Since entering the NHL in 1967, the Los Angeles Kings have dawned numerous logos, a variety of team colors, and have had a frenzy of talented hockey stars flood through the doors of the organization. To categorize the best players to ever represent the crown on their chest into a top 5 can be quite a task. Do you go with a superstar like Jari Kurri who only played 5 seasons with the team, but had one heck of a career elsewhere? Or do you go with a guy that has spent his entire career with the Kings like Dustin Brown. There are so many ways to classify a Top 5, and this article will look specifically at the statistics of each player while in a Kings uniform.
- Rob Blake
Rob Blake – Kings Alumni & Vice President/Assistant General Manager for Los Angeles Kings. (Wendi Kaminski/NHLI via Getty Images)
Drafted in the 4th round by L.A. in 1988, Rob Blake spent 14 years of his career with the Kings. Blake is by far one of the best defenseman to play in L.A. In over 800 games with the Kings, Blake tallied up 494 points. Blake will be steep competition for the up and coming Doughty to contend with. Blake’s tenure in LA left him with numerous All Star teams, a James Norris Memorial Trophy, and his #4 hanging in the rafters at the Staples Center.
- Wayne Gretzky
Wayne Gretzky “The Great One” (Mark Terrill, AP)
How could Gretzky not be included in this list? Even though he played 8 seasons he racked up over 900 points while in a Kings uniform. After an emotional blockbuster deal, Wayne was traded from Edmonton Oilers to LA in 1988. The next 4 years of his career in L.A. were great, but not to the standard of Wayne that had been established. Gretzky lead the Kings to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals in 1993, only to fall just short to the Montreal Canadiens. Gretzky is arguably the best player to ever play the game, but he is definitely one of the best in his time with the Kings.
- Dave Taylor
Dave Taylor (Getty Images)
After some major struggles to consider Dave Taylor on this list, it was clear he had to be here. He was drafted by L.A. in the 15th round, so his career is an amazing story. Taylor has played more seasons in L.A. than any other player. He has played more games than anyone else with the Kings. Taylor has the 3rd highest points total amongst those who have played in L.A. All while racking up over 1,500 penalty minutes in his 17-year tenure, falling short only to Marty McSorley.
- Luc Robataille
Luc Robataille took over the captaincy in 1993. (Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Luc was drafted by the Kings in 1984. His 19 year career of superstar play landed him in the hall of fame in 2009. Robataille played 14 of his 19 seasons with the Kings. He played over 1,000 games with the club and leads the team in goals scored while wearing a Kings’ jersey. Robataille finished his career with the LA Kings ranking 2nd in points, falling just short of our No. 1 Kings player.
- Marcel Dionne
Marcel Dionne – A Los Angeles Kings Legend. (B Bennett/Getty Images)
Dionne was originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings. After a few difficult seasons in Detroit, Dionne was traded to the Kings. Dionne shortly became the Kings franchise player, and played in LA for 12 more seasons. Dionne still leads all Kings players in assists & total points. He is the clear favorite for Top Kings Players, and will be tough to surpass.
Honorable Mentions:
Bernie Nicholls – 9 seasons and over 700 points
Dustin Brown – drafted in 2003 and has never played for another NHL team
Drew Doughty – one of the best defensemen currently in the league
Anze Kopitar – on pace to be one of the best LA Kings
Jonathan Quick – Only netminder in the shootout era to go 10-0 in a season. Then there’s the two Stanley cup runs both equally impressive in many ways.
Bryan Smith
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