Lecavalier remains the franchise leader in games played, 1,037, and goals scored with 383. His 874 points in a Lightning jersey are second only to St. Louis.
The 6'4 center wasn't just a deft scorer however, he's also the third most penalized player in team history with 746 PIM.
He was always willing to do whatever his team needed, even dropping the gloves during the 2004 Stanley Cup Final against fellow "future King," then captain of the Flames, Jarome Iginla.
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Lecavalier would go on to play for the Flyers from 2013 to 2016 before being traded to the Kings to finish out his career.
Though his time in LA was brief, Lecavalier quickly gained the respect and admiration of the fans and his teammates. The Kings ultimately lost in the first round, but Lecavalier got one last crack at the playoffs and the chance to write the last chapter of his career on his own terms.
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Having his jersey retired is a well-deserved honor. Perhaps in the future, Tampa will give him the "LA Treatment" he deserves and erect a statue of him to go along with Dave Andreychuk and Phil Esposito.
The 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Long before Lecavalier donned a Kings uniform, there was another high-profile center that Kings fans hoped to see in Los Angeles.
Nearing the end of the 2007-08 NHL season, the Kings and Lightning were at the bottom of the NHL standings and Kings fans were thrilled with the potential opportunity to draft Steven Stamkos.
On March 31, 2008, the Kings were in last place, two points behind the Lightning.
The Lightning lost their last four games and finished with 71 points.
The Kings went 1-3 in their last four, and that one win gave them the tie breaker over the Lightning.
The Lightning picked Steven Stamkos with the first overall pick, and the Kings selected Drew Doughty with the second.
In the 10 years since they were drafted, both players have helped transform their franchises from bottom feeders to Cup contenders.
The Kings and Lightning only play each other twice per season, but the pair have a tendency of showing up on the scoresheet when they do.
In 10 games against the Kings, Stamkos has seven points, while Doughty has six points in 13 games against the Lightning.
Injuries prevented Stamkos from joining Doughty at the 2014 Olympics, but the two draft mates have helped Team Canada win multiple medals over the years: Gold in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey and 2008 World Junior Championships, and a silver medal at the 2009 IIHF World Championships.
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The 2015 All-Star Game in Columbus gave them another chance to collaborate when both were drafted by Team Foligno.
Watch them both tonight as the Kings look to extend their three-game win streak.
