).

With the Kings, Robitaille ranks second all-time in games played (1,074), second in points (1,154) and fourth in assists (597). Earlier this season, on January 19 at STAPLES Center, he set the Kings all-time record for goals when his 551st goal as a King surpassed former teammate, long-time friend and Hall of Famer Marcel Dionne. In 1,074 total regular season games as a King, Robitaille has 1,154 points (557-597=1,154) and 922 penalty minutes.

“The Kings are honored to have Luc as part of our family, and to be associated so closely with a player that is the greatest left wing in NHL history, is a privilege for our fans to be able to witness and for us to have Luc wear the sweater of this team,” said Kings CEO/Governor Tim Leiweke. “We are excited to have been a part of his history and accomplishments and we look forward to being a part of the next chapter in his life.”

Said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman: “On the ice, Luc Robitaille earned every one of his many accomplishments through persistence and hard work. Off the ice, Luc brought countless people to the game of hockey with his eternal smile and deep compassion for his community. For both, the NHL is grateful. As he concludes an outstanding career, we wish Luc nothing but success.”

Robitaille, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Montreal, played his first eight NHL seasons with the Kings from 1986-94, and in that rookie 1986-87 campaign he scored his first career NHL goal on his first shot (assisted by Dionne – Dionne’s 1,600th NHL point) on October 9, 1986. He won the Calder Cup trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year (the only King to win the award in franchise history) and he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team with Kings teammates Jimmy Carson and Steve Duchesne after leading all NHL rookies in points (84) and goals (45).

Joined by the legendary Wayne Gretzky prior to the 1988-89 season, Robitaille and Gretzky helped lead a potent Kings offense which reached its pinnacle in 1993 with the franchise’s first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. That season, Robitaille was named the team’s captain while Gretzky began the season injured, and Robitaille responded by setting NHL records for the most goals (63) and points (125) in one season by a left winger (both marks still stand). That season also saw Robitaille become the first player in NHL history to score against 22 different teams in one season.

Robitaille would go on to reach several other milestones while with the Kings. He became the 27th player in NHL history to score 500 goals (he scored his 500th goal on January 17, 1999) and he was the 12th fastest to reach that mark, accomplishing the feat in just 928 games. While in a Kings uniform he also scored his 650th career goal on March 9, 2004, and he played in his 1,000th game as a King on March 13, 2004.

During that 2003-04 season, Robitaille led the Kings in points (51), goals (22), game-winning goals (four), power play goals (12) and shots (221). He was also the Kings nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is given annually to the NHL player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”

Robitaille also ranks first in the franchise for power play goals (210), power play goals in one season (26 in 1991-92), most career goals in overtime (five), and he has led the Kings in scoring six times and in goal scoring eight times. He was also the first player to score 10-or-more power play goals in one season (13 times in his career) and he is also the leader in numerous offensive Kings franchise playoff categories, including games played (94), goals (41), game-winning goals (nine) and power play goals (13).

This season, Robitaille, an assistant captain, has 24 points (15-9=24) and 50 penalty minutes in 62 games. He entered the season eight goals shy of tying Dionne for most goals in Kings history and 99 games behind Dave Taylor in games played. Of his 15 goals this season, 14 have been scored at STAPLES Center. His most recent goal came on March 14 against the Gretzky-coached Phoenix Coyotes. He recorded his 15th career hat trick on January 19 (the night he surpassed Dionne) and he led the team in January with seven goals. Robitaille has also been named the Kings nominee for this year’s Masterton Trophy.

“We have always hoped that Luc Robitaille eventually retired in a Kings uniform,” said Taylor, the Kings President, Hockey Operations/General Manager. “He certainly had an incredible career all the while remaining one of the most popular players ever to wear a Kings jersey. He has always represented the Kings in a first-class manner. He is truly and will always be a King at heart.”

Robitaille’s NHL career also included stops with the Penguins, Rangers (where he again teamed with Gretzky) and the Red Wings.

