Craig Muni, a defenseman known for his steady presence on the ice, played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for several teams over his career. Born on July 19, 1962, in Toronto, Ontario, Muni began his journey in professional hockey after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round, 25th overall, in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft. Despite being drafted by the Maple Leafs, Muni spent the early part of his career developing his skills in the minor leagues, including stints with the New Brunswick Hawks and the St. Catharines Saints.
Muni's NHL career truly began to take shape when he joined the Edmonton Oilers. He was claimed by the Oilers in the 1986 NHL Waiver Draft, a move that would prove beneficial for both Muni and the team. During his time with the Oilers, Muni became known for his defensive reliability and ability to play a physical game. He was part of the Oilers' dynasty in the late 1980s, contributing to the team's success in winning three Stanley Cup championships in 1987, 1988, and 1990. His role on the team was primarily focused on defense, often paired with more offensive-minded defensemen to provide balance on the blue line.
After his tenure with the Oilers, Muni continued his NHL career with several other teams. He was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1993, where he played for a season before moving on to the Buffalo Sabres. With the Sabres, Muni continued to be a dependable defensive player, known for his shot-blocking abilities and penalty-killing prowess. His experience and steady play were assets to the teams he joined, even as he transitioned to different franchises.
Muni also had brief stints with the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Dallas Stars. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his ability to adapt to different team dynamics and maintain his defensive responsibilities. His playing style was characterized by a focus on positioning and physicality, rather than offensive production, which was reflected in his career statistics.
In total, Craig Muni played over 800 regular-season games in the NHL, along with numerous playoff appearances.
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