Robitaille Signs with Los Angeles

Former Detroit Red Wing Luc Robitaille signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday. This marks Robitaille’s third tour of duty with the Kings.

Reportedly, Robitaille took a severe pay cut to return to Los Angeles. He earned $4 million with Detroit last season but will earn only $1.1 million in 2003-2004. That amount could rise to $2.5 million with bonuses.

Robitaille was originally drafted by Los Angeles in the ninth round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He has played twelve of his seventeen NHL seasons with the Kings, also spending time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers and the Red Wings.

“We are very happy to have Luc back in Los Angeles with the Kings,” said Kings general manager Dave Taylor. “He has had great success in a Kings uniform and has proven to be one of the great scorers in league history. His experience and leadership abilities will be a great influence on our younger players as well.”

“My family and I are very excited to be returning to the Kings” said Robitaille, from his off-season home in Park City, Utah. “The Kings is where it all started for me, and the fans of Los Angeles have always treated me and my family so well. I look forward to playing for them once again.”