Pat LaFontaine

Growing up in Waterford, Michigan, Pat LaFontaine exploded onto the radar after a 234‑point season with Verdun in 1982–83; that junior campaign led to him being taken third overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders.

LaFontaine joined the Islanders following the 1984 Winter Olympics and quickly became a central figure down the middle. He delivered memorable playoff moments, including the fourth‑overtime winner in Game 7 of the 1987 series against Washington, while carving out a reputation as a high‑end playmaker during his time on Long Island. Discontent with his situation there culminated in his refusal to report to the club at the start of the 1991–92 season.

Traded to the Buffalo Sabres in October 1991, he enjoyed his peak years in Buffalo. The 1992–93 campaign produced a career high of 148 points (53 goals, 95 assists), figures that remain franchise marks and stand as the single‑season high for an American‑born player. Concussion problems began to curtail his play in the mid‑90s; after a move to the New York Rangers in 1997 he reached the 1,000‑point milestone but suffered another concussion in March 1998 and formally retired in October 1999.

Internationally, LaFontaine represented the United States at the 1984 and 1998 Olympics, skated in the Canada Cup tournaments and was part of the U.S. side that won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey. Individually he earned the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1995, multiple NHL All‑Star selections, and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.

LaFontaine's game blended elite vision with consistent offensive output: a natural set‑up man who also finished at a high rate. After hanging up his skates he moved into off‑ice roles, including a stint as Buffalo's president of hockey operations from November 2013 until March 2014, and has had his number retired by the Sabres.