Murray Baron, a Canadian defenseman, spent his professional hockey career in the National Hockey League (NHL) where he was known for his physical style of play and reliability on the blue line. Born on June 1, 1967, in Prince George, British Columbia, Baron began his journey in hockey like many Canadian youths, playing in local leagues and honing his skills on the ice.
Baron's path to the NHL started to take shape when he played junior hockey with the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League (WHL). His performance there caught the attention of NHL scouts, and in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft, he was selected 167th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. This marked the beginning of his professional career, although he would spend some time developing further in the minors before making his NHL debut.
He made his NHL debut with the Flyers during the 1989-1990 season. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing over 200 pounds, Baron was a formidable presence on the ice. His role was primarily defensive, focusing on protecting his team's zone and providing a physical presence against opposing forwards. After a few seasons with the Flyers, Baron was traded to the St. Louis Blues in 1992. It was with the Blues that he began to establish himself as a regular in the NHL, playing a more consistent role on the team's defense.
Baron's tenure with the Blues lasted until 1994, after which he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens. His time in Montreal was relatively short, and he soon found himself on the move again, this time to the Phoenix Coyotes. The Coyotes, who had recently relocated from Winnipeg, were looking to build a competitive roster, and Baron was seen as a solid addition to their defensive corps.
In 1999, Baron signed with the Vancouver Canucks, a team that would become a significant part of his career. During his time with the Canucks, he was known for his steady play and veteran presence, contributing to the team's defensive efforts both on and off the ice. His experience and leadership were valuable assets to the Canucks, particularly as the team sought to develop younger players and build a competitive squad.
Baron's career with the Canucks lasted until 2003, after which he joined the St. Louis Blues for a second stint. This return to St. Louis marked the final chapter of his NHL career. Over the years, Baron played in over 900 NHL games, a testament to his durability and the trust that various teams placed in his abilities as a defenseman.
Throughout his career, Baron was not known for his offensive statistics, as his primary role was defensive. He scored a modest number of goals and assists, but his true value lay in his ability to play a physical game, block shots, and provide a steady presence on the blue line. His playing style was characterized by a no-nonsense approach, focusing on the fundamentals of defense and team play.
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