Larry Melnyk, a Canadian defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the third round, 62nd overall, in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. Born on February 21, 1960, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Melnyk honed his skills in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the New Westminster Bruins, where he developed a reputation for his defensive capabilities and physical style of play.
Melnyk's NHL career began with the Boston Bruins during the 1980-81 season. He played a total of 41 games with the Bruins over two seasons, contributing to the team's defensive lineup. His time in Boston was marked by his steady presence on the blue line, although he did not become a regular fixture in the team's roster.
In 1982, Melnyk was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, a team that was building towards becoming a powerhouse in the NHL. During his tenure with the Oilers, Melnyk was part of a roster that included legendary players such as Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Paul Coffey. Although he played a limited role, appearing in 27 games over two seasons, Melnyk was part of the Oilers' organization during their 1984 Stanley Cup-winning season. However, he did not play in the playoffs and thus did not have his name engraved on the Cup.
Seeking more playing time, Melnyk was traded to the New York Rangers in 1984. With the Rangers, he found more opportunities to showcase his defensive skills, playing in 66 games during the 1984-85 season. His time in New York allowed him to establish himself as a reliable defenseman, known for his physicality and ability to protect his own zone.
In 1986, Melnyk was on the move again, this time to the Vancouver Canucks. Returning to his home province of British Columbia, he played parts of two seasons with the Canucks. His experience and defensive acumen were assets to the team, although he continued to be utilized primarily in a depth role.
Melnyk's NHL career concluded with the New Jersey Devils, where he played during the 1988-89 season. He appeared in 16 games for the Devils, bringing his veteran presence to the team's defensive corps. After his stint with New Jersey, Melnyk transitioned to the minor leagues, playing for the Utica Devils in the American Hockey League (AHL) before retiring from professional hockey.
Throughout his career, Larry Melnyk was known for his defensive reliability and physical style of play.
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