Traded by the Kings to Pittsburgh prior to the start of the 1994-95 season, Robitaille played one season with the Penguins before being dealt to the Rangers, where he played two seasons (1995-97). He returned to the Kings via trade in 1997.

Upon his return to the Kings, Robitaille helped lead the team to the post-season for the first time in five years – since Robitaille and the Kings reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993 – and he scored at least 36 goals for the Kings in three seasons from 1998-01.

After a two-year stint with Detroit from 2001-03, which was highlighted by a Stanley Cup with the Red Wings in 2002, Robitaille again returned to the Kings in 2003 when he was signed as an unrestricted free agent. He has played with the Kings since, and during his time in the NHL he has been a teammate of five of the top seven scorers in NHL history (Gretzky, Mark Messier, Ron Francis, Dionne and Yzerman), and six of the top seven including Mario Lemieux (who did not play while Robitaille was in Pittsburgh due to health reasons).

An eight-time NHL All Star, Robitaille has been named an NHL First Team All-Star five times and an NHL Second Team All-Star three times, including being named to one of those teams in each of his first seven seasons (all with the Kings). Robitaille has also garnered numerous Kings team awards, including: Most Valuable Player (four times); Most Popular Player (three times); Most Inspirational Player; Leading Scorer (six times – he has also led the Kings in goals eight times); and Community Service (three times).

Off the ice, Robitaille has immersed himself in the Southern California community. Most recently, he and his wife Stacia created Shelter for Serenity, a disaster relief project that benefits victims of Hurricane Katrina (more information at www.shelterforserenity.org).

“Luc is an even better person than a hockey player and that, I believe, says a lot about him,” said Kings captain/defenseman Mattias Norstrom. “On the ice, we all know what kind of player he is. But he also sets a perfect example for his teammates and he taught me that if you are not having fun with what you are doing, it isn’t worth doing.”

Said Gretzky: “Luc had an outstanding NHL career. He was a great hockey player who loved to come to the rink each and every day. He helped make ice hockey a sport to do in the city of Los Angeles and he was able to fulfill his dream and win a Stanley Cup. He was a pleasure to play with and I wish him all the luck with his future endeavors.”

Internationally, Robitaille represented his native Canada at three international tournaments, including the 1994 World Championships in Italy where his game-winning shootout goal helped Canada capture its first World Championship gold medal in 33 years.

[VodkaFish]

I have been very fortunate to work in sports for 25 years. We, as an organization, deal with a lot of sports. But Luc is by far the most outstanding athlete I have ever been around. If I had a son, I would want him to be like Luc Robitaille.”

-- Tim Leiweke
Kings CEO/Governor

“I remember Luc coming to camp for the first time in 1984 and playing in his first games as a King in 1986. He has always had a passion to play the game and he has always been a goal scorer. I am not surprised that he began this season closing in on Marcel Dionne’s all-time Kings record for goals scored. The two of them are great, great players, and the fans here are fortunate to have seen them play night-in-and-night-out.”

-- Dave Taylor
Kings President, Hockey Operations and General Manager/former teammate

“Luc is so much more than the fans see on the ice. He is, without a doubt, the hardest working guy on the ice, and he carries that same drive into all aspects of his life. He is a talented and creative businessman, a generous community servant and dependable friend. In short, on or off the ice, you can count on Luc to be a leader in anything he does. How can you not love Luc Robitaille?”

-- Edward P. Roski, Jr.
Kings co-owner

“Never has there been a more humble record-holder in all of sports. Because of the way Luc treats people, you would never think of him as a guy who has accomplished so much. His special love for life and for his friends reflects the passion he has for the game of hockey.”

-- Jeremy Roenick
Kings teammate

“I’ve played with no other player who enjoys coming to the rink so much. He makes me laugh everyday…and he made me proud when he recently became an American citizen.”

