Derek King
15 Interesting Facts
Derek King was a standout NHL forward who scored 261 goals over a 14-season career before transitioning to head coaching.
He scored the final Toronto Maple Leafs goal at Maple Leaf Gardens on February 13, 1999.
He was appointed as the 29th head coach in the history of the Hershey Bears franchise in August 2025.
He was drafted 13th overall by the New York Islanders in the 1985 NHL Entry Draft.
He played 830 career regular-season games in the NHL, accumulating 612 total points.
He recorded a career-high 40 goals during the 1991–92 NHL season.
He reached the 30-goal milestone three times during his NHL career.
He won his debut game as interim head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks 2–1 in overtime against Nashville.
He served as head coach of the AHL's Rockford IceHogs after taking over the position in 2018.
He began his junior career in the OPJHL with the Hamilton Mountain A's before moving up to the OHL.
He was traded from the New York Islanders to the Hartford Whalers during the 1996–97 season.
He represented Canada internationally at the 1992 IIHF World Championship, playing in six games.
He scored 53 goals and 106 points for the Oshawa Generals during the 1986–87 OHL season.
He finished his European playing career with the München Barons in Germany during the 2001–02 season.
He posted 83 points in 76 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins during the 2000–01 IHL season.
He registered 14 points in 18 playoff games during the New York Islanders' 1993 postseason run.
About Derek King
Derek King was a prolific Canadian left winger who spent 14 seasons in the NHL, primarily with the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs. A consistent scorer, he achieved three 30-goal seasons, including a career-best 40 goals in 1991–92. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and served as interim head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Career Achievements & Milestones
13th Overall Draft Pick
1985
40-Goal Season
1991-92
Three-time 30-Goal Scorer
Scored Final Maple Leafs Goal at Maple Leaf Gardens
1999
Player Information & Stats
Detailed career statistics and background information about Derek King.
Player Info
Physical Stats
Career Stats
Season Scoring
Teams & Career
Derek King played for 5 different teams during his 14 seasons career. He was originally drafted 1st overall by the New York Islanders in 1985.