Eric Daze, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent his entire National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Chicago Blackhawks. Born on July 2, 1975, in Montreal, Quebec, Daze was known for his imposing stature, standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 235 pounds. This physical presence, combined with his skillful play, made him a notable figure on the ice.
Daze was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round, 90th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He began his NHL career in the 1995-1996 season, quickly establishing himself as a valuable asset to the team. In his rookie season, Daze scored 30 goals and added 23 assists, earning him a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. His performance during this season also made him a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's top rookie.
Throughout his career, Daze was known for his scoring ability. He reached the 30-goal mark in six different seasons, with his highest single-season total being 38 goals during the 2001-2002 campaign. This season also saw him selected to participate in the NHL All-Star Game, where he was named the Most Valuable Player after scoring two goals and assisting on another.
Despite his offensive prowess, Daze's career was plagued by injuries, particularly back problems that began to surface in the early 2000s. These injuries limited his playing time and effectiveness on the ice. In the 2003-2004 season, he played only 19 games, and following the NHL lockout in 2004-2005, he managed to appear in just one game during the 2005-2006 season before being sidelined indefinitely.
Daze's back issues ultimately led to his early retirement from professional hockey. In 2010, after several years of attempting to rehabilitate and return to the game, he officially announced his retirement. Over the course of his career, Daze played in 601 NHL games, recording 226 goals and 172 assists for a total of 398 points.
Despite the challenges he faced, Daze's contributions to the Blackhawks were recognized by fans and the organization alike.
🏒