Luc Robitaille Q&A

Luc,

Congratulations on your induction into the HHOF. A few questions for you:

1.) As one of the newest members of the Hockey Hall, who would you like to see that hasn't made it in?

2.) Who had the best wrist shot you ever saw and who currently holds that title (remember Joe Sakic retired so he's out)?

3.) As one of the greatest goal scorers in the history of the game, what is your take on Johnathan Quick and Jonathan Bernier? What do they need to work on?

Luc,
How would you feel if one or both of you sons decided to try to play a professional sport, i.e hockey?. Is it a possibility? What advice would you give them, now knowing what you had to go through in your early years?

Dear Lucky Luc,
First of all, Congrats to you...and also, We would like to thank you for spending you're quality time and answering some of our questions.

My question to you would be, how would you feel about taking over the LA Kings GM Position, if the position was open to/for you... Thank you again. Harry

wow...
great stuff rich...!
thank you and luc for making this happen...many people outside of l.a. don't realize how passionate and dedicated we fans are when it comes to hockey...and, of course, our l.a. kings...and every time a detractor of this fact renders a negative opinion on our thirst and desire for the sport or our so-called "apathy", i always have to immediately mandate that they visit this site and yr blog...we are so very fortunate to have yr total commitment to our favorite team and when you continuously make these q&a's and exclusive events privy to those of us who frequent this blog on a daily basis (even when we know yr on vacation/furloughs), it makes everything you and yr site offers that much more special...thank you for all that you do...

luuuuuc...
thank you so much for taking the time out of yr busy schedule to answer our questions...

1. how have you adjusted yr mindset as an athlete to "life after hockey" as a top-level team executive...? what have been some of the bigger challenges for you and what are some of things you enjoy about yr job and/or retirement...?

2. many of us here on this blog have been looking anxiously forward to the upcoming training camp for the kings...what types of things do you plan to contribute for our prospects when camp begins...? are there any prospects you are monitoring/mentoring in particular...?

3. now that you have gotten a taste of what the business side is like for the team and in the league, what are some of the things you would like to change (if any)...? what are some of the things that shouldn't change...?

4. how ready and willing is ownership (AEG) to take the next logical step in providing what ever it takes to get the kings to a more prominent level of league success...? and what are yr plans as to being apart of such endeavors...?

5. you always seem to have a permanent smile on yr face...what makes you so radiant each and every day...? and should we, as fans, be smiling as big and often as you do when it comes to the future of our team...?

thank you for all that you do for us and for the organization...you have been and continue to be the epitome of a professional...i hope that you will represent us and the kings organization for many, many years to come...all the best...!

Lucky Luc,

I started follow the Kings from Sweden in the early 90´s, and you have always been one of my favourites. How did it feel to win the cup for another team than the Kings? Would it have been a greater achivement to win the cup with the Kings in ´93? Why, in your opinion, did you loose the finals, and how close were you? If you compare the team from 93 to the Kings of today, what are the similarities and differences? Do you think you are our next GM after Lombardi, and would you consider it if the opporunity came up?

Thanks again for all your fantastic seasons for the Kings!

Luc,

Hats off to you for doing this, and heartfelt congrats on your Hall of Fame induction. Ill try to keep the Q'original...

1) Ive really come to admire the Hockey is for Everyone program. Whether or not its a really effective and influential program or just for publicity, I support all programs that brings the excitement of playing to other people. I looked on its info page and it didnt have one in LA. so my question is, will LA get one? Will you perhaps be involved in organizing it?

2) how many frequently did/do you have to explain other people that the crowd wasn't booing you when chanting "luc"?

Luc thanks for the many years of dedication you showed to the kings. On the ice and off the ice you were an inspiration on behalf of our beloved franchise. Three quick questions...
Of all of your teammates throughout the years, who was your favorite player to be teamed up with and who do you feel was the most underrated kings player when you played? Has management thought about retiring jersey's of any other Kings such as Norstrom?

Thanks again Luc.

