František Musil, a Czech defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey in the National Hockey League (NHL) after being drafted by the Minnesota North Stars in the second round, 38th overall, in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Born on December 17, 1964, in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia, Musil's career in North America began when he joined the North Stars for the 1986-87 season. His transition from European hockey to the NHL marked the start of a career that spanned over a decade and a half.
Musil's playing style was characterized by his defensive capabilities and physical presence on the ice. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing around 220 pounds, he was known for his ability to use his size to his advantage, effectively shutting down opposing forwards. His tenure with the Minnesota North Stars lasted until 1990, during which he established himself as a reliable defenseman.
In 1990, Musil was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he continued to hone his skills as a defensive stalwart. His time with the Flames saw him become an integral part of their defensive lineup, contributing to the team's efforts in both regular season and playoff games. Musil's stay in Calgary lasted until 1995, after which he was traded to the Ottawa Senators.
With the Senators, Musil brought his veteran experience to a young team that was still finding its footing in the NHL. His leadership and defensive acumen were valuable assets to the Senators during his tenure from 1995 to 1997. Musil's role with the team was primarily focused on providing stability and guidance to the defensive corps.
In 1997, Musil was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, where he played until the end of his NHL career. His time with the Oilers was marked by his consistent defensive play and his ability to mentor younger players. Musil's experience and understanding of the game were beneficial to the Oilers' defensive strategies.
Throughout his NHL career, Musil played in a total of 797 regular-season games, recording 34 goals and 106 assists for a total of 140 points. His playoff appearances included 42 games, where he added 1 goal and 5 assists. While not known for his offensive contributions, Musil's primary role was to provide a strong defensive presence and to support his team in shutting down the opposition.
After retiring from professional hockey, Musil remained involved in the sport, contributing to the development of young players and sharing his knowledge of the game. His legacy in the NHL is remembered for his steadfast defensive play and his ability to adapt to the evolving demands of the league.
🏒