Pat LaFontaine

Lore & Background

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, he contributed 104 goals and 130 assists, totaling 234 points, which was tops in the league. He was awarded the Jean Béliveau Trophy as the top scorer, out-dueling future NHL icon Mario Lemieux, and also received the Michel Brière Memorial Trophy as MVP, the Guy Lafleur Trophy as playoff MVP, and the CHL Player of the Year award. He was selected by the New York 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, he joined the Islanders in time for the 1984 Stanley Cup Final, which they lost to the Edmonton Oilers. In the 1987 Stanley Cup playoffs, LaFontaine scored the winning goal in the fourth overtime period of the seventh game against the Washington Capitals, known as the 'Easter Epic.' He suffered his first major concussion in 1990 after a hit by James Patrick of the New York Rangers. In 1991, frustrated with his situation on Long Island, he refused to report to the Islanders and was traded to the Buffalo Sabres. In the 1992–93 season, he recorded a personal-best and team-record 148 points (53 goals, 95 assists), the most points by an American-born player in one season. He finished as runner-up to Mario Lemieux in the scoring race and was a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy and Lady Byng Trophy. In 1994–95 he was awarded the Bill Masterton Trophy. After a concussion in 1997 from a hit by François Leroux, Sabres management refused to clear him to return. He was traded to the New York Rangers, where he tied for the team lead in goals and recorded his 1,000th career point. A collision with teammate Mike Keane in 1998 caused another concussion, leading to his retirement in 1999.

Reader's Guide

LaFontaine's career is notable for being cut short by concussions, yet he achieved 1,013 points in 865 games, a 1.17 points-per-game average that remains the best among American-born players. He is one of six NHL players to skate for all three New York State-based teams, and uniquely played his entire career within the state. His 148-point season in 1992–93 set a Buffalo Sabres team record and stands as the highest single-season point total by an American-born player. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003 and the United States Hockey Hall of Fame the same year. The Buffalo Sabres retired his number 16 in 2006, and he was voted the third-greatest Sabre in team history. The 'Easter Epic' overtime goal in 1987 remains a defining moment. After playing, he served briefly as Senior Advisor to the Islanders' owner and later as president of hockey operations for the Buffalo Sabres from November 2013 to March 2014.

Did You Know?

• LaFontaine's 1.17 points per game is the best among American-born NHL players.
• He scored the winning goal in the fourth overtime of the 1987 'Easter Epic' playoff game.
• He recorded 148 points in the 1992–93 season, a Buffalo Sabres team record and the most by an American-born player in one season.
• He is the only NHL player to have been traded twice without needing to change his license plate, as he played his entire career in New York State.