-- Aaron Miller
Kings teammate

“Not only is Luc Robitaille the greatest left winger in the NHL, he is a great person as well. Thank you, Luc, for helping me take the next step in my hockey career. And, of course, even in my dreams, I will always hear YOU say ‘I’m Open!’”

-- Derek Armstrong
Kings teammate

To define Luc in words, I would begin by saying that even at 40 years old, he is still a ‘big kid.’ Always smiling, Luc knows how to take every situation with a positive attitude. Since my first day with the Kings, Lucky has taken me under his wing. It is so special to me to be able to play with someone I had proudly watched while growing up. Luc is not only a Hall of Famer and a good teammate, but, more importantly, he is a very good friend! Lucky will always have a special place in my heart.”

-- Eric Belanger
Kings teammate

“The first time I saw Luc was at his first Kings training camp. I remember a shot he took in one of the scrimmages that was a true ‘goal scorer’s’ goal and it was at that very instance that you could tell he was special. Luc can score goals every way possible. I think an underrated part of his game is that he has been willing to take a lot of punishment to score many of those goals. Off the ice Luc personifies the word ‘class.’ How he treats people shows his class. Even as he grew into a Hall-of-Fame hockey player, he still maintained the same attitude. He treats everyone with respect and class and, as an added bonus, he does it with a big smile.”

-- Jim Fox
Kings broadcaster/former teammate

“Luc has a special connection with the fans and is probably the most popular Kings player ever. Even though he is the greatest scoring left wing in NHL history, he has always had a ‘down to earth’ personality. He is always laughing, always accessible to fans and is so happy when he is playing hockey. Despite having played for other NHL teams, Los Angeles is where he ‘grew up’ and he will always be remembered as a King. Luc has truly been an outstanding representative and ambassador for the L.A. Kings.”

-- Bob Miller
Kings Broadcaster

“I played a lot of years with Luc both in Los Angeles and in New York. We were both a part of many fun, exciting and high-powered offenses. Having known Luc for so many years, I salute his various -- and numerous -- on-ice accomplishments. Not only is he a great player but he is a wonderful person”

-- Wayne Gretzky
Former Kings/Rangers teammate

“Ever since his rookie season with the Kings in 1986-87, Luc has always been one of the franchise’s more vibrant personalities. His enthusiasm for the game and enthusiasm towards others in the game -- the fans, the media and opponents -- has had an almost infectious effect. His attitude towards others in the game almost supersedes his on-ice accomplishments that, as we all know, have been remarkable. As a player, Luc is one of the games best pure goal scorers of all-time. His ability to be in the right place at the right time, combined with his poise with the puck, has been and remains uncanny. His nickname is ‘Lucky’ but believe me there is nothing lucky about having close to 700 career goals.”

-- Nick Nickson
Kings broadcaster

“It’s been very exciting to watch Luc throughout his career as he became one of the elite left wings in the game. Always an approachable player, Luc continues to reach out to the fans and the community. Truly a great role model both on and off the ice for future hockey players, Luc has always conducted himself very professionally and has already left his mark on the game.”

-- Daryl Evans
Kings broadcaster

“I remember when Luc came into the NHL and people said he wouldn’t stay because of his skating. He sure showed the world what kind of a hockey player and person he is. His dedication and perseverance as it relates to the game is second to none. As good a hockey player as he has become, he is an even better person. Luc loves people and that’s why people love him.”

-- Mark Hardy
Kings Assistant Coach/former teammate

“One of my proudest moments as a general manager came when I drafted Luc Robitaille, who became the greatest left wing in NHL history. Luc, in addition, is also one of the nicest and classiest men I have ever met.”

-- Rogie Vachon
Kings Hall of Famer
“For somebody who they said could never skate, Luc Robitaille is going to skate all the way into the Hockey Hall of Fame as the highest scoring left wing in the NHL. Not bad and certainly a well-deserved honor.”

-- Peter Millar
Kings Equipment Manager

“I have been fortunate enough to have seen every game that Luc Robitaille has played in as a member of the Kings. Luc’s good nature and upbeat personality has made him fun to be around. His passion for the game shows both on and off the ice. He is great with our fans and has given us some great hockey moments over the years. Luc has been intense and committed when we are caring for his injuries.

