Martin Hanzal, a towering presence on the ice, played as a center in the National Hockey League (NHL) and was known for his physical style and defensive capabilities. Born on February 20, 1987, in Písek, Czechoslovakia, Hanzal began his professional hockey journey in his home country before making his way to North America. His NHL career commenced when he was selected 17th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft.
Hanzal made his NHL debut with the Coyotes in the 2007-2008 season. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, his size and reach made him an asset in both offensive and defensive situations. Throughout his time with the Coyotes, Hanzal was often utilized in a shutdown role, tasked with neutralizing the opposition's top players. His ability to win face-offs and his proficiency in penalty killing were valuable to the team.
During his tenure with the Coyotes, Hanzal's offensive contributions were steady, though not prolific. He reached his career-high in points during the 2010-2011 season, tallying 16 goals and 26 assists. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, which sometimes limited his playing time, Hanzal remained a reliable presence when healthy.
In February 2017, Hanzal was traded to the Minnesota Wild, along with Ryan White, in exchange for a package that included a first-round draft pick. His time with the Wild was brief, as he played only a handful of games before the season concluded. Following his stint in Minnesota, Hanzal entered free agency and signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars in July 2017.
Hanzal's time with the Stars was marred by injuries, which significantly limited his ability to contribute on the ice. He underwent multiple surgeries, including spinal fusion surgery, which ultimately affected his ability to play at the highest level. Despite these challenges, Hanzal's presence in the locker room and his experience were valued by his teammates and coaches.
After struggling with injuries and spending significant time on injured reserve, Hanzal's playing career came to an end. He officially announced his retirement from professional hockey in October 2020. Over the course of his NHL career, Hanzal played in 673 regular-season games, recording 127 goals and 211 assists.
Beyond his NHL career, Hanzal also represented the Czech Republic in international competitions, including the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics. His contributions to his national team further highlighted his skills and dedication to the sport.
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