Jeff Carter is one of the best point producers and goal scorers on the L.A. Kings, when he is healthy. The 6-3 217 lb center, drafted 11th overall in the 1st round of the 2003 NHL Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, has been a vital player for the Kings since his arrival via trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 23, 2012.
Carter started his career with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2005-06 and remained with the club until June 23, 2011, when he was traded to the Blue Jackets for Jacub Voracek and a 2001 1st round pick and a 3rd round pick. He has been voted to two All-Star Games in his career, in 2009 and again in 2017. He was voted an OHL Second Team All-Star in 2004, and in 2005 was voted an OHL First Team All-Star, both honors coming as a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
Carter has played 904 out of a possible 1,148 games since his arrival in 2005-06. Yet when he is injured he spends about half the season unable to play. In his career he has totaled 352 goals,320 assists for 672 points and a -8 in 904 regular season games. In the playoffs he has accumulated 39 goals, 35 assists for 74 points in 120 games, with a +78. He can still be productive in any role and any time of the season or playoffs. He has averaged 25 goals in his career. He played a big part in the two Stanley Cups the Kings won, tying for the league lead with 8 goals in 2012 and was 2nd on the Kings with 25 points (10-15) in the 2014 run. He is 33 years old,which is not young in hockey terms and only played 27 games last year. He will retire at some point but will he continue to be effective as usual and play 82 games, or will he begin to drop off?
(stats:NHL.com)
(photo:bleacherreport.com)