-- Peter Demers
Kings Athletic Trainer

“I was fortunate to play with a number of amazing goal scorers in my career and Luc fits perfectly into this elite. Luc loves to score and not only from the usual scoring areas but also any location on the ice. He would practice endlessly trying to put the puck in the net from the corner and because of his persistence he would score the occasional goal from those tough angles. The last name Robitaille belongs besides that of Gretzky, Bossy and Hull as one of the games all-time great goal scorers.”

-- Kelly Hrudey
Former Kings teammate

“Hockey is the toughest game in the world to play. A lot of people measure toughness in terms of penalty minutes. But I think you have to be a real tough player to score as many goals as he has because where you look at where he scores all his goals, it is that 15-foot circle around the goaltender. The ‘red zone’ is the toughest place to score and that is an indication of how tough a player he is.”

-- Pat Conacher
Former Kings teammate

“I have never been around a player who liked to score goals more then Luc. He loved to score goals whether it was a game or practice. Not only did he love to score, he also knew how to score. That is what made him one of the best.”

-- Rob Blake
Former Kings teammate

“I first met Luc when I came to L.A. I have to say that he was the happiest guy I had ever met. Los Angeles really did something special for his career. He is going to be in the Hall of Fame and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of that and a part of his career. With Luc, he has always had that good fortune, where everything he touches turns into gold.”

-- Bryan Smolinski
Former Kings teammate

“Luc is an exceptional hockey player, but as good as he is on the ice, he has been an even better person off it. I respect everything Luc has accomplished during his illustrious career and I feel honored to have played with such a fine individual.”

-- Philippe Boucher
Former Kings teammate

“Luc Robitaille will be remembered by hockey fans as the greatest goal scoring left winger in the history of the NHL. Not any left wing in the history of our game has been as good at it as Luc. But hockey players often judge teammates beyond goals, assists and points, and as far as Luc goes he was also an All-Star when it came to being a teammate. No one ever could say anything negative about Luc. And that is not ‘Lucky.’”

-- Nelson Emerson
Former Kings teammate

“I’ve always admired people who were gifted with the quality of leadership, and when leadership and raw athletic ability are found together in one person, it’s a rare combination to be sure. I think that one of the things that I appreciate most about Luc is that not only does he possess this combination, but that it is manifested in him in a unique way. Luc brings a contagious passion to the rink every day and to everything he does. I found that being around that kind of passion and desire made the game even more enjoyable for me and challenged me to give to my full capacity.”

-- Stu Grimson
Former Kings teammate

“When I think of Luc, I think ‘pure goal scorer.’ What people don’t always realize is
his physical presence in front of the net. He pays a price to score goals. Luc is also one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in pro hockey. He is a true professional.”

-- Mathieu Schneider
Former Kings/Red Wings teammate

“Luc Robitaille is the friendliest person I’ve ever met. We obviously had some very memorable times together playing on the same team. When we played on the same line, he was easiest linemate to find for a shot. He just found open spaces to play in and he always seemed open. I will always have incredible memories and a special bond with Luc, having won a Stanley Cup together.”

-- Sergei Fedorov
Former Red Wings teammate

“His nickname is Lucky but I was the Lucky one to have him as a teammate and a friend.”

-- Ian Laperriere
Former Kings/Rangers teammate

“Congratulations on such a successful and prolific career in the NHL -- not bad for a late round draft pick who could not skate or back-check. It was a pleasure getting to know you as a person and a teammate with the Kings.”

-- Ken Baumgartner
Former Kings teammate

“Playing against Luc makes you worry because of his quick release. He is also one of the funniest guys to have on your team. I still remember his imitation of ‘Top Gun’ in Colorado with the oxygen before Game 6. But what made him a great scorer is that he always wanted to put the puck in the net, whether it was a game or even practice which, for a goalie like myself, is especially annoying.”

