Derek King, a Canadian ice hockey player, began his professional career when he was drafted by the New York Islanders in the first round, 13th overall, in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, King developed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Oshawa Generals, where he honed his abilities as a left winger. His time in the OHL showcased his potential, leading to his selection by the Islanders.
King made his NHL debut with the Islanders during the 1986-87 season. Over the next few years, he gradually established himself as a reliable forward. By the 1990-91 season, he had become a regular contributor to the team, scoring 40 goals and 78 points, which marked the peak of his scoring prowess. His performance helped the Islanders reach the playoffs multiple times during his tenure.
In 1997, King was traded to the Hartford Whalers, where he played a brief stint before the team relocated and became the Carolina Hurricanes. He then moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he continued to play as a seasoned veteran, providing experience and depth to the roster. King's time with the Maple Leafs was marked by his steady presence on the ice, contributing both offensively and defensively.
After his time in Toronto, King joined the St. Louis Blues for a short period before moving to the minor leagues, where he played for the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League (AHL). His leadership and experience were valuable assets to the Griffins, and he continued to play at a high level until his retirement from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Derek King was known for his scoring ability, particularly during his peak years with the Islanders. He played over 800 games in the NHL, scoring more than 260 goals and accumulating over 600 points. His career spanned more than a decade, during which he demonstrated consistency and skill on the ice.
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