So what exactly does it mean to be focusing on the business side of the Kings? Obviously I imagine the upcoming Kings Fest was one of your projects but is your day to day time mostly involved dealing w/ ticket holders? Corporate sponsors? Media? or what?

Are you involved in the development of Ontario Reign? What is the goal in developing that team? Is it a business opportunity to make $ or to establish some type of consistency in Kings prospect development by having them close to the big club? Or something else?

Do you get involved in other AEG business like there other arena projects (KC for example) or just Kings business?

Luc I just wanna thank you for what you have done for the kings organization and for me personally in hockey. When I was about 9 or 10 I actaully played with your son Steven at the icoplex we were on the same team and I remember it being great as you would come to some practices and give us lessons to make us better players. I will also never forget when you invited our whole team to the Forum to skate on the ice and attend the game versus the ducks later that evening, it was absolutely awesome.

Now to the question, do you feel anze Kopitar will finally have a huge breakout year and possibly reach 90 points? And what does he need to do to make this happen?

Did Wayne Gretzky trade you from Los Angeles for his friend Tocchet, or was that just a management decision? If so, do you have any anger towards him because of that.

What is the toughest part of your job? Conversly, what part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Hi Luc!

You were one of the great close-in scorers of hockey history;In addition, you were also one of the all-time great 1-time shooters.

Has The Kings organization ever asked you to have
even an informal skate/practice where you could share some of the secrets of 1-timing the puck, and scoring from close-in areas?

It seems to me, some of the younger guys (Simmonds,
Moller, Lewis, etc, maybe even Kopitar?) could learn a trick or 2 that might result in a few more goals over the long-run for the team.

I bet some of the younger players would appreciate it, and if held publically, it would be a treat for the fans:

"Luc Robitailles's Kings Scoring Clinic open practice".

It would be fun, and might even help the team's offense a little.

And the fans would love it!

What do YOU think of the idea?
Could a fan petition help make it happen?

Barada (Don L)

Luuuuc,

Congrats on the Hall induction! It was well deserved.

What would you say was the most satisfying goal you ever scored in a Kings uniform??

Well, Rich, I have a feeling you know what I'm going to ask about.

At the risk of repeating myself ad nauseum:

The old between periods feature "Ask a King," back in the late 80s, early 90s, which had fans writing in questions for Kings players to answer... Someone wrote in a question for Luc to the effect of "please explain the effect of the Versailles Treaty on pre- and post- war Europe. The video response had Luc in a professor's garb with a pointer, answering the question (more or less straight-faced) while referring to a big board with a map of Europe on it.

My question for Luc is:

What are your memories of this? Is it in the archives somewhere? It would be great if you guys could post old segments like that on Kings Vision. I seem to remember other segments asking Ron Duguay about hair-care (though maybe I'm imagining that). But there must be other great fun (funny) stuff from the old days to post on the Kings' site. Related to that, I often wish there were a place to go on-line where I could, for instance, see a compilation of every goal by a given player in a kings uniform. Obviously, that's ambitious and would be a lot of work for somebody. But I also imagine that such compilations might have been done internally in the past for evaluation purposes, and, now that it's twenty years later, some of those tapes might be cool to unearth.

I guess this is a video archives question. What's there? Is there a budget for going through the old stuff? Has it been digitized? Or is most of it on tape in dusty old boxes in the basement?

Sorry for the long-winded question(s).

(bonus question: how did you come to choose the number #20?)

Hey Luc! Just wanted to let you know the impact you have made on me, my son's name is Luc. He was born this past February 7, tens days shy of yours (and mine). Anyway, I was wondering:
1) What you feel was your greatest acheivement in the NHL?
2)What do you think your legacy is as a player?
3) Since I am a new father, I was wondering, what is one of your favorite moments as a father?

Thanks!

Dan Hauptman

I still have my "King of Kings" t-shirt from the night you played your last game.

I'm just curious what your aspirations are now that you've joined the Kings front office. Do you have any interest in becoming a General Manager or Coach someday?

Congratulations on making the Hall, Luc!! My greatest memory of my life is seeing you score your 500th goal against the Sabres at the Forum, when I was only 8 years old. You are my favorite all-time player and my idol, and my proudest possession is an autographed jersey signed by you!