-- Felix Potvin
Former Kings teammate

“Luc Robitaille deserves a special place in NHL history. His numbers speak for themselves but the imprint of his personality is so much bigger. His legacy in the NHL, in my mind, will always be the joy he brought to every shift of every game. Some athletes create records that are merely numbers. Others live lives full of style and flair. They are special, from moment to moment, and they touch many people along the way. That’s Luc. The scoring records, for all of us, were just a bonus that happened along the way.”

-- Brian Engblom
Former Kings teammate

“Even when we were rookies, Luc had a real enthusiasm that was contagious. The fans picked up on that – he had a bubbly personality – and when you combine that with his play on the ice, that certainly added to his popularity with the fans. Those same fans would chant ‘LUUUUUUUCCCC,’ and then he became ‘Lucky Luc’ and while a lot of his popularity has to do with his ability, it also has to do with his hard work, enthusiasm, his fun-loving attitude and his glad-to-be-here kind of personality as well.”

-- Jimmy Carson
Former Kings teammate

“I don’t think that Luc Robitaille has ever had a bad day in his life. He is always smiling, always happy, and it rubbed off on not only me, but other teammates as well. Luc made going to the rink fun. He is a tremendous person, he has enjoyed an equally tremendous career, and I will always be grateful for the positive influence he had on me.”

-- Eric Lacroix
Former Kings teammate

“When I first teamed with Luc on the Rangers, I knew Luc could score, but I quickly found out that he competed far harder than I realized. As I got to know him, I got to see how funny he is, how enjoyable he is to hang around with and how he brightens any room that he is in. In addition, he is -- without doubt -- the worst singer I have ever heard, although his Axl Rose imitation should be recorded. Every time I speak with Luc two things are clear -- his love for the game and his appreciation for the gifts in his life.”

-- Ray Ferraro
Former Kings/Ranger teammate

“My first thoughts regarding Luc date back to his rookie year. Luc and Marcel Dionne were late for practice one morning. We as a team cut his skate laces so that he would be even later for practice. We also put red-hot heat in his jock. Needless to say, the more he skated, the hotter he got but because he was a rookie, there was nothing he could do about it. He sucked it up and made it through practice. On a serious note, Luc is called Lucky Luc because people believe that he is lucky. I feel Luc is one of the most natural goal scorers I’ve ever played with. Luc didn’t score so many goals, however, because he’s lucky. He’s a pure goal scorer and it was an absolute pleasure to have played with him for five years.”

-- Bernie Nicholls
Former Kings teammate

“Of all the people I played with, the person who most exemplified passion to me was Luc Robitaille. His love of the game has truly shown through the way he has played. He was the ultimate teammate who always showed up to the rink with a smile on his face and couldn’t wait to get out on the ice. His energy, passion and love for the game was contagious. I’m very grateful and thankful to have Luc as a friend and I enjoyed every season we played together.”

-- Tony Granato
Former Kings teammate

“Luc was an unbelievable teammate for young players. When I joined the Kings as a rookie in 1992, he was always willing to talk with me and help me through different situations. He was always good about making sure the young guys felt like a part of the team. He’s just a class act.”

-- Darryl Sydor
Former Kings teammate

“Luc and I played together with the Kings and Rangers, and in the 1991 Canada Cup as well. We had a lot in common on those teams and we also had a lot of fun together. In New York, I played on a line with Luc and Wayne Gretzky, and I remember a conversation I had once with Mark Messier. Mess and I talked about how tough Luc was and how much punishment he took in front of the net. Everyone knows about his goal scoring ability but it seems lost a lot of times in that he really has paid the price to score many of those goals over the years.”

