The Los Angeles Kings, a franchise that strives to latch onto as much history as they can in the past 40 years, have decided to hoist Steve Carlson's number, No. 10, to the rafters.

Steve Carlson? Who?

You know, Steve Carlson. The guy drafted by the Red Wings in 1975. He scored nine goals in 52 games for the Kings in 1979-80. He even tallied a goal and an assist that year against the New York Islanders in the playoffs.

I'm still drawing a blank.

Steve Carlson, a guy who was Wayne Gretzky's roommate when he played on the Edmonton Oilers back in 1978.

Again, no clue.

Steve Carlson is a player who, next to Gretzky, is arguably one of the most recognizable figures in professional hockey.

Steve Carlson?!?

Yes, Steve Carlson. Wait, why am I arguing with myself?!?
 
Steve Carlson is perhaps best known as Steve Hanson, one of the Hanson Brothers in the 1977 movie Slap Shot.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooh, Steve Carlson...

It's reported that with the success of Luc Robitaille's retirement ceremony last season, which was a boon for the franchise, the team is looking to "cash in" on the nostalgia that retiring a Hansen Brother would bring.

"Hey, the Lakers retired Chick Hearn's number, and he never stepped a foot onto the court," a source close to the Kings told me after practice earlier this week. "Seriously, Steve Carlson has more of a right to be up there. He actually played for us."

When asked for an official comment on the retiring of No. 10 for Carlson, I was repeatedly rebuffed by Kings management. However, I did get confirmation from a separate source close to the Kings. Someone really close.

"I'm sure our decision to retire No. 10 for Steve Carlson might make some Kings fans mad. I mean, Bernie Nicholls wore No. 10, and I'd be hard-pressed to come up with someone bigger than him. But, I've talked with him (Nicholls) and he doesn't mind. He understands that the impact of the Hanson Brothers on the sport of hockey is far greater than his. And this is from a guy who is fifth all-time in scoring on the Kings."

So, it looks as if the Kings will be having another number retirement ceremony next season.