Michel Picard, a Canadian ice hockey player, embarked on his professional career in the National Hockey League (NHL) after being drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Born on November 7, 1969, in Thetford Mines, Quebec, Picard was known for his offensive skills and ability to score goals. Although he spent much of his career in the minor leagues, he had several stints in the NHL, playing for teams such as the Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators.
Picard's journey in professional hockey began in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the Trois-Rivières Draveurs, where he demonstrated his scoring prowess. His performance in the QMJHL caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Whalers. Despite being drafted, Picard spent the early years of his career honing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Springfield Indians, the Whalers' affiliate team.
During his time in the AHL, Picard proved to be a prolific scorer, consistently ranking among the league's top point-getters. His efforts were recognized in the 1990-91 season when he was awarded the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL's Most Valuable Player. This accolade highlighted his ability to excel at the minor league level, even as he sought to establish himself in the NHL.
Picard's NHL career was characterized by brief appearances with various teams. He played parts of two seasons with the Hartford Whalers before being traded to the San Jose Sharks in 1992. His time with the Sharks was short-lived, and he soon found himself with the Ottawa Senators, where he played during the 1993-94 season. Despite limited opportunities in the NHL, Picard continued to shine in the AHL, playing for teams like the Worcester IceCats and the Grand Rapids Griffins.
In the mid-1990s, Picard joined the St. Louis Blues organization, where he had one of his more extended stays in the NHL. He played parts of three seasons with the Blues, contributing as a depth forward and providing offensive support when called upon. His tenure with the Blues also included time with their AHL affiliate, the Worcester IceCats, where he continued to be a dominant force.
Picard's final NHL stop came with the Nashville Predators during the 1998-99 season. Afterward, he returned to the AHL, where he remained a consistent offensive threat. Throughout his career, Picard was known for his scoring ability, particularly in the AHL, where he amassed over 300 goals and 800 points.
In addition to his North American career, Picard also played in Europe, spending time in the Swiss National League A with HC Fribourg-Gottéron. His international experience added another dimension to his professional journey, allowing him to showcase his skills on a different stage.
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