Pat LaFontaine

Lore & Background

LaFontaine played for the New York Islanders from 1983 until 1991, the Buffalo Sabres from 1991 until 1997, and the New York Rangers from 1997 until his retirement in 1998, scoring 468 goals and 1,013 points along the way before his career was ended by concussions. His 1.17 points per game (1,013 points over 865 games) is among the highest for American-born ice hockey players, active or retired. In 2017, LaFontaine was named one of the '100 Greatest NHL Players' in history. LaFontaine served as an executive of the Buffalo Sabres as the president of hockey operations from November 2013 to March 2014.

Reader's Guide

LaFontaine began his junior career with the Verdun Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) during the 1982–83 season. In his only season in the QMJHL, LaFontaine contributed 104 goals and 130 assists for Verdun. LaFontaine's 234 points was tops in the league and he was awarded the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the top scorer. He was selected by the Islanders in the first round as the third pick overall in the 1983 NHL entry draft.

After representing the United States in the 1984 Winter Olympics, LaFontaine joined the Islanders in time for the 1984 Stanley Cup Final. He scored the winning goal in the fourth overtime period of the seventh and decisive game between the Islanders and Washington Capitals in the 1987 Stanley Cup playoffs, known as the 'Easter Epic'. On October 25, 1991, LaFontaine was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. In the 1992–93 season, LaFontaine recorded a personal-best and team-record 148 points (53 goals and 95 assists).

He was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1994–95. On September 29, 1997, he was traded to the New York Rangers. He announced his retirement formally on October 12, 1999.

The American Scoring Standard

Patrick Michael LaFontaine established himself as the premier offensive force among American-born players during his NHL tenure. Over a career spanning from 1983 to 1998, he accumulated 468 goals and 1,013 points across 865 games. His 1.17 points-per-game average is the best among American-born ice hockey players, active or retired. In 2017, LaFontaine was named one of the "100 Greatest NHL Players" in history. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 3, 2003, and into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame that same year.

The Easter Epic and Islander Legacy

LaFontaine's time with the New York Islanders was defined by both high drama and historical significance. He made an immediate impact in the 1984 Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton, scoring twice in Game Five despite the team losing its four-peat streak. His most defining moment occurred on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1987, during a grueling playoff series against Washington. In what became known as the "Easter Epic," LaFontaine scored the game-winning goal in the fourth overtime of Game Seven after the match stretched past 2:00 a.m. He later described this victory as the most memorable moment of his life. On December 13, 2025, LaFontaine was inducted into the Islanders' Hall of Fame.

The Buffalo Breakthrough and Records

Following a contentious departure from Long Island where he refused to report due to contract disputes, LaFontaine was traded to the Buffalo Sabres on October 25, 1991. This move revitalized his career, leading to a spectacular 1992–93 season where he set a personal best and a franchise record with 148 points. His 53 goals and 95 assists remain the highest single-season totals for an American-born player in NHL history. LaFontaine's elite playmaking was instrumental in helping linemate Alexander Mogilny also break records, as both players' offensive numbers from that season still stand as Sabres team records. On March 3, 2006, the Buffalo Sabres retired LaFontaine's number 16. He was also inducted into the Buffalo Sabres Hall of Fame in 2004 and was voted the third-greatest Buffalo Sabre in the team's 40-year history.

A Career Ended by Concussions

LaFontaine's professional journey was uniquely contained within New York State, making him one of only six players to suit up for the Islanders, Sabres, and Rangers. He famously joked, "I think I'm the only player in history who has been traded twice and hasn't had to change his license plate." His career was ultimately cut short by a series of severe concussions. The first major incident occurred in 1990 after a hit by James Patrick left him unconscious on the ice.

His final blow came in the 1996–97 season against Pittsburgh, where a high hit from François Leroux caused post-concussion syndrome. Sabres management, in conjunction with team doctors and specialists, refused to clear LaFontaine to return and recommended he retire. He was traded to the New York Rangers on September 29, 1997. During his one season with the Rangers, he tied for the team lead in goals and recorded his 1,000th career NHL point.

On March 16, 1998, he accidentally collided with teammate Mike Keane and suffered another concussion, missing the remainder of the season. He formally announced his retirement on October 12, 1999.