Mike Gartner's career in professional hockey is a testament to his exceptional skill and consistency on the ice. Born on October 29, 1959, in Ottawa, Ontario, Gartner began his journey in hockey at a young age, quickly rising through the ranks of junior hockey in Canada. His speed and scoring ability caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals as the fourth overall pick.

Gartner's NHL debut with the Capitals marked the beginning of a remarkable career. He quickly established himself as a reliable goal scorer, netting 36 goals in his rookie season. His ability to maintain a high level of performance year after year became a hallmark of his career. Gartner consistently scored 30 or more goals in 15 consecutive seasons, a feat that underscores his reliability and skill as a forward.

Throughout his time with the Capitals, Gartner became known for his blazing speed and powerful shot. These attributes made him a constant threat to opposing defenses and a valuable asset to his team. In 1982, he was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game, an honor he would receive multiple times throughout his career.

In 1989, Gartner was traded to the Minnesota North Stars, where he continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess. However, his tenure with the North Stars was short-lived, as he was traded to the New York Rangers in 1990. With the Rangers, Gartner continued to excel, helping the team reach the playoffs in multiple seasons. His time in New York further solidified his reputation as one of the league's most consistent goal scorers.

The next chapter of Gartner's career began in 1994 when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Playing for his home country team was a significant moment for Gartner, and he continued to deliver strong performances on the ice. His tenure with the Maple Leafs was marked by his 500th career goal, a milestone that placed him among the elite goal scorers in NHL history.

In 1996, Gartner joined the Phoenix Coyotes, where he played the final seasons of his career. Even in the twilight of his playing days, he remained a productive player, reaching the 700-goal mark before retiring in 1998. Gartner's career totals include 708 goals and 627 assists, making him one of the highest-scoring players in NHL history.

Beyond his individual achievements, Gartner's career is also remembered for his sportsmanship and professionalism. He was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 1996, recognizing his perseverance and dedication to the sport. Additionally, Gartner was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001, a fitting tribute to his outstanding career.

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