Dave Schlemko, a Canadian professional ice hockey defenseman, embarked on his NHL journey after going undrafted. Born on May 7, 1987, in Edmonton, Alberta, Schlemko's path to the NHL was unconventional. He began his professional career with the Arizona Coyotes, then known as the Phoenix Coyotes, after signing as a free agent in 2007. Schlemko spent several years honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the San Antonio Rampage, the Coyotes' affiliate, before making his NHL debut in the 2008-2009 season.
Schlemko's tenure with the Coyotes lasted until 2015, during which he became known for his steady defensive play and ability to contribute offensively when needed. His first NHL goal came on March 4, 2010, against the Colorado Avalanche. Over the years, Schlemko's role with the Coyotes evolved, and he became a reliable presence on the blue line. However, his time with the team came to an end when he was placed on waivers in January 2015.
Following his departure from the Coyotes, Schlemko's career saw him become something of a journeyman in the NHL. He was claimed off waivers by the Dallas Stars, but his stint there was short-lived. He played just five games for the Stars before being placed on waivers again and subsequently claimed by the Calgary Flames. Schlemko found a more stable role with the Flames, playing 19 games and scoring a memorable shootout goal against the Boston Bruins on March 5, 2015, which showcased his skill and creativity.
In the summer of 2015, Schlemko signed a one-year contract with the New Jersey Devils. His time with the Devils was productive, as he played in 67 games and recorded a career-high 19 points. His performance caught the attention of the San Jose Sharks, who signed him to a four-year contract in 2016. Schlemko's first season with the Sharks saw him play 62 games and contribute to the team's playoff run.
The 2017 NHL Expansion Draft brought another change for Schlemko, as he was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights. However, he never played a game for the Golden Knights, as he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens shortly after the draft. Injuries plagued Schlemko during his time with the Canadiens, limiting his ability to consistently contribute to the team. Over two seasons, he appeared in 55 games for Montreal.
In February 2019, Schlemko was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers as part of a deal that also involved forward Byron Froese. He spent the remainder of the 2018-2019 season with the Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and did not play another NHL game.
Throughout his career, Schlemko was known for his solid defensive play, ability to move the puck, and occasional offensive contributions.
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