Anyway, I'm glad that you're still with the organization after retiring. I've got a few questions:

1) Was it always in your mind that you wanted to stay with the club in the front office after ending your career?
2) How does it feel to be one of the greatest players of all-time, and arguably the greatest King of all-time?
3) Did it hurt you when Alex Ovechkin broke your record for most goals in a season by a LW?
And 4) When the Kings finally win the Stanley Cup, will you be down there on the ice to lift it up?

Thanks so much for all you've done for us!
Kevin Young

Hi Luc,

I just wanted to say hi and thanks for the jersey! You are my all time favorite hockey player so it was a huge thrill when at the end of the 1999-2000 season I got to come down after the game and get the jersey off of one of the players. I couldn't believe it when Bob Miller said I was getting your jersey! That was one of the very few times I've ever won anything and if I never win anything again, I'll be perfectly happy! Meeting you and having you sign your game worn jersey was an amazing day for me. Thanks again!

Anyway, one thing I always wondered was if players normally wear the same jersey for the entire season or if they get them replaced during the season and how often.

Also, do the Kings still do the jersey give away at the end of the season? If so, awesome! If not, I think it should be brought back!

Thanks Luc,
Matt

First of all, congratulations on being selected for the Hall of Fame. I don't have a question; but did want to thank you for being such a great ambassador for the game of hockey. I've had a chance to meet you twice. The first time was during a roller hockey game (I was on the opposing team unfortunately) and once at an Ice Dog game in Long Beach. Both times you were very friendly and spent a good amount of time talking to the fans. You were not trying to rush off as if your time was more important than the fans around you. Too many athletes don't realize that the time spent with fans can leave lasting impressions, especially on children. My son, who was only 8 at the time, still talks about meeting Luc Robitaille and that his dad played hockey against Luc (although I wouldn't call what I was doing "playing hockey").

I just wish more athletes represented themselves and their sport the way you have done (and continue to do).

Thanks again and congratulations on a well deserved selection to the HHOF.

Luc, congrats on the HHOF!!

are you concerned about the Kings lack of a true 50-goal scorer? While the defense is improving, we are still missing a top-line sniper. I seems like we are loaded with 30-goal guys. I know the addition of Smyth and Williams will help the offense, but we don't really have a goal scoring threat that will put fear into the opponents the instant he hits the ice. Your thoughts?

Thank you for doing this Luc, and thank you for so many memories over the years.......

Who hit you the hardest in your playing days?

Who was the most intimidating player you ever played against?

Most memorable goal?

Who was the funniest teammate you ever played with?

Who was the biggest trash talker you ever played with? Biggest trash talker you played against?

Thank you again for doing this

First off, Luc, you rule!

My question is about Rob Blake and his relationship with Kings fans. I assume you're friends with him (heck, you seem to be friends with EVERYBODY! :) ), so I know you don't want to throw the guy under a bus. But your career paths have so much in common except that you're beloved by Kings fans and he's the most hated.

1. What's your take on why the fans hate Blake? Did he bring it on himself? Is the booing fair or unfair?
2. Did you ever talk to Blake about things he could/should do differently to improve his relationship with the fans? Because clearly you did things better than he did.
3. Will the organization let another player wear #4 on the ice, or has the organization already decided to retire it?

I've met you and many other NHL players around the south bay and also in vegas. My question is what do you attribute the general approachability of NHL players compared to the other major pro sports to?

Luuuuc!

How does it feel to have a prospect like Brandon Kuzon come up into your system?

In my opinion: Bringing Kings hockey into the valley, back in the 90's, played a huge role in the development of hockey in LA.

(I think that Kozun is proof of how much opportunity and inspiration you have given us here, in regards to what you have done both on and off the ice).

...LA is lucky to have Luc!

You are a Hockey Icon. Thanks, (and thank you Rich)!

