Many great players have made a strong impression in the NHL, but few did it as fast and as young as Jimmy Carson. Before he turned 20, Carson had already scored 92 goals in the NHL — the most by any teenager in league history. While talent played a big part, his success also came from being in the right place at the right time with the Los Angeles Kings.
Even Carson, now 56 and working in finance in suburban Detroit, says he didn’t know about the record until much later. “At some point, someone said, ‘You know, you have the most goals in the history of the NHL as a teenager,’” he recalls with a smile.
A Record That Still Stands
Between October 1986 and March 1988, Carson scored 92 goals — 37 in his rookie year and 55 the next season. That 55-goal year was also the most in a single season by a teenager and a record for a U.S.-born player at that time.
Behind him on the all-time teenage scorers list are some big names:
Dale Hawerchuk (85), Patrik Laine (80), Wayne Gretzky (76), Brian Bellows (76), and Sidney Crosby (75).
None have reached Carson’s number.
Timing, Teammates, and Trust
Carson credits his fast start to the support and trust he received from the Kings. He joined the team as an 18-year-old in 1986, and the coaches didn’t hesitate to give him a big role.
He was placed between veterans Dave Taylor and Morris Lukowich, who guided him, while Luc Robitaille, another top rookie, became his close friend and linemate the following season.
“The Kings told me early on, ‘You’re making the team and we expect you to be an impact player,’” Carson said. That early confidence gave him the freedom to play without fear.
A Style That Matched the Era
Carson played during a high-scoring era — the NHL in the late 1980s averaged more than 7 goals per game, much higher than today’s 6.0. That gave young scorers like him a perfect platform.
He used his explosive speed and powerful shot to great effect. His linemates praised his strong legs and quick first steps. He was always ready to shoot and had the confidence to make plays.
A Historic Line With Robitaille
When Carson and Robitaille were paired in the 1987-88 season, the chemistry was instant. They even tried to copy the famous Gretzky-Lemieux goal from the 1987 Canada Cup, jokingly calling the move “The Mario.”
Carson scored his 50th goal on March 26, 1988, and finished his teenage years with 92 regular-season goals and 186 points, behind only Crosby, Gretzky, and Hawerchuk in total points as a teen.
A Trade That Shocked the World
Despite his success, Carson’s time in L.A. ended quickly. In 1988, just months after his record-breaking season, he was traded to Edmonton in the deal that brought Wayne Gretzky to the Kings. Carson was still only 20.
Even though he became part of the biggest trade in NHL history, his teenage record remains untouched — partly because most young stars today don’t play two full seasons before turning 20, and scoring rates are lower.
Jimmy Carson’s story is a reminder that success often comes from a mix of talent, timing, and trust. His time with the Kings gave him everything he needed to shine early. While modern stars like Connor Bedard and Connor McDavid are incredibly skilled, Carson’s teenage goal record of 92 still stands strong — and may never be broken.
He may not have expected it, but Jimmy Carson’s name is firmly written in NHL history.
