Our NHL Saturday series continues today with a look at the Los Angeles Kings, the fourth franchise we’ve examined from the Expansion Era. Much of the organization’s success has come in the last 30 years or so, however, with an emphasis on the last decade-plus—as reflected below in the list of the best players in team history. Yet, the Kings also had a moderate amount of success in the 1970s as well. Enjoy the read!

No. 10: Rob Blake, D—72 PS (1990-2001, 2006-2008)

A fourth rounder, he was first-team All Rookie in 1991, and then he made the All-Star squad three times (1998, 2000, 2001) before being traded away. He also won the Norris vote in 1998 as well, despite playing on some mediocre teams in Los Angeles. He rejoined the club later in his career for a total of 805 regular-season games yet only 57 postseason games. Overall, he played in parts of 14 different seasons for the club.

No. 9: Dustin Brown, RW—73 PS (2003-2022)

Despite being the No. 13 overall pick in the draft, he really had the career of grinding third liner, playing 18 seasons for the Kings and never making an All-Star team. However, even with his specific role on the team (712 points, 738 PIMs in 1,296 games), he was part of two Cup-winning teams along the way. So in that sense, his draft investment paid off for the team: he led all skaters in postseason scoring in 2012, as well.

No. 8: Wayne Gretzky, C—75 PS (1988-1996)

Yes, the Great One’s second NHL stop was in Los Angeles, where he led the team to its first Stanley Cup Final in 1993 and won the Hart vote in 1989. We gave him our Hart nods in 1990 and 1991, and while with the Kings, he topped the league in assists five times (1989-1992, 1994) and points three times (1990-1991, 1994). He posted 40 points in 24 games during the 1993 playoffs, leading all skaters in assists (25) and goals (15).

No. 7: Rogie Vachon, G—75 PS (1971-1978)

Acquired from Montréal after being benched there despite helping the Canadiens win two Cups, he starred in net for the Kings for many years, winning our Vezina hardware in 1977. Also, he was a two-time All Star (1975, 1977) while playing in Los Angeles, as well. He topped his peers in save percentage once (1975). His 9-16 postseason record for the Kings was more a reflection of the team’s quality at the time, though. Oh well.

No. 6: Dave Taylor, RW—84 PS (1977-1994)

A lifer with the organization, he made one All-Star team (1981) and posted 1,069 points in 1,111 regular-season games. Considering he was a 15th-round draft pick, that’s a pretty awesome return on investment for the franchise. He was not as effective in 92 postseason games (59 points), but again, he did play during some rougher years for the Kings. In the end, as the 210th pick in the 1975 Draft, he did pretty well overall.

No. 5: Luc Robitaille, LW—114 PS (1986-1994, 1997-2001, 2003-2006)

A ninth-round pick, he had three different tenures with the franchise, overall, playing in 14 seasons for the Kings. He won the 1987 Calder vote, made 7 consecutive All-Star teams (1987-1993) right at the start of his career, and earned one more All-Star appearance (2001) during his second stint with the team. He also topped the league in shot percentage once (1990). Overall, he posted 1,154 points in 1,077 games with L.A.

No. 4: Marcel Dionne, C—116 PS (1975-1987)

After being the No. 2 overall pick in the 1971 Draft for Detroit, the Kings acquired him at age 24, and he became the team’s first real superstar: four-time All Star (1977, 1979-1981), our pick for the 1979 Hart, the 1980 scoring champion, and a perennial Lady Byng contender/winner (1977). He also managed a point per game in 43 playoff contests with Los Angeles. Of course, he’s in the Hall of Fame, as his career was superb.

No. 3: Jonathan Quick, G—117 PS (2007-2023)

The Conn Smythe winner in 2012 as the Kings completed a magical run to the Cup title, he oddly made just a single All Star team (2012) during his time with the organization. He led the NHL in shutouts that year as well, but otherwise, his value was more on ice than on the stat sheet. His 49-43 record in the postseason also doesn’t reflect that of a two-time Cup winner, but that’s why we have other measurements for success.

No. 2: Drew Doughty, D—132 PS (2008-present)

An active player with the club, he was our choice for the Conn Smythe in 2014. He was the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, and that has paid off for the Kings with four All-Star appearances (2010, 2015-2016, 2018), the Norris vote win in 2016, and our Norris nod in 2018. He also topped all postseason skaters in 2012 with 12 assists in the playoffs. He made first-time All Rookie in 2009, and he has never looked back in time since.

No. 1: Anže Kopitar, C—132 PS (2006-present)

Less decorated than his teammate immediately above, he nonetheless has won the Lady Bing twice (2016, 2023) and the Selke twice (2016, 2018) as well. He’s never made an All-Star team, despite being the No. 11 overall pick in the draft. Yet he has won the Cup twice, and overall, he has posted 1,211 points in 1,373 regular-season games. Twice, he’s led all skaters in postseason points (2012, 2014), so there’s that feather.