David Legwand's journey in professional hockey began when he was selected second overall by the Nashville Predators in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. As the first-ever draft pick for the Predators, Legwand quickly became a central figure in the team's early years. He made his NHL debut in the 1998-1999 season, playing one game, but it was in the following season that he started to establish himself as a regular on the roster.
Throughout his career with the Predators, Legwand was known for his strong two-way play. He was a reliable center who contributed both offensively and defensively. Over the years, he developed into a consistent performer, often leading the team in points and serving as an alternate captain. His speed and hockey sense made him a valuable asset on the ice, and he was frequently tasked with shutting down opposing teams' top lines.
Legwand's tenure with Nashville spanned 15 seasons, during which he became the franchise's all-time leader in several categories, including games played, goals, assists, and points. His presence was instrumental in helping the Predators reach the playoffs multiple times, and he played a key role in their first-ever playoff series win in 2011 against the Anaheim Ducks.
In March 2014, Legwand was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, marking the end of an era in Nashville. His time with the Red Wings was brief, as he played only 21 regular-season games and five playoff games before moving on to the Ottawa Senators as a free agent in July 2014. With the Senators, Legwand continued to provide veteran leadership and depth, playing in 80 games during the 2014-2015 season.
The following year, Legwand was traded to the Buffalo Sabres, where he played his final NHL season. Throughout his career, Legwand was known for his durability and consistency, attributes that allowed him to play over 1,100 games in the league. His career concluded with a total of 618 points, comprising 228 goals and 390 assists.
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