Luc,

The Kings have had a loyal fan base for quite some time now and you and organization have done a great job promoting the Kings but as far as the NHL itself, It still lags behind the other 3 major sports in popularity. It's certainly not from the lack of trying but:

1.) Do you have any ideas about a direction the NHL could take in the future that would greatly increase it's popularity? and consequently,

2.) Would you be for or against any considerable alterations to the game itself to fit a marketing scheme if it helped gain a better foothold with the US audience?

Congrats to you again on being inducted to the hall of fame. You are the best!

Luc, Congratulations on making it to the Hall of Fame. My question is about the promotion of hockey to a younger generation of fans.

In Santa Ana, at the Discovery Science Center, the Ducks have a large Science of Hockey exhibit that is geared towards kids and is very interactive. Are there plans for the Kings to do a permanent interactive exhibit like this at the California Science Center or something similar to bring in younger fans?

NHL Business question:

Dean Lombardi said a few weeks ago (words to the effect) that the cap was expected to come down next summer, to somewhere in the neighborhood of $50MM (I think $48-50MM was the number mentioned). I keep looking at the cap hits for teams for the 2010-11 season, I that looks like very bad news for the teams at or near the cap ceiling.

But every time I bring this up, people counter "oh the league will figure out a way to let the big market teams off the hook / the NHL will bail out the teams that over-spent" etc.. For example, people bring up amnesty buy-outs, the idea of allowing a one-time buy-out where no cap hit would remain on the books.

is there anything you can say to shed light on this topic? wouldn't it be unfair to the teams that have spent responsibly to let the other teams off the hook? do people in management think the cap is coming down definitely/probably/possibly/who knows? what is the explanation for teams like Chicago that appear to be walking into a mine-field next summer? Are they just going for it, or do they expect the league to bail them out?

Again, forgive the long-winded question. Any illumination would be appreciated.

Hey Luc

Congrats on a well deserve Hall of Fame induction. You were the greatest King of all time in my book.

When you first came up with the Kings, who were some of the guys that helped you as a rookie?

Was it easier playing on a line with Gretzky or Nicholls?
(I know that's like the question Bentley or Ferrari)

How good a player do ,you think Wayne Simmonds can become...I was extremely impressed with him as a rookie and wonder what do you think his ceiling is?

Thanks for taking the time and thanks for the greatest of memories

Luc,

I'd love to sit down and chat with you about the Kings and the NHL. But really I'm just going to say THANK YOU for giving Kings fans tons of great memories! I wouldn't be a Kings fan today if it weren't for you!

Congratz on the HoF!

Luc, Congratulations on making it to the Hall of Fame. My question is about the promotion of hockey to a younger generation of fans.

In Santa Ana, at the Discovery Science Center, the Ducks have a large Science of Hockey exhibit that is geared towards kids and is very interactive. Are there plans for the Kings to do a permanent interactive exhibit like this at the California Science Center or something similar to bring in younger fans?

Hello Luc, and thanks for answering our questions.

--As a critic of Lombardi, I often find it mildly offensive that he criticizes former regimes so readily. Do you believe that Dave Taylor was a poor GM; or do you feel that he was continuously undermined by the bankrollers? I remember losing Blake and Boucher, as far as I know, because of an unwillingness to spend.
--Do you believe that Taylor should have been fired? Do you believe he was treated fairly?
--How was Taylor as a teamate?

--At the beginning of last season, I predicted a dismal point total for the Club. I was impressed by the way the team started the season, however. I then watched as things seemed to go backwards for the rest of the season; i.e. - 3rd period collapses, "prevent-defenses," a club record for being shutout, an inability to score on the power-play (or when a goal was needed), a mind-boggling punishment system meted out against players that seemed to be performing as well as the rest, and finally, a die-hard system of playing a 4th line that was totally ineffective (i.e. - dress Ivanans against teams that have no enforcers -- for just over 2 minutes a game.
My question is, was this because last season was a "learning and development" year?

--If the answer to the former quesion is "yes," then why weren't more young players exposed to the rigors of the season in place of guys like Gauthier, Calder, Ivanans, Zeiler, and Armstrong? If the answer to the former question is "No," do you believe that Terry Murray is the right coach for this team?

