Jeff Carter was an integral part of the Los Angeles Kings' championship era from 2012 to 2014. He was a staple in their two parades in three years, with a Western Conference final smack dab in the middle. As he hangs up his NHL skates, it's time for an appreciation article to see exactly what was accomplished during his time as a King.

Carter was acquired in the Jack Johnson trade in 2011-12 to Columbus. Carter was reunited with longtime friend and linemate Mike Richards from their Philly days. Carter had been a 46-goal scorer in 2008-09 in Philadelphia, becoming a consistent threat off the rush with his big frame and long-stride. He was always a threat while using his wrist shot, which was his patented ability to beat NHL goaltenders.

While he was a part of the team during the Philly comeback against the Bruins in 2009-10 towards their run to the finals, he did not play in the series due to injury. Carter would see his series comeback with the Kings in 2014.

Carter made an immediate impact with the Kings, becoming their top goal scoring threat and the only player other than Anze Kopitar to lead the Kings in points since his arrival in 2011-12. Carter would lead the team in points and goals in 2016-17 with 32-34-66.

Goal Scoring came at its highest point with Carter in the shortened season of 2012-13 when he scored 26 in 48 games. He scored at higher than .5 goals a game clip that season.

Carter would win two Stanley Cups during his time with the Kings, highlighted by two WCF hat tricks, both in game two on the road against Arizona (soon to be Utah) and their era foe, the Chicago Blackhawks.

Carter would lead the 'That's 70's line' with Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli to shred opponents during the 2014 run.

While he was a staple and a consistent player in his time with the Kings during the regular season, he took his game to another level once playoffs hit. As a member of the rarified 100+ playoff game career, in 133 games, he scored 47 goals and 37 assists for 84 points.

He is part of the upper echelon and arguably the best draft class of all time in the 2003 draft. Maybe the only draft whiffing is the more recent 2015 draft.

He won gold for Canada at multiple stages of international play, which was highlighted by an Olympic gold medal in 2014.

The Kings decided to trade Carter to Pittsburg near the trade deadline in 2020-21, where he chased another run with the Crosby-Malkin-Letang trio. Carter was never able to break through the first round with Pittsburg, culminating 13 games with 8 goals and two assists, continuing his strong playoff-style game at the late stages of his career.

It's a shame that he missed postseason play in the last two seasons of his career.

At his best during his prime, he was one of the best 2C's in the league, giving the Kings two centers who can play against and win matchups with the best of them. He was and is a champion of the sport. He was a versatile player who worked the wing and center position while being an excellent penalty killer throughout his career.

He will always be a part of the central group that carried the Kings to two championships and stayed long term: Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick

He probably won't get his number in the rafters for the Kings; however, if there were ever an honorable mention, it would be him. He will always be a Los Angeles favorite who was pivotal towards two championships brought to a starved franchise and fan base.

I enjoyed his career with aplomb and wanted to thank him for what he accomplished in Los Angeles and what he meant for the sport.

Enjoy retirement Carts.