Luc Robitaille might be the greatest player ever to suit up for the Los Angeles Kings. In fact, I think I can say with sincerity that Lucky Luc is one of the biggest reasons that I’m as big of a fan of the Kings as I am. I’m sure anyone who has been a fan of the Kings since before 2006 is well aware of the impact that Luc has made on the team, but just for kicks, let’s look at a few of his accomplishments:

• 8 All-Star Teams
• 668 Goals (NHL Record for Left Wingers)
• 1,394 Points (NHL Record for Left Wingers)
• Most Goals for the Kings franchise
• Hall of Fame Inductee
• Retired Number (20) with the Los Angeles Kings
• Drafted in the 9th Round

Yea, that last point may be the most impressive. He’s managed to become the HIGHEST SCORING LEFT WINGER IN HISTORY from the 9th round. Talk about finding a gem late in the draft. On top of all of that is the fact that Luc appears to be (and by all accounts is) the nicest guy in the world. He is genuinely humble, pleasant and generous with his time. Despite being “entitled” to acting the pompous asses that many in other sports and even others in the NHL might act, he never put on that persona. He’s a great player, and a great guy. In fact, I can say with 100% certainty that he’s the only player that would ever convince me to root for the Red Wings in 2002, when Robitaille got his well-deserved Stanley Cup. If he had been forced to retire without getting his name on the greatest trophy in sports, it would have been a true tragedy.

Sorry for the trip down memory lane, but despite the fact that I write about the Kings in the here and now, I figured it was only right to pay tribute to one of the all-time greats.