Michal Handzus, a Slovak professional ice hockey player, spent a substantial portion of his career in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he became known for his defensive skills and reliability as a center. Born on March 11, 1977, in Banská Bystrica, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), Handzus began his professional career in Europe before making the transition to the NHL.
Handzus was drafted 101st overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Blues during the 1998-1999 season. Over the next few seasons, he established himself as a dependable two-way forward, contributing both offensively and defensively. His size and strength made him an asset in face-offs and penalty-killing situations.
In 2001, Handzus was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes, where he continued to develop his game. After a brief stint with the Coyotes, he was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2002. It was with the Flyers that Handzus truly began to shine, playing a crucial role in the team's success during the early 2000s. His ability to play in various situations made him a valuable player for the Flyers, and he was often relied upon in critical moments of the game.
After four seasons with Philadelphia, Handzus was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2006. Unfortunately, his time with the Blackhawks was marred by a knee injury that limited his playing time. Despite this setback, Handzus signed with the Los Angeles Kings in 2007, where he spent four seasons. During his tenure with the Kings, he was known for his leadership qualities and was often used in mentoring younger players.
In 2011, Handzus signed with the San Jose Sharks, where he continued to be a steady presence on the ice. His experience and defensive acumen were valuable assets to the Sharks, particularly in the playoffs. However, in 2013, he was traded back to the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played a vital role in their Stanley Cup-winning campaign that year. Handzus scored several important goals during the playoffs, including a memorable game-winner in the Western Conference Finals.
After his second stint with the Blackhawks, Handzus returned to Slovakia, where he played for his hometown team, HC Banská Bystrica, before retiring from professional hockey. Throughout his NHL career, Handzus was known for his strong work ethic, defensive prowess, and ability to perform under pressure. His career spanned over 1,000 NHL games, during which he accumulated over 480 points.
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