Luca Sbisa, a Swiss-born defenseman, embarked on his professional hockey journey when he was drafted 19th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. His entry into the NHL was marked by his debut in the 2008-2009 season with the Flyers, where he played 39 games. Sbisa's early career was characterized by his solid defensive play and ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the NHL.
In June 2009, Sbisa was traded to the Anaheim Ducks as part of a deal that sent Chris Pronger to Philadelphia. This move allowed him to further develop his skills and gain more experience in the league. During his time with the Ducks, Sbisa became known for his physical style of play and his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. Over the course of five seasons with Anaheim, he played in 266 games, scoring 10 goals and providing 41 assists.
The 2014 NHL Expansion Draft saw Sbisa being selected by the newly formed Vegas Golden Knights. His tenure with the Golden Knights was marked by the team's remarkable inaugural season, where they reached the Stanley Cup Finals. Sbisa played a role in the team's defensive lineup, appearing in 30 regular-season games and 12 playoff games during that historic run.
Following his time with Vegas, Sbisa signed with the New York Islanders in October 2018. His stint with the Islanders was brief, as he was claimed off waivers by the Winnipeg Jets in November of the same year. With the Jets, Sbisa found a more stable role, playing 44 games in the 2019-2020 season and providing veteran leadership to the team's defensive corps.
Sbisa's career continued with the Nashville Predators, where he signed a one-year contract in January 2021. However, his time with the Predators was limited, and he did not appear in any games for the team. In July 2021, Sbisa announced his retirement from professional hockey, concluding a career that spanned over a decade in the NHL.
Throughout his career, Sbisa was known for his defensive reliability and physical presence on the ice.
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