--In your opinion, do you believe that Brian Boyle was given fair shot in the Kings system?
Do you agree with some of the Kings personnel who say that he wasn't "mean enough?"

--How can the Kings get Radko Gudas under contract?

--Do you feel that the trade for Smyth, at 33 years of age, was a good move for the Kings considering that we parted ways with Kyle Quincey?
Do you think our defense will again struggle to provide the offensive support the team needs without Quincey?

Who on the Kings is overpaid? Overpaid?

Thanks, again, for your time...

Hello Luc
Thanks for the opportunity. Do the Kings have plans to broadcast there game on the internet. It would be a help if they would archive the games so you can pick up the games at a later date. Thanks again for your time.

Luc, after probably wearing more different-looking Kings jerseys than any other player, which one do you like the most? The least?

Thanks

I think this sounds so great:

Los Angeles Kings Hockey Hall of Famer, Luc Robitaille

And this:

Luc Robitaille, highest scoring left-wing in NHL history.

Or:

All-time King's fan favorite: Luc Robitaille.

Luc, you have done it all, and you have, I believe, sincerest congratulations and thanks from Kings fans and hockey fans in general for the way you epitomized what it means to be a professional hockey player, and you deserve it.

We are proud that you were a Los Angeles King.

Sorry for the wind: My questions:

I know you played post lock-out, but do you think that if you played in today's NHL versus the era you spent most of your career, would your stats have been higher given that you had to deal with the two-line pass, clutching/grabbing etc?

Do you think the game is better today or prior to the rules changes?

Thanks Luc and Rich

Luc, In your opinion is this the best the organization has looked from the Kings roster on down to the many fine prospects we have in the system? As a fan since 1967 we have had some really good teams but for the most part they were not built through the draft or looking to be successful long term. I'm not sure if you remember Sean and I but we met you several times as he attended Kings camp and later worked the camp for several years. We live in Fort Collins Colorado and said hi in Denver when the team came to town. We both want to thank you for always being so nice when we talked with you. Brian

Thanks Luc for being a true King. I am a fan from way back, could you tell me about my favorite player Marcel Dionne and what it was like staying at his house when you were a rookie? I am so glad to see him connected to the organization by way of appearances, etc. Had you met him before you were drafted or did he take you under his wing in LA. Is he more like an Uncle or a good friend? Tell us all you are able about your relationship back then and currently.

Thanks
Ken

Luc,

from a former employee of yours at All Star Hockey at the Iceoplex, a regular at the JDS pickup (I tripped you once!), a life long Kings fan, and a life long Luc fan - on and off the ice - congrats on your HOF selection, your career, and all of the great moments you gave us.

My question is a general NHL question: where do you see the league in 5 years? More specifically, there has been changes to improve the game (increase scoring by eliminating the red line) but also games in Europe to increase exposure. How do you see (or recommend) the league proceed in the next 5 years? What changes are necessary and which would you personally like to see? Thank you!

Hi Luc, and thank you for all you have done for the Kings organization and fans.

In your opinion who is the best player in the game today.

Hey Luc, Congratulations on making the HOF!!! Thanks for taking our questions, I know you must be busy. I grew up watching the kings in the late 90's and I never got to see the Gold/Blue jerseys but I think those were the best in the history of the kings. That being said, is there any plans to bring back the gold/blue as a third jersey (maybe in the future?)

Thank you for your time!

Hi Luc,
Thanks to you and Rich for this wonderful opportunity for all us loyal fans! You are one of my all time favorite athletes! Not only for the many memories on the ice, but for what you and your wife have done for the community off it!
a few questions...
1) What was your most memorable season as a King, off the ice and on and why?
2) Do you still play any pick-up games or in a league? Is there some sort of league for all the ex-players to still play and have some fun and exercise?
3) Did you really practice in the off-seasons in LA by rollerblading to stay in shape? If so, wasn't there a huge adjustment once you hit the ice?
4) along the lines of #3, the big knock on you coming into the NHL was your skating...what did you do to improve that aspect so that some of us might follow in those footsteps?

