Ken Klee's journey in professional hockey began when he was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the ninth round of the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, selected 177th overall. A defenseman known for his steady presence on the ice, Klee spent the early part of his career developing his skills with the Baltimore Skipjacks and Portland Pirates in the American Hockey League (AHL) before making his NHL debut with the Capitals during the 1994-1995 season.
Klee's tenure with the Washington Capitals spanned nearly a decade, during which he became a reliable figure on the team's blue line. His defensive capabilities were complemented by his ability to contribute offensively when needed. Over his time with the Capitals, Klee played in over 500 games, providing stability and experience to the team's defensive corps. He was part of the Capitals' roster during their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998, where they ultimately fell to the Detroit Red Wings.
In 2003, Klee signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent. His time in Toronto was marked by his solid defensive play and leadership qualities, which were valued by the team. Klee's experience was an asset to the Maple Leafs, and he played two seasons with the team, appearing in over 100 games.
Following his stint with the Maple Leafs, Klee continued his NHL career with several other teams. He joined the New Jersey Devils for the 2005-2006 season, where he added depth to their defensive lineup. The following season, Klee was traded to the Colorado Avalanche, where he continued to be a dependable presence on the ice.
Klee's career also included time with the Atlanta Thrashers and the Anaheim Ducks. In Atlanta, he played a full season and provided veteran leadership to a young team. His final NHL season was with the Ducks, where he played 35 games before retiring from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Ken Klee was known for his defensive reliability and ability to play a physical game. He was often tasked with shutting down opposing teams' top players and was respected for his work ethic and professionalism. Over 14 NHL seasons, Klee played in 934 regular-season games, scoring 55 goals and adding 150 assists for a total of 205 points.
After retiring from playing, Klee remained involved in hockey, taking on coaching roles and working with USA Hockey. His post-playing career has included coaching the U.S. Women's National Team, where he has helped guide and develop the next generation of players.
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