Jimmy Carson, an American professional ice hockey player, began his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings after being selected as the second overall pick in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Known for his scoring ability, Carson quickly established himself as a talented center. During his rookie season with the Kings, he demonstrated his potential by scoring 37 goals and adding 42 assists, totaling 79 points. This impressive performance earned him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.
Carson's second season with the Kings saw him elevate his game even further. He scored 55 goals and recorded 52 assists, reaching the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. His offensive prowess made him one of the league's top young players and a fan favorite in Los Angeles. However, his time with the Kings was relatively short-lived.
In 1988, Carson became part of one of the most famous trades in NHL history. He was traded to the Edmonton Oilers as part of the blockbuster deal that sent Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles. The trade was monumental and placed Carson in the spotlight, as he was expected to help fill the void left by Gretzky's departure. In his first season with the Oilers, Carson continued to perform well, scoring 49 goals and 51 assists, again surpassing the 100-point mark.
Despite his on-ice success, Carson's time in Edmonton was challenging. The pressure of being part of the Gretzky trade and the expectations that came with it weighed heavily on him. After just over a season with the Oilers, Carson requested a trade, seeking a fresh start elsewhere. In 1989, his wish was granted, and he was traded to the Detroit Red Wings.
Returning to his hometown of Detroit, Carson found a more comfortable environment. He played three seasons with the Red Wings, where he continued to be a reliable offensive player. His best season with Detroit came in 1990-91 when he scored 21 goals and 34 assists. However, injuries began to take a toll on his performance, and his production started to decline.
In 1993, Carson was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, marking his return to the team where his NHL journey began. His second stint with the Kings was not as prolific as his first, but he provided veteran leadership and experience to the team. After a brief period with the Kings, Carson was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in 1994. His time in Vancouver was short, and he played only a handful of games before being traded again, this time to the Hartford Whalers.
Carson's career continued with the Whalers, where he played parts of two seasons. His role had shifted from being a top-line scorer to a more supportive position, helping younger players develop their skills. In 1996, after a decade in the NHL, Carson decided to retire from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Jimmy Carson played in 626 NHL games, scoring 275 goals and 286 assists for a total of 561 points.
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