Islanders inducting Pat LaFontaine into team Hall of Fame

The New York Islanders have announced that Pat LaFontaine will be the next inductee into their Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place on Dec. 13, just before the Islanders take on the Lightning.

This announcement marks the end of a long-standing rift between LaFontaine and the organization. The rift dates back to the 1991-92 season when LaFontaine demanded a trade due to stalled contract negotiations. He was subsequently traded to the Sabres in exchange for Pierre Turgeon.

During his time with the Islanders, LaFontaine scored 287 goals, tying him for seventh place in franchise history. His 566 points also rank ninth in franchise history. On a per-game basis, LaFontaine is third all-time in franchise history, trailing only Mike Bossy and Pierre Turgeon.

Despite being honored at Nassau Coliseum in 2006 and briefly serving as an advisor to owner Charles Wang, LaFontaine resigned in protest after just six weeks when Neil Smith was fired as general manager.

LaFontaine was notably excluded from the Islanders’ 40th-anniversary celebration in 2012. However, in recent years, he has been more involved with the team, attending events at UBS Arena and alumni gatherings.

The Islanders have recently begun reintroducing players into their Hall of Fame, starting with Brent Sutter last season. LaFontaine will now join the ranks of Islanders legends with his induction.

The ceremony is sure to be a special moment for LaFontaine and Islanders fans alike, marking a reconciliation between the former player and the organization. It will be a fitting tribute to a player who left a lasting impact on the franchise during his time on the ice.