-- Russ Courtnall
Former Kings/Rangers teammate

“A great memory of Luc that I have is from the night we won the Stanley Cup in 2002. There was about a minute to go in the game and we were leading 2-1. Luc was on the ice and I was keyed on him because I would be replacing him on the next shift change. As the seconds ticked off the clock, you could see how excited Luc was on the ice. And he was hoping to get off the ice but as he was skating toward the bench he got tripped, and then tripped again. The harder he tried to get to the bench, the harder it was for him to get on his feet. When he finally got to the bench, I jumped over the boards and we were able to score an empty net goal to seal the victory. Second later we were celebrating a Stanley Cup victory. Needless to say, it was a great experience. As a player in the NHL, there is nothing better than winning the Stanley Cup. It was very special to be able to share the experience with a player like Luc. He has done so much for the sport of hockey, and after spending so many years in the League, and accomplishing so much, it was great to see Luc hoist The Cup at Joe Louis Arena.”

-- Brendan Shanahan
Former Red Wings teammate

“I admire the way Luc carries himself off the ice. He is the one guy who always finds time to stop and interact with people in general but kids in particular. It puts a smile on their faces. He shakes their hand and has fun with them. When I am asked Luc Robitaille that is what I talk about it. As a teammate, we have all learned from him.”

-- Adam Graves
Former Rangers teammate

“Luc is one of the greatest goal scorers in the game because he went to the hard areas and always knew where the puck was going to be. If the game was on the line, you could count on Lucky to give your team a chance to win.”

-- Charlie Huddy
Former Kings teammate

“As impressive as all of his on-ice accomplishments are, what separates Luc is how he has handled all of his success. He is such a stand-up guy, a family guy and he is someone I am very happy to be able to call a good friend.”

-- Sean O’Donnell
Former Kings teammate

“To me, Luc is the type of guy who always seems to care about everybody else first. It does not matter whether it’s on the ice, off the ice, or circumstances in everyday life. In my career I never enjoyed myself more every single day than the year I spent playing with Luc! He always came to the rink for the right reasons.”

-- Trent Klatt
Former Kings teammate

“Luc Robitaille is living every child’s dream. The aspiration to play in the big leagues and to score goals is the definition of who Luc is. Luc has a childlike love/passion to be on the ice; to be a good teammate; to create a positive and fun environment around him; but most of all he enjoys scoring goals. With Luc scoring is an obsession. Whether standing in street shoes lofting pucks into a net or banking pucks off the back of the goalies legs from the corner in warm-ups, the need to put the puck in the net is simple and consuming. That burning desire has given all of us a smile and forced the thought, ‘Is he Lucky or is he just that good?’”

-- Marty McSorley
Former Kings teammate

“One of the best moves I ever made as a coach was when I named Luc Robitaille captain in 1993. It was no mistake that he had the best season of his life as a captain of the L.A. Kings. He thrived in a leadership role and he was one of the biggest reasons we went to the Stanley Cup Finals.”

-- Barry Melrose
Former Kings head coach

“You always look for enthusiasm and energy in hockey players. However, you only have to look at Luc’s contagious smile to know he loves what he does and how much he enjoys life. If you could bottle and sell that smile you would make millions. And the only thing quicker than his smile is his shot.”

-- Mike Murphy
Former Kings Head Coach

“Luc and I entered the NHL at the same time, 1986, and we became friends then and have remained so ever since. As good a hockey player as he is, he is a better friend. When I was going through all of my problems, Luc stayed by my side. He visited me under the worst of circumstances, and would bring Stacia and the kids as well. He kept me going under my most difficult moments and, to me, he is a winner off the ice as much as he has proven himself on the ice. Luc Robitaille -- a great player, a better friend.”

-- Bruce McNall
Former Kings Owner

“Before my purchase, the ownership policy of the club was to trade draft choices. We changed that and Luc was not only one of those selections but he probably was our most successful. There were some who criticized us at the time, but history proves that our selection of Luc was one of the best the Kings ever made.”