Thanks again Luc and Rich..i dream of the day that the LA Kings can claim "NHL Stanley Cup champions", so that I can die in peace

Luc,

1) who is the toughest player you played against and played with?

2) I loved watching you play against Chelios. It seemed as though Chelios was the only player to really get under your skin and make you drop your gloves. What did Chelios do or say that got you so upset?

3)Who was your favorite coach to play for and why?

When you played with the Kings and also after you were traded, what were your opinions of AEG as an owner?

Will Tim Leiweke ever admit publicly that his lack of hockey knowledge combined with a stubborn nature and enormous ego were the main reasons the Kings accomplished so very little while he was in charge of the team for AEG?

Are Phil Anschutz and the Wizard of Oz the same person?

Thanks Rich and Luc for making this QandA available to the fans. Congratulations Luc on your Hall of Fame Induction!

1. What are some of your favorite hobbies/fun things to do now that you are no longer playing? Have these changed from your playing days?

2. Who would you pick as your all-time selection for enforcer if you were starting a team? Why? Do the Kings currently have someone with a similar mentality/toughness on their current roster?

3. Have you ever gone wine tasting with Jim Fox? Any funny stories there?

4. Is it possible to get an ice rink here in the Coachella Valley? I know the Kings alumni come out here every once in a while and the last (and only) tiny rink just went under. I'd like to get my son skating and playing without having to drive 2 hrs. each time.

5. In your opinion does Gary Bettman get an underserved "bad rap" from fans and players? Why/ why not? Do you secretly Boo him too?

6. How much traveling do you do with your current job? Are you away from home more/less than when you were playing? How often does your family get to join you?

Congratulations on having one of the most 'Storybook' careers in NHL history and on your well-deserved spot in the HHOF!

Questions:
1- With Jeremy Roenick retiring recently, and since you guys are such good friends, could you shed some light and give us your opinion as to the reason(s) JR didn't work out in LA? Are there some things we don't know? Many fans are still bitter (Including myself) with regards to his poor play for us that $5 Million dollar season. Maybe you could educate and inform us on some things we DON'T know from that season that led to his poor play? He had an awesome career and even though we're bitter, we also know he could bring it. He just didn't for us. Maybe with some inside info from you, it would put that issue to bed for all of us.

2- If there was a moment in your career, besides winning the Cup, that you could do all over again, what would that moment be?

3- What is the one thing you would like the Kings to do/achieve as an organ-eye-zation (Again, besides winning the Cup, obviously) that we have not done yet?

4- Is there any way you could help organize a Co-op between Rich and the Daily News & KingsVision to set up LIVE Online chat interviews with the players and coaches thoroughout the season. It's been pretty obvious The Kings have been working very hard to become more interactive with the fans, I think this would kick it up a notch and be very inexpensive to do. (And it would get Rich to work closely with Heidi Androl on a regular basis....You're welcome Rich.)

Thanks for doing this Luc. You may be called 'Lucky', but you're proof that good things happen to good people. Thanks to you as well Rich for all the things you are doing to satisfy our hockey fix during this always difficult time.

Hi Luc, bigitme fan of yours here since you were a rookie and I was a young kid. Glad to see you with the kings organization all this time. It's good to know loyalties still exist in this day & age. My questions:
1. What is with the Frolov rumor that the Canes want him? Are we considering trading him? Are we not? I heard negotiations have been opened about a contract extension, is that happening and if so, how are talks going?
2. Which top 3 prospects would you say have a chance of cracking the lineup this year?
3. I love Simmonds, I think he has great potential, do you ever see him being a 1st liner?
4. For Jack johnson, Do you think he has more to give to the game then he has shown? I think Murry was holding him back and making play conservative.
5. When you played, once in awhile we say the crazy Luc come out and want to fight. Anybody from back in the day you wished you had cross-checked but never got a chance too ?

Luc,
thank you for all you have done for the Kings. It was great to be a Kings fan when you came to the team and to kind of grow up with you as we are the same age. You are one of the last great ones to really root for both on and off the ice.

My question is: For all your success, what is your biggest regret as a player in general and also with the Kings?

