LA Kings: Top five hottest starts to career with organization
By Ryan Cowley
2. Luc Robitaille
A 9th-round draft selection (171st overall) in 1984, Luc Robitaille’s career trajectory didn’t look so promising. After the LA Kings drafted him, though, Robitaille would break out offensively for the QMJHL’s Hull Olympiques before making the jump to the NHL in 1986.
Not only would Robitaille make the Kings’ opening-night roster, but he would also score eight goals and five assists in his first 10 games with the club, including three two-goal outings.
Robitaille would finish his rookie season with 45 goals and 84 points, earning the Calder Trophy for the NHL’s top freshman. He would also go on to achieve unprecedented success with the Kings — first as a player and then as an executive — helping earn the Kings two Stanley Cups in the latter role.
Not bad for a 9th-rounder.