Martin Havlat, a Czech-born right winger, began his professional hockey career when he was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the first round, 26th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. His journey in the National Hockey League (NHL) officially started in the 2000-2001 season. Known for his speed and scoring ability, Havlat quickly became an integral part of the Senators' lineup. During his rookie season, he played 73 games, scoring 19 goals and 23 assists, which earned him a nomination for the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's top rookie.
Havlat's tenure with the Senators lasted until 2006. Throughout these years, he consistently demonstrated his offensive prowess, contributing significantly to the team's playoff runs. In the 2005-2006 season, despite being limited to 18 games due to injury, he managed to score 16 points, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
In 2006, Havlat was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in a three-team deal. His time in Chicago was marked by both brilliance and challenges. The 2008-2009 season was particularly noteworthy, as he led the Blackhawks in scoring with 77 points in 81 games. His performance was instrumental in helping the team reach the Western Conference Finals, a significant achievement for the franchise at the time.
Following his stint with the Blackhawks, Havlat signed with the Minnesota Wild in 2009. He continued to be a reliable offensive player, leading the team in scoring during the 2009-2010 season with 54 points. His ability to adapt to different teams and maintain a high level of play was evident throughout his career.
In 2011, Havlat was traded to the San Jose Sharks. His time with the Sharks was marred by injuries, limiting his ability to contribute consistently. Despite these setbacks, he managed to provide valuable experience and skill when healthy. Over three seasons with San Jose, he played 127 games, scoring 67 points.
Havlat's career continued with brief stints at the New Jersey Devils and the St. Louis Blues. In New Jersey, he played 40 games during the 2014-2015 season, adding 14 points to his career totals. His final NHL appearance came with the Blues in the 2015-2016 season, where he played just two games before stepping away from professional hockey.
Internationally, Havlat represented the Czech Republic in several tournaments, including the Winter Olympics and the World Championships. His contributions to the national team were significant, helping the Czech Republic secure a gold medal at the 2000 IIHF World Championship and a bronze in 2011.
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