Thanks
Jeremy
Raleigh, NC.

Luc,

Thanks for doing this for the fans, you always seem to be there for us and it's greatly appreciated.
Do you find it harder to travel for work now, or was it more difficult as a player? I'm guessing that as a player you at least had a set schedule and while hard on your family to be gone so much at least you "knew" when you'd be gone, where as now I imagine there's lots of trips that keep coming up and probably some that are very unexpected.
Just curious and once again many thanks for all your years in LA

Hi Luc,

I realize this is a few years back, but could you talk a little bit about your rookie camp? You went from being the 171st pick to making the team. I presume you had a great camp, but could you elaborate on it some? Thanking you!

Luc, who does the kings vision videos?? how can we get more bob miller on kings vision????? conrats on the HALL!!

..the latest Hockey Future's Rankings for our club:
Top 20 at a Glance

1. Thomas Hickey
2. Jonathan Bernier
3. Brayden Schenn
4. Oscar Moller
5. Vyacheslav Voinov
6. Colten Teubert
7. Ted Purcell
8. Andrei Loktionov
9. Trevor Lewis
10. Martin Jones
11. Kyle Clifford
12. Jeff Zatkoff
13. Alec Martinez
14. Justin Azevedo
15. Nicolas Deslauriers
16. Davis Drewiske
17. Juraj Mikus
18. Garrett Roe
19. Scott Parse
20. Dwight King

I think my top 10 would be-
1. Oscar Moller
2. Voinov -Sorry Hickey, Voinov is a year younger, and he played better in a much tougher league
3. Thomas Hickey
4. Jonathan Bernier
5. Brayden Schenn
6. Andrei Loktionov
7. Ted Purcell
8. Teubert
9. Trevor Lewis
10. Martin Jones

Congratulations on becoming a member of the HHOF. If anyone deserves the honor, it's you. During your playing days, was there one player who, when you saw he was going to be in goal for that day's game, made your eyes bulge and brought a smile to your face because you knew you could light him up? Conversely, who's the one goalie who you absolutely hated to see between the pipes for a game?

Who have you had on your iPod/CD player lately?

Luuuuuc, Congratulations on the Hall of Fame, you were one of the all time best.

My question to you is a little off topic of the Kings but rather a question regarding NHL players in general. How wide spread is infidelity throughout the league (particularly on the road)? We have all heard of the issues in the NBA (Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant to name a couple) but NHL players seem to be either better at concealing it or cheating is less prevalent? Do the married (and committed) players that stay faithful to their wives and girlfriends frown upon those players who stray?

Hi Luc,
Thanks for doing this:

1) What is your favorite meal?

2) What is your favorite movie?

3) What do you like to do best outside of hockey?

Been an avid fan of your’s since day 1. Congrat’s on your HHOF selection. Question: If and when the Daily News has to let Rich (and his blog) go, are you and the Kings going to grab him? It sure would make us "out of area" fans extremely happy if he could continue his blog via the Kings site, when that time comes. Thanks again.

Thank you for taking these questions and answering them. My question: I feel like the NHL I fell in love with in the mid 90s does not exist anylonger. I guess I am referring to the physical play that used to dominate the game. The physical play made me feel like the players were giving 100% and putting everything out there for their teams. Now I see a "nice" NHL and more of a finesse game. Your thoughts or comments?

Luc,

Congratulations on your HOF induction!...I've felt fortunate to have seen you play in your rookie/Calder Trophy year through all the great seasons with Marcel and Gretzky, the '93 Cup Run and was there that night you scored your hat trick for the Kings record! I was happy that you were able to win a cup and bring it to LA! You are the heart and soul of this organization and I'm glad to see that you still have a prominent place in it!

Since you were one of those LW snipers that we covet, who in the current NHL do you think fits that mold, and who in our current organization fits or could fit that mold?

PS: You relatives in Capenteria have a great sweets shop!

Hey Lucky !

Congrats on your HHOF induction. You are probably my favorite King of all time and are a great representative of the Kings and hockey in general.

1) What were some of the craziest hockey superstitions you have seen during your playing days ? I imagine that goalies probably had the worst.

