Eric Desjardins, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, spent his career as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL), primarily with the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers. Born on June 14, 1969, in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Desjardins was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, 38th overall, of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. His journey in the NHL began with the Canadiens during the 1988-1989 season.
Desjardins quickly established himself as a reliable defenseman with a strong presence on the ice. Known for his defensive skills and ability to contribute offensively, he became an integral part of the Canadiens' lineup. His performance during the 1992-1993 season was particularly noteworthy. Desjardins played a crucial role in the Canadiens' playoff run, which culminated in winning the Stanley Cup. In the finals against the Los Angeles Kings, he scored a hat trick in Game 2, becoming the first defenseman in NHL history to achieve this feat in a Stanley Cup Final game.
In February 1995, Desjardins was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, along with John LeClair and Gilbert Dionne, in exchange for Mark Recchi and a third-round draft pick. This trade proved to be a turning point in his career. With the Flyers, Desjardins continued to excel as a top defenseman, earning respect for his leadership qualities and consistent performance. He was named the Flyers' captain in 2000, a role he held until 2001, and later served as an alternate captain.
Throughout his time with the Flyers, Desjardins was recognized for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute to the team's offensive play. He was selected to participate in the NHL All-Star Game on multiple occasions, highlighting his status as one of the league's top defensemen. Desjardins' ability to read the game and make smart plays made him a valuable asset to the Flyers' defensive unit.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Desjardins in the latter part of his career. Despite these challenges, he remained a steady presence on the Flyers' blue line until his retirement. Desjardins announced his retirement from professional hockey on August 10, 2006, after an 18-season career in the NHL.
Over the course of his career, Desjardins played in 1,143 regular-season games, recording 136 goals and 439 assists for a total of 575 points. In the playoffs, he appeared in 168 games, contributing 23 goals and 55 assists. His achievements on the ice earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable defensemen of his era.
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