Kerry Huffman, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted in the first round, 20th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Born on January 3, 1968, in Peterborough, Ontario, Huffman developed his skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Guelph Platers. His performance in the OHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Flyers.
Huffman made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers during the 1987-1988 season. Over the next few years, he established himself as a reliable defenseman, known for his solid play on the blue line. His tenure with the Flyers lasted until 1992, during which he contributed both offensively and defensively. Huffman was part of a defensive corps that helped the Flyers remain competitive in the league.
In 1992, Huffman was traded to the Quebec Nordiques, where he continued to play a steady role on defense. His time with the Nordiques was relatively short, as he was soon on the move again. The Florida Panthers selected him in the 1993 NHL Expansion Draft, making him part of their inaugural roster. Huffman played with the Panthers for a brief period before being traded to the Ottawa Senators during the 1993-1994 season.
Huffman's stint with the Senators was marked by his veteran presence on a young team. He provided stability and experience to the Senators' defensive lineup. After his time in Ottawa, Huffman returned to the Philadelphia Flyers organization, where he played primarily with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Hershey Bears.
Throughout his NHL career, Huffman played in a total of 401 regular-season games, scoring 37 goals and adding 108 assists for 145 points. His career also included playoff appearances, where he contributed to his teams' efforts in the postseason.
After retiring from professional hockey, Huffman transitioned into coaching and player development roles. His experience as a player provided valuable insights into the game, which he shared with younger players. Huffman's post-playing career included coaching positions in various leagues, where he continued to be involved in the sport he had dedicated much of his life to.
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