2) What is your long term goal as a career ? Would you like to continue with the business side or would prefer to move onto the hockey side one day ?

3) Do you find yourself defending Kings fans against the stereotype that we are not passionate or that we are ignorant hockey fans ?

4) How is your Echoes of Hope charity organization going ?

5) Do you find yourself mentoring the younger players on the team at all ?

Thanks for everything you have done for the team !

Luc, thanks a lot for your time doing this and congrats on the hall of fame you no question deserve it!

I'd like to know what the atmosphere is like playing in Detroit vs LA. There seems to be a being mediocore mantra that is completely unacceptable there and I'm wondering if there is just that much more pressure/expectation to win or what it is. They obviously have a ton of talent but at the same time someone said that Datsyuk would not be the player he is today if he was playing in Florida or somewhere else and I believe this to be true. Detroit wasnt always good but they have been for some time and I would just love to bottle their intensity and commitment and sprinkle it over the Kings locker room. I am definitely looking forward to this season as it should be one of our better ones and I think we are on our way to having a solid team for years to come but I'm interested in your take on the differences between the cities.

Thanks again for your time.

Luc, thank you for representing the Kings with so much class over all these years!
I wanted to know your thoughts about the Kings current direction. The Kings want us to believe that things are different this time and this rebuilding phase is really going to work. You've been there over 20 years and should have a good perspective on this claim. Do you really think things are different this time and if so why?

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond!

Mr. Robitaille,

In your opinion, is AEG the best ownership group in the NHL, or the best in all of pro sports?

I know last thing you want to do is answer a business question, so here's a hockey question. :)

YOU are coaching a game TONIGHT vs. the Ducks and you have to ice a 20-man team.

The following is a list of some of our current players (forwards/defensemen/goalies).

What are your lines coach? Defensive pairs? Starting goalie?

Frolov
Richardson
Handzus
Simmonds
Kopitar
Smyth
Westgarth
Stoll
Purcell
Williams
Moller
Brown
Ivanans
Zeiler
Lewis

Scuderi
Johnson
Greene
Hickey
Doughty
SOD
Drewiske
Harrold

Ersberg
Bernier
Quick

Describe your feelings and emotions when you were first traded from the Kings to the Penguins in 1994. How difficult was it playing for a new team in a new city?

Thanks for your time Luc. Here are my questions and comments:
I know Simmer wasn't with the Kings as long as Dionne or Taylor, but is there any plan to retire his jersey so that we can see "The Triple Crown Line" hanging from the rafters? I think it would be great to see those three jerseys hanging together with a "Triple Crown Line" banner above or below them.

On that note, can we please get all of the jerseys and banners (Kings, Lakers, Sparks, etc.) moved out to hang in the rafters instead of on the wall? The wall is way over-crowded. The Lakers banners, especially, look ridiculous all run together in groups of three. They'll have to do something different to fit this year's Lakers' banner anyway. Why not move everything out to freely hang instead of crowding up the wall further? It would look so much more traditional and better. Not to mention there is much more room.

Thanks again,
Steve

My question is regarding the HOF Induction.

Are fans allowed to attend the induction ceremony? Will a ticket be required?

Are the Kings Fan Development Department organizing a trip to Toronto?

Thanks, Ed

hey luc,
first off let me say thank you. you are the reason i am a hockey fan and a hockey player. you have always been a stand out player for me. truly a class act, and an amazing role model. i can't wait to meet you one day to shake your hand and thank you in person. anyway, that being said i'm just curious, what were some of your superstitions before or after games? what was your favorite and least favorite arena to play in? how much of a difference does conditioning all summer make what was the worst injury you ever played through? and finally, what's it like lifting the holy grail above your head? this is my 1st season as a full sth, and i'd love nothing more than to see our guys do it! thank you for you time.

Luc:
Thanks for all the memories and highlights to a great career. I remember when you and Jimmy Carson lit up the team as rookies. After all the battles and injuries that make up a hockey career, what's it like physically after retirement? You're still a relatively young man but do you wake up with aches and pains?