-- Dr. Jerry Buss
Former Kings Owner

“I was warned by the scouts about Luc’s skating but with his marvelous intelligence for the game, skating never became a factor, even in the high-paced game of the 1980s. The puck seemed to follow him around and he seemed to know what to do with it. Luc not only had intelligence and hands, his best asset was his competitive drive. Luc was a pleasure to be around and you know he loved to play the game. Alex Smart was right. Luc Robitaille was someone special.”

-- Pat Quinn
Former Kings Head Coach

“We used to call him ‘Lucky Luc.’ When I coached him, he was so easy going. If you judged a player solely on their skating ability, you would probably say, ‘Geez, how can this guy play in the NHL?’ But he was efficient in everything he did and he always was an asset around the net. He didn’t need to score to contribute. Not only is he a great player, but he’s a great person. He cares. He’s always doing something for charity. If you heard that the team was involved in an event, it was always Luc who was attending. He is always there for everybody.”

-- Larry Robinson
Former Kings Head Coach/teammate

“Luc has been an exceptional goal-scorer in the NHL for a very long time. He’s always had a flair for the dramatic and has been a thrill for fans of the league to watch for many years. He has always been a great ambassador for the game of hockey, the NHL and the Los Angeles Kings.”

-- Mario Lemieux
Former Penguins teammate

“I met Luc in the mid 80s. He was taking an acting class with my wife Karen. Luc is the warmest, kindest player I have ever had the pleasure to be associated with. At the same time he is a fierce competitor on the ice and a sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer. Karen and I are only better, not only for having had Luc play for us in Pittsburgh, but also for having him as a friend. Having lived in Los Angeles for the last 20 years, I am secure in saying when you think L.A. Kings, you think Luc Robitaille.”

-- Howard Baldwin
Former Penguins owner

“I coached Luc at Hull. Back then he couldn’t speak English very well. When I asked him about his school course load, I noticed that English wasn’t on his list. I told him to change that because when he is playing in the NHL he would need to know the language. A scout with the Canadiens asked me once who my best player was. I pointed to Luc and the scout said he couldn’t skate. Well, some 600-plus goals later he is still at it. Coaching against him in the NHL, I would always tell my teams to pay close attention to him. While he isn’t always the first to the puck, he will eventually hurt you.”

-- Pat Burns
Former coach

[forsberg21]

he was a great player, and a very generous man, I hope the rest of his years go good for him.

[LAKINGSNUT]

not ashamed to say i'm choked up! very kind words from a lot of people who played with him and knew him off the ice.

thanks for the memories Luc!

[enternamehere]

Why was Luc a healthy scrach for some of the games?

[Redtown]

I guess it all depends on your perspective.

I agree with Mac in the other thread.

User.

Signed a 2 year contract: 30 goals in his 1st and Cup winning season. Should have retired then.

Got his Ring and Cup and went silent in his second season--11 goals. Was upset when he was a healthy scratch.

Wings could have won the Cup just the same with Lapointe.

[LAKINGSNUT]

Originally Posted by enternamehere

Why was Luc a healthy scrach for some of the games?

coz the Kings coaches showed him no respect! he's always had issues skating, but he's always found ways to produce. this year with the new rules it became harder for him to keep up. even so, i think the Kings showed a great disrespect and low class in how they treated Luc in what everyone must have known was his last year. i'm very disappointed in how this turned out for Luc.

[Redtown]

Haven't followed the Kings at all this (or any) season.

How have they disrespected him?

They are fighting for a playoff seed. Was he worthy of a spot on the ice?

[WaaTafuLiam]

One of the few in the Kings organization that I liked. You're a good man Luc. I'm glad you got to raise the Cup with Detroit, the team that gave you a chance after the Kings told you that you were washed up the first time. Enjoy retirement. You've earned it.

[Beyond Salem]

Luc is a class act who was cool enough to sign autographs at Maple Leaf Gardens and the ACC.

Luc also was nicknamed "Cy Young" cos he often had more goals then assists. One night, he vowed to get some assists. He was on a 2 on one, Luc made the pass, but it banked in off the defender and Luc got credited with the goal! Lucky Luc!