Islanders to induct Pat LaFontaine into team Hall of Fame, ending decades-long rift

The New York Islanders announced Thursday that Pat LaFontaine will be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame on Dec. 13, ahead of their game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at UBS Arena. The ceremony will formally end a rift between LaFontaine and the organization that dates back to the 1991-92 season, when LaFontaine pressed for a trade as contract negotiations stalled. He was dealt to the Buffalo Sabres ahead of that season in a swap that brought forward Pierre Turgeon to Long Island.

During his Islanders tenure, LaFontaine scored 287 goals, tied for seventh in franchise history, and collected 566 points, ninth. On a per-game basis, he ranks third in Islanders history, behind only Mike Bossy and Turgeon. His contributions helped shape the team during a competitive era, and his legacy on the ice remains among the franchise’s most enduring benchmarks.

The relationship between LaFontaine and the Islanders has had a complicated arc. He was honored at Nassau Coliseum in 2006 and brought in as an advisor to owner Charles Wang, but he resigned after six weeks when Neil Smith was fired as general manager. He was omitted from the Islanders’ 40th anniversary celebration in 2012, yet has become a more frequent presence in recent years at UBS Arena and at alumni events. After a long dormant period, the Isles began renewing Hall of Fame honors last season, inducting Brent Sutter into the Ring of Honor. LaFontaine’s upcoming induction will follow that revival, effectively closing the chapter on a rift that endured for more than three decades.

Islander officials emphasized that the ceremony will occur before the Dec. 13 game against the Lightning at UBS Arena, serving as a formal reconciliation between the organization and one of its most celebrated scorers. His place among the franchise’s elite is underscored by his career totals and his per-game impact, which place him among the top tier of Islanders greats.

LaFontaine’s selection also reflects the franchise’s broader effort to honor its history and reconnect with players who defined eras on Long Island. His induction coincides with renewed attention to the Islanders’ heritage as the team looks to build on recent on-ice progress and deepen ties with a fan base that has long cherished the team’s most storied figures.

As the season approaches the Dec. 13 ceremony, the organization will look to celebrate LaFontaine’s contributions while signaling a more open, collaborative relationship with its alumni. For fans, it marks a long-awaited moment of closure and a reminder of the franchise’s rich history, anchored by one of its most prolific goal-scorers and playmakers.