Robitaille's NHL career commenced with the Los Angeles Kings in the 1986-87 season. He made an immediate impact, scoring 45 goals and earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie. His offensive prowess was evident from the start, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Los Angeles. Over the next eight seasons with the Kings, Robitaille consistently demonstrated his scoring touch, surpassing the 40-goal mark seven times and reaching a career-high of 63 goals in the 1992-93 season.
The 1992-93 season was particularly memorable for Robitaille and the Kings, as the team advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history. Although they ultimately fell to the Montreal Canadiens, Robitaille's performance was instrumental in the Kings' playoff run, and he finished the postseason with 22 points in 24 games.
In 1994, Robitaille was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he played for one season before being traded again to the New York Rangers. During his two seasons with the Rangers, Robitaille continued to be a reliable scorer, though his goal totals dipped slightly compared to his peak years with the Kings. In 1997, he returned to Los Angeles, where he enjoyed a resurgence, scoring 39 goals in the 1997-98 season.
Robitaille's second stint with the Kings lasted until 2001, after which he signed with the Detroit Red Wings. It was with the Red Wings that Robitaille achieved the ultimate goal of any NHL player: winning the Stanley Cup. In the 2001-02 season, Robitaille contributed 30 goals and 50 points to a star-studded Red Wings roster that captured the championship. This victory was a crowning achievement in Robitaille's career, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's greats.
After two seasons in Detroit, Robitaille returned to the Kings for a third and final stint. He played three more seasons in Los Angeles before retiring in 2006. Robitaille concluded his career with 668 goals and 726 assists, totaling 1,394 points in 1,431 regular-season games. His goal total remains the highest among left wingers in NHL history, a testament to his scoring ability and longevity in the league.
Robitaille's contributions to hockey were recognized with his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009. Beyond his on-ice achievements, he has remained involved in the sport, serving in various executive roles with the Los Angeles Kings, including as team president. His influence extends beyond his playing days, as he continues to shape the future of the